For the serious athlete, the journey from the muddy field to the clean home begins with one critical question: how to wash cleats in washing machine without causing damage. While it might seem like a convenient shortcut, this process requires a strategic approach to protect your investment in performance and comfort. This guide provides a thorough, step-by-step methodology to clean your gear effectively while preserving the integrity of the materials.
Preparing Your Cleats for the Wash
The initial preparation phase is just as important as the wash cycle itself. Rushing this step can lead to dirt being ground deeper into the fabric or causing unnecessary friction during the wash. Taking two extra minutes here saves you time on potential re-washes and extends the life of your footwear.
Step 1: Remove the Insoles and Laces
Begin by unbuckling any straps on your cleats and removing the laces and insoles. These components require different cleaning methods to avoid damage. Setting them aside allows you to focus on the shell of the cleat in the machine, ensuring a more thorough clean for the entire ensemble.
Step 2: Brush Off Excess Debris
Use a stiff-bristled brush to knock off large clumps of mud, grass, and dirt from the exterior surfaces. Pay close attention to the treads of the cleats, as dried debris can be stubborn. This step prevents the sludge from turning into a grinding paste during the wash cycle, which could scratch the material or clog the machine's drainage.
Securing the Cleats for Safety
Dropping heavy, muddy shoes into a washing machine can cause significant imbalance, leading to a loud, violent cycle or even mechanical failure. Proper stabilization is essential to ensure the machine operates safely and the cleats retain their shape.
- Place each cleat inside a separate, durable mesh laundry bag.
- If mesh bags are unavailable, use old pillowcases secured with rubber bands.
- Wrap the cleats in old towels to absorb impact and balance the load.
- Only run the machine if the total weight is balanced; do not wash a single pair alone.
The Washing Cycle Setup
Choosing the right settings on your washing machine is the difference between a deep clean and a ruined pair of spikes. You must trick the machine into thinking it is dealing with delicate items to avoid harsh agitation that destroys the structure.
Selecting the Right Mode
Turn the dial to a gentle cycle, specifically the "Delicate" or "Hand Wash" setting. These cycles use lower spin speeds and cooler water temperatures, which prevents the synthetic leathers and mesh uppers from tearing or warping. Avoid standard or heavy-duty cycles at all costs.
Water Temperature and Detergent
Cold water is your best friend in this process. Hot water can cause the glues holding the cleats together to degrade, leading to separation of the sole from the upper. Use a mild, liquid detergent—never bleach or harsh chemicals—as these agents will discolor the materials and degrade the rubber compounds.
The Drying Process
How you dry your cleats is just as crucial as how you wash them. The heat from a dryer is the number one enemy of athletic footwear, capable of melting adhesives and deforming the molded studs.
- Remove the cleats from the washing machine immediately after the cycle ends.
- Stuff the insides with dry paper towels or newspaper to absorb moisture and hold the shape.
- Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area with indirect sunlight.
- Keep them away from radiators, heaters, or direct sun, which causes cracking.
When Machine Washing Isn't the Answer
Despite the allure of the washing machine, there are specific scenarios where this method is too aggressive. Understanding these limitations protects your gear when the machine just isn't the right tool for the job.
Leather and Premium Materials
High-end cleats made of full-grain leather or featuring intricate textile composites are better served by a manual cleaning. The agitation of the machine can strip the natural oils from the leather, leaving it stiff and brittle. For these investments, a soft brush and saddle soap are the safest route.
Visible Damage or Stitching
If your cleats already have cracks, loose threads, or compromised stitching, putting them in the wash is a guarantee of total failure. The water will seep into these vulnerabilities, causing the damage to spread. Hand clean these pairs to salvage what you can.
Maintaining Performance Between Washes
To reduce the frequency of deep cleans in the washing machine, implement a simple post-game routine. Once you return home, knock off the dried dirt outside and rinse the cleats under running water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the outsole and upper, allowing the spikes to dry naturally overnight. This habit keeps bacteria and odor at bay while minimizing the need for intense washing cycles.
