How to Clean Soccer Cleats That Smell Bad
Remove the insole, dry the shoe fully, then treat the odor source: wash removable parts, wipe synthetic uppers, and air out leather with baking soda; repeat about every 1–2 uses. Skip that, and bacteria, trapped moisture, and stiff materials can keep the odor coming back and shorten the cleats’ life. This guide shows how to spot whether the smell is in the insole, upper, or interior, and which method fits each material.
Start with the smell source
Check the insole first, then the toe box and liner, and then the laces and outsole. That order matters because the strongest odor usually sits in the parts that stay damp longest, and a dirty insole can make the whole cleat smell even after the outside looks clean.
Check the insole first
Pull the insole out and smell it close up. If it carries the worst odor, treat it separately; a removable insole is often the main reservoir for trapped sweat and bacteria, and leaving it inside slows drying.
Check the toe box and liner
Press the toe box and inner lining with a dry paper towel. If the towel comes back damp or sour, moisture is still likely still trapped inside, and that interior should be dried before any deodorizing step will hold.
Check the laces and outsole
Untie and remove the laces, then inspect the outsole and studs. Mud in the eyelets, around seams, and between studs can hold odor, and dirty laces can transfer smell back into the upper after cleaning.
What you’ll need
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Clean water in a bowl or sink
- Baking soda for dry deodorizing
- Newspaper for stuffing the toe box
- Fan or other gentle airflow
- Clean towel or paper towels
- Optional: a second dry towel for blotting
How do you clean the outside?
Start with dry debris, then move to a damp cleaning pass. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush first, because loose mud comes off more safely that way; then spot-clean the upper with mild detergent or dish soap mixed with water, which is lower risk than harsh chemicals.
- Tap the cleats together outdoors to knock off loose dirt.
- Brush seams, studs, and the soleplate with a dry toothbrush first.
- Mix a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap with water.
- Dip the brush lightly and clean the upper in short passes.
- Wipe away suds with a damp cloth, then blot dry.
Picture a synthetic pair with dried mud around the stitched edge and a sour smell near the forefoot. A dry brush clears the grit first, so the soapy water can reach the grime instead of turning it into paste.
For leather uppers, keep the cloth barely damp and avoid soaking the surface. For knit-style or Flyknit-style uppers, use less liquid and lighter pressure, since excess water can stretch the material and prolong drying.
How do you clean the inside and insoles?
Remove the laces and insoles before you clean the interior. That gives you access to the liner, opens airflow, and lets you treat the biggest odor source separately. Insoles can be washed or air-dried on their own if the material allows it.
- Take out both insoles and laces.
- Wipe the interior liner and toe box with a cloth dampened with mild soap and water.
- Use a toothbrush for seam lines, heel cups, and hard-to-reach corners.
- Rinse the cloth, wipe again, and stop before the interior is wet through.
- Wash removable insoles separately if the care label allows it, then air-dry them flat.
Suppose the left insole smells stronger than the shoe itself. That usually means the odor is concentrated in one part, and cleaning only the upper will leave the main source untouched.
For the laces, wash them in warm water with a little mild detergent if they smell stale, then let them dry fully before reinstalling. Clean laces also help keep the tongue open so air can move through the boot.
Deodorize the insoles separately
After washing, let insoles dry flat in a cool indoor spot. If they still smell, sprinkle baking soda lightly over the dry surface and leave it overnight, then shake or brush it off in the morning; baking soda works dry, inside the shoe, and not as a wet paste.
How do you dry soccer cleats overnight?
Stuff the toe box with newspaper, set the cleats in front of a fan, and replace the paper when it gets damp. That combination pulls moisture out faster than still air, and it avoids the heat that can warp shape or weaken glued parts.
- Blot the shoe with a clean towel first.
- Pack newspaper into the toe box and along the vamp.
- Place the cleats where a fan blows cool air across them.
- Replace any damp newspaper after about 1–2 hours.
- Leave the shoes in a room-temperature spot until fully dry.
A common first-timer mistake is putting the cleats on a heater vent because the outside feels dry sooner. The inside can stay damp, and trapped moisture is what keeps odor returning.
If you need a faster finish, a blow dryer is only appropriate on cool air, not hot air. Keep it moving and hold it back from the shoe; direct heat can damage glue and shape.
Soccer cleats odor triage table
Use this table when you need the fastest fix for the part that actually smells. It separates the odor source from the right cleaner, drying time, and the warning signs that make machine washing a bad idea.
| Smell location | Best fix | Safe cleaner | Drying time | Do not wash warning sign |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insole | Remove, wash separately, then dry flat | Mild detergent or dish soap with water | Overnight to fully dry | Cracked foam, peeling layers, or an insole that stays warped |
| Toe box | Blot, wipe lightly, then stuff with newspaper | Soap-and-water cloth | Overnight with fan airflow | Glue lifting at the toe or a wet interior that never seems to dry |
| Liner | Spot-clean seams, then air dry | Very light soap-and-water wipe | One to two days | Loose stitching, peeling liner, or metal pieces inside the boot |
| Laces | Remove and wash separately | Mild detergent or dish soap | Several hours | Fraying, elastic damage, or lace eyelets that snag and rust |
| Outsole | Brush out dirt between studs | Dry brush first, then damp brush | Depends on upper drying | Metal studs or metal components that could damage a washer |
Can you wash soccer cleats in the washer?
Only if the care tag and the appliance manual both allow it. Washing machines are generally not recommended for cleats, especially with metal components, because heat, spin force, and impact can damage glued soleplates and hardware.
- Check the cleat care tag.
- Check the appliance manual for shoe or delicate-cycle guidance.
- Remove dirt, insoles, and laces first.
- If both documents allow it, use a delicate cycle only.
- Air dry at room temperature after the cycle ends.
Metal studs or other metal parts are a strong warning sign. They can be hard on the drum and on the cleat itself, so many pairs should stay out of the washer even if they look sturdy.
Common mistakes
Heat is the biggest one. Direct sun, heaters, dryers, and hot blow-dryer settings can warp shape, loosen glue, and bake odor deeper into the material. Room-temperature drying with airflow is slower, but it protects the cleat.
Another mistake is washing without checking the care tag and the appliance manual. A delicate cycle may be allowed for some removable insoles or fabric parts, but it is not a universal green light for the whole shoe.
Putting damp insoles back in too soon also keeps the odor cycle going. If the shoe smells again after cleaning, the insole is the first place to check, followed by the liner and toe box.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get the smell out of soccer cleats fast?
Use the fastest safe sequence: pull out the insoles, blot moisture, stuff the toe box with newspaper, and place the shoes in front of a fan. If the insole is the source, clean that piece separately first; a damp insole will keep feeding the odor.
How do you dry soccer cleats overnight without ruining them?
Blot them dry, stuff the toe box with newspaper, and set them in front of a fan in a cool room. Replace damp paper after 1–2 hours. Avoid heat, direct sun, and dryers; those can distort the boot and weaken glued parts.
What should you put in cleats to stop them smelling?
Dry newspaper helps remove moisture, and dry baking soda can absorb odor overnight. Use newspaper inside the toe box while the shoe dries, then use a light baking soda sprinkle only after the cleat is dry. Do not use a wet baking soda paste on delicate materials.
How can I stop soccer cleats from smelling again?
Take them off right after play, pull out the insoles, and let both parts dry before storing them. Rotate pairs if possible, because repeated wet use without full drying lets odor-causing bacteria build up again in the same places.
