Every soccer player needs a care routine for their cleats. Mud, grass, and time wear down every pair. Cleaning them properly after each game keeps them light, strong, and ready when the whistle blows. It takes only a few minutes, but it can make your cleats last far longer and perform exactly as they should.

This guide walks through how to clean, dry, and maintain your soccer cleats so they stay in top condition all season.

Know Your Surface

The first rule of cleat care is simple. Wear them only on the surface they were built for. Each soleplate is designed for specific ground types, and using the wrong one can quickly cause damage.

• FG means firm ground, usually dry natural grass.
• AG means artificial grass such as 3G or 4G pitches.
• SG means soft ground, wet or muddy natural grass.
• TF means turf surfaces and small sided cages.
• IN means indoor courts.

If you wear SG cleats on artificial grass, the metal studs can split the plate or get caught causing injury. If you use FG cleats on turf, the studs can wear flat. And always try on your pair on carpet before taking them outside. Once used outdoors, cleats cannot be returned unless they are faulty.

Never wash cleats in a machine or dry them with heat. Hot air can crack leather, melt glue, and ruin shape.

Tools You Need

• cleat brush or soft cleaning brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Mild soap and warm water
• Newspaper for drying
• Leather balm for natural uppers
• Stud key for Soft Ground cleats
• Optional: odor-control spray or teabags

Having these ready turns cleaning into a habit rather than a chore.

Step 1: Clean

Start by removing the laces and insoles. It helps air flow and gives you access to hidden dirt and debris. (We all know the struggle of those AG pitch pellets)

Use a soft or cleat brush to remove mud and grass as soon as you can after a session. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get clean. For knit cleats, brush gently to avoid damaging the fibers.

Wipe the uppers with a damp microfiber cloth. Add a little mild soap if needed but never soak the cleats in water. Avoid chemical cleaners entirely.

Step 2: Dry

Stuff the cleats with newspaper to absorb moisture. Replace it every few hours if the cleats are soaked. Let them dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Radiators, hair dryers, or ovens might seem quick, but they warp materials and crack uppers. Patience here saves you money later.

Step 3: Maintain

Check the studs on Soft Ground cleats regularly. Tighten or replace any that have worn down.

Air out your insoles after each match to prevent odor. Relace your cleats occasionally to keep the fit even and snug.

For leather cleats, apply a small amount of balm once a month and wipe away the excess. Synthetic or knit materials should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Treat woven uppers carefully. They are durable but still need care.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving muddy cleats in your bag overnight
• Using hot water or harsh detergents
• Wearing the wrong cleats for the surface
• Ignoring loose studs
• Storing cleats in damp or overheated areas
• Believing "machine washable" applies to soccer cleats

Each of these mistakes shortens your cleats' lifespan. Avoid them and your pair will stay lighter, cleaner, and more reliable.

Why Caring For Your Cleats Matters

Taking care of your cleats is not just about appearance. It is about performance. Clean studs grip better. Dry leather flexes naturally. Balanced plates move with you instead of against you.

A few minutes with a brush and cloth after every match can save you from fines, wasted money, or avoidable slips on game day.

Your cleats help you with every sprint, every slide, every goal. Looking after them keeps that story going. Seasons change and fields change, but cleats that are cared for will always be ready when you are.