How to Clean Football Boots

To best remedy muddy football boots, clean after the match or training that left them looking worse for wear. This means removing piled-on grass and dirt as soon as you can.

To remove debris from the soles, knock the boots together sole to sole or use a tool, like a small wooden stick, putty knife or screwdriver. To wipe dirt from the uppers, use a gentle cleaning brush (a clean, spare toothbrush works, too).

Next, create a mixture of mild laundry detergent and warm water in a small bowl. Bring the football boots to a sink or bath and remove the laces from the shoes. Using the mild cleaning solution, brush the soles of the shoes with a gentle cleaning brush.

Then, use a flannel to scrub away any dirt or stains from the uppers of the shoes.

Rinse off the boots to remove any excess soap or suds.

You can wash shoelaces in the washing machine by placing them in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and running a cold, delicate cycle with mild detergent. Or, you can hand-wash by submerging them in a mixture of dish soap and water, then scrubbing them with a gentle brush.

Make sure not to put shoelaces in the dryer, as the heat can damage the plastic tips on the laces or cause the laces to shrink.

(Related: 3 Easy Ways to Clean Shoelaces)

Finally, lay the boots and shoelaces out to dry indoors.

Tip: It's best to avoid drying football boots with direct sunlight, a hair dryer or in the dryer if you want them to last as long as possible. Excessive heat can cause damage to the boots.

Make sure they're completely dry before wearing them again or putting them back in your football bag. Storing damp boots in a football bag can lead to bacteria growth and unwanted odours.

(Related: Smelly Shoes? How to Remove Odour From Shoes)