The Easily Solution to Cleaning Dirty Muddy Cleats
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Discover a counter-intuitive method that will effortlessly restore your muddy cleats to their pristine condition. Follow these steps to easily restore dirty cleats back to looking new again.
The Easily Solution to Cleaning Dirty Muddy Cleats
Wait!!! Don’t throw out those cleats! You can make them look new again. No Need to spend extra money.
My son recently attended a football camp for three days. When we returned to pick him up, I just about fell over after he handed me his cleats.
Muddy cleats were an understatement.
This camp didn’t include the kids’ conditioning or practicing on a turf field. They practiced on what they called the “cow pasture”. To make matters worse, it rained for all three days.
My son had a blast, and his cleats showed the best of his performance. I am so glad to report that this post doesn’t include smell-o-vision because I would lose you in the first two sentences.
But what I do have for you is how I got these cleats from looking like trash to almost brand new. This game-changing approach not only simplifies the cleaning process but also ensures that your cleats (or your child’s) are ready for action in no time.
Say goodbye to dirty cleats.
How to Make Muddy Cleats Look New Again
This unconventional cleaning technique takes advantage of a few key household items that you may already have lying around.
No need to purchase expensive cleaning products or invest in specialized tools. All you need is some basic materials and a willingness to think outside the box.
No more worrying about dirt and mud staining your favorite pair or compromising their performance on the field. With this technique, you’ll be able to maintain the pristine condition of your cleats effortlessly.
Cleaning Items Needs
To begin, gather all the necessary materials for the cleaning process. Having these items readily available will ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning experience.
- Bleach
- Scrub Brush
- Magic Eraser
- 1 Tide Pod
- 1 cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Dryer Bag for Shoes
STEP ONE
Start by removing any loose dirt or debris from the muddly cleats by gently brushing them with a bristled brush. This initial step will help prevent the dirt from embedding deeper into the fabric or leather of your cleats.
Plus, less dirty you will have to deal with in the process. If your cleats have laces, I would remove them now.
STEP TWO
Next, fill a basin, bucket, or sink with warm water and bleach. I like to measure out a ONE to TEN solution.
Swirl the water gently to create a soapy mixture. Immerse your cleats in this bleach water solution. You want to make sure to submerge them completely. Allow them to soak for a few minutes to loosen any stubborn dirt or stains. Also, allow your laces if you have them to soak.
Scrub them again using your brush and wipe off all surfaces (excluding cloth) with your magic eraser. Let them sit in this water for at least a few hours.
STEP THREE
Once you have thoroughly soaked your cleats, give them another quick scrub down. Then rinse them with clean, warm water. Ensuring that most of the bleach water is removed. Bleach can potentially deteriorate the material of your cleats over time.
STEP FOUR
After rinsing, toss those cleats in your washing machine. Wash them separately with a heavy-duty setting that allows for a soaking cycle. Use one Tide pod with one cup of washing soda directly poured into the washing machine basin at the beginning of the cycle.
STEP FIVE
Finally, place your cleats in the dryer using a shoe bag. These cleats typically go through three heavy-duty drying cycles before they are completely dry.
Side Note: You will need to get them as dry as possible otherwise they will smell.
Here are my son’s muddy cleats about four hours later than in the first picture above. Beautiful, right?
Remember, in the world of sports, greatness lies in every clean step you take (wink). So go ahead, give this technique a try, and let your child’s performance speak for itself.
Now You May Have Some Questions About Cleaning Muddy Cleats
Why did you choose to use bleach?
I know, and I have heard it time and time again. Bleach will eventually break down the fabric. However, these cleats came with lots of bacteria from sweat and were in need of good disinfection. These cleats, I doubt very much, will last longer than my son’s growing rate. So I took the chance.
Plus, it will also prevent him from getting athlete’s foot.
What is Super Washing Soda?
Is 100% sodium carbonate, and it is used as a laundry booster and general household cleaner. As a laundry additive, it improves liquid laundry detergent performance by up to 15% (1), giving you cleaner, whiter, and brighter laundry and (2) neutralizes odors. I also love to use it on my whites instead of bleach.
How often should I clean my cleats?
I typically clean my son’s cleats when they get “that dirty” or when the smell overpowers my nose. We do quick wipes downs and use stank sticks in between washings. T
he smell is a trigger. Bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microbes can grow in the warm, moist environment in which your cleats are kept.
So it is important to protect your or your child’s feet from future problems. I will also clean them using this method at the end of every football season.
Hey!! After all that, you my friend, deserve a special football mom gift. Check out our gift guide for football moms here.
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