Boots can be a player’s best friend on the field but their worst nightmare after a tough muddy game. Do you recall how good it felt to take those brand-new boots from their packaging for the first time or that sensation of putting on a fresh pair of boots? Imagine getting the same daily experience while keeping your shoes in good condition.
Anyone who plays football and would love to maintain their shoes in good condition should learn the art of cleaning boots. Remember, cleaning football boots is like playing defense. You have to stay on and be ready for anything.
This comprehensive manual will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning football boots and keeping them freshly polished. Keep reading to become an expert in tackling stains!
How to Clean Football Boots
You will require several pieces of equipment that you will use to clean football boots, such as:
- Water- to wash the dirt off your boots.
- Washcloth- to wipe off the wet mud.
- Mud removal tools such as a small stick- to remove dry mud that might be stuck.
- A gentle cleaning brush with soft bristles/an old toothbrush- to remove any stains.
The following are instructions for cleaning football boots, whether made of synthetic materials or leather.
Preparations Before Cleaning
You can never guarantee a spotless pair of foot boots. Unless you’re playing at an online casino that offers real play, your boots will get soiled if you decide to play physically in a field. Cleaning your shoes can do wonders for your self-esteem, making you excited for the next time you wear them and play.
Several steps should be taken before submerging football boots in water. Pounding the soles with a tool like a tiny stick may loosen the mud.
If the mud is wet, wipe it off with a damp cloth after removing the laces. Exercise caution and apply minimal force when handling leather football boots, as they are susceptible to abrasions.
Wash Football Boots With Soapy Water
Combine warm water and mild laundry detergent in a washbasin or a small bowl. Soak the boots in water and scrub them with a soft brush to remove the grime. Avoid using a washing machine at all costs.
Rinse and Dry
Dry the boot after rinsing any remaining soap and ensuring it’s clean. If you want your boots to last longer, avoid drying them in the sun or with a dryer. Do it inside instead.
Store Them
Store your boots in a football bag once dry. Ensure they are totally dry to prevent any unpleasant odors and the growth of microorganisms.
| FOOTBALL BOOT ACCESSORY | METHOD OF CLEANING |
| Football boot laces |
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| Football boot studs |
|
Your boots can be damaged if you fail to take care of the screw-in studs, which can rust, especially after contact with water. They can also cause a lack of equilibrium, increasing the possibility of injury when playing. If you lack a lubricant, improvise and use Vaseline instead.
How to Clean Smelly Football Boots
After a while, the sweat and dirt from your long runs will leave a foul odor on your boots. The odor can be controlled, and the germs responsible are eliminated by:
| Cleaning Agent | Method |
| Salt | Make sure the salt is spread out in your football boots, using two to three teaspoons, then let it sit for a while. |
| Freezing | Seal the boots up in a bag and place them in the freezer for at least a night. Keep the boots dry and the bag tightly sealed. |
| Charcoal | Put some charcoal briquettes in a sock, insert the sock into the boot, and leave it overnight. |
| Bicarbonate of soda | Put a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in your football boots and ensure it is evenly distributed to the crannies and the nooks. Leave it overnight |
Dos and Don’ts While You Clean Your Football Boots
Dos
- Your leather football boots should be polished regularly as it will help keep the color fresh and protect the boot from wearing out.
- Before cleaning your boots, ensure you know their material because different materials are handled differently.
- Studs should be cared for, and ensure they are dry, tight, and well-lubricated.
- Clean your football boots regularly to lengthen their life span.
Don’ts
- Muddy leather footwear should not be allowed to dry in the sun as the radiation will cause damage to the shoe.
- A stiff brush or other sharp things should not be used on your leather boots if you need to clean the mud off. This will cause irreparable damage by scratching the outer layer.
- Boots should not be cleaned using the washing machine unless the instructions say so.
- If you want to keep your boots in good shape, avoid using strong chemicals like bleach and abrasives.
- Your boots shouldn’t be dried in the dryer since this might weaken the stitching and fabric.
- Dubbin isn’t advisable on any synthetic footwear. This is strictly for leather footwear use.
Following the above cleaning guidelines, you may keep your football boots in top condition. Avoid wearing them while you’re not on the field. The material used to make the boot is not conducive to walking on rough surfaces like sidewalks and streets.
Ensure you keep your football boots clean, use a washing machine only where required, and remember, as the saying goes, if you take good care of your boots, they will take care of you.
