How To Clean Baseball Cleats: Step-by-Step

Is it possible to clean baseball cleats using household items? Yes, you can clean baseball cleats using common household items like soap, water, old toothbrushes, and baking soda. This guide will walk you through the best way to clean your baseball shoes, ensuring they stay in top condition for game day. Proper baseball cleat cleaning is essential for extending their lifespan and maintaining performance.

How To Clean Baseball Cleats
Image Source: i.ytimg.com

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything ready makes the cleaning process much smoother.

Essential Supplies:

Bucket or Basin: For mixing cleaning solutions and rinsing.
Old Toothbrush or Soft Brush: Perfect for scrubbing dirt and grime from nooks and crannies.
Stiff Brush (Optional): For tougher stains on durable surfaces like the soles.
Microfiber Cloths or Rags: For wiping and drying.
Mild Soap or Detergent: Dish soap or laundry detergent works well.
Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive.
Warm Water: For mixing solutions and rinsing.
Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar (Optional): For disinfecting and tackling tough odors.
Shoe Trees or Newspaper: To help maintain the shape of your cleats while they dry.
Rag or Old Towel: To place under your cleats while working.

For Stubborn Stains and Mud:

Magic Eraser (Melamine Foam): Can be surprisingly effective on scuffs and marks.
Toothpaste (White, non-gel): A mild abrasive for cleaning.

Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt and Debris

The first step in baseball cleat cleaning is to get rid of all the loose dirt. This prevents you from just smearing mud around later.

Removing Surface Dirt:

Tap Them Together: Bang the soles of your cleats against each other outdoors. This knocks off a good amount of dried-on dirt.
Use a Brush: Take your stiff brush or even a sturdy twig and scrape away any caked-on mud or grass from the soles and studs. Pay attention to the spaces between the cleats.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

A good cleaning solution is key to effectively remove dirt from cleats without damaging the materials.

Basic Cleaning Mixture:

Fill your bucket or basin with warm water.
Add a small amount of mild soap or detergent. You don’t need much; a tablespoon or two is usually enough for a bucket of water.
Stir gently to create some suds.

Natural Cleat Cleaner Option:

For those looking for a natural cleat cleaner, a mixture of warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda can work wonders. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive and also helps neutralize odors.

Step 3: Scrubbing Your Cleats

Now it’s time for the hands-on part. This is where you’ll really get to remove dirt from cleats.

Cleaning the Uppers:

Dip and Scrub: Dip your old toothbrush or soft brush into your cleaning solution.
Gentle Strokes: Gently scrub the uppers of your cleats. Work in small sections.
Focus on Stains: For any visible stains or grime, apply a little more pressure, but be careful not to scrub too hard, especially on delicate materials like synthetic leather or mesh.
Around Laces and Stitching: Use the brush to get into those tight spots around laces, seams, and stitching.

Cleaning the Soles and Studs:

Tackle Tough Grime: Use the stiffer brush for the soles and studs. This is where the most stubborn dirt and mud often hide.
How to Remove Mud from Cleats: For caked-on mud, ensure the mud is somewhat softened by the cleaning solution before you start scrubbing. You might need to scrub back and forth to dislodge it completely.
Stud Maintenance: Make sure to clean thoroughly around each stud. This ensures optimal grip on the field.

Step 4: Addressing Specific Materials

Different materials require slightly different approaches to baseball cleat cleaning.

Synthetic Leather and PU:

Wipe Clean: These materials are generally easy to clean. A damp cloth with your mild soap solution is usually sufficient.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.

Leather (Real Leather):

Gentle Cleaning: Use a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking real leather.
Conditioning After Cleaning: Once dry, real leather cleats benefit from a leather conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking.

Mesh and Fabric:

Be Gentle: Mesh and fabric uppers can be more delicate. Use a softer brush and less water.
Spot Cleaning: For minor marks, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of soap is often best.

Metal or Molded Plastic Studs:

Scrub Thoroughly: Ensure you scrub around and between the studs to remove any packed dirt that could affect performance.
Inspect for Damage: While cleaning, check your studs for any cracks or wear.

Step 5: Rinsing Your Cleats

After scrubbing, it’s important to rinse away the soap and loosened dirt.

How to Rinse:

Damp Cloth Method: The safest way to rinse is by using a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Wipe down all the cleaned areas to remove soap residue. You may need to rinse the cloth multiple times.
Quick Rinse (Use with Caution): If your cleats are very dirty, you can very briefly rinse the soles under cool running water. Avoid getting the uppers too wet, especially if they are made of leather or mesh.

Step 6: Drying Your Cleats

Proper drying is crucial to prevent odors and material damage.

The Right Way to Dry:

Air Dry Only: Never put your baseball cleats in a clothes dryer. The heat can warp the materials and melt adhesives.
Stuff with Newspaper or Shoe Trees: Loosely stuff the inside of your cleats with crumpled newspaper or insert shoe trees. This helps absorb moisture from the inside and maintain their shape.
Allow Ample Time: Let them air dry completely at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can also cause damage. This might take 24 hours or more depending on humidity.

Step 7: Deodorizing and Freshening

Baseball cleats can get pretty smelly! Here are some ways to tackle odors.

Natural Odor Removal:

Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your dry cleats. Let them sit overnight, then tap out the excess in the morning. This is a great natural cleat cleaner for smells.
Activated Charcoal Inserts: These can also be placed inside shoes to absorb odors.
Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar: Lightly spray the inside of your cleats with rubbing alcohol or a diluted white vinegar solution (50/50 mix). Let them air dry completely. The alcohol and vinegar will kill odor-causing bacteria.

Step 8: Polishing and Protection (Optional but Recommended)

For a truly professional finish and to prolong the life of your cleats, consider polishing. This is part of good baseball cleat maintenance.

Polishing Baseball Cleats:

For Leather Cleats: If you have real leather cleats, apply a small amount of leather polish or shoe cream with a clean cloth.
Buffing: Once the polish has dried slightly, buff the cleats with a clean, dry cloth to a shine. This not only makes them look good but also adds a protective layer.

Protecting Your Cleats:

Water and Stain Repellent Spray: For synthetic and fabric cleats, applying a waterproofing or stain-repellent spray can help them resist dirt and moisture in the future, making future baseball cleat cleaning easier.

Deep Clean Baseball Cleats: When and How

Sometimes, a regular clean isn’t enough. A deep clean baseball cleats routine is needed after particularly muddy games or at the end of a season.

Signs You Need a Deep Clean:

Persistent odors that baking soda doesn’t fix.
Visible mold or mildew.
Caked-on dirt that regular scrubbing can’t remove.
End-of-season storage preparation.

Deep Cleaning Process:

Initial Dry Brush: Remove as much dry dirt and mud as possible, as described in Step 1.
Soaking (Use with Caution): For heavily soiled cleats (especially those with molded plastic studs), you might consider a brief soak in cool water with a mild detergent. Only soak for about 15-20 minutes maximum. Avoid prolonged soaking, especially for leather or cleats with glued parts.
Thorough Scrubbing: Use your brushes and cleaning solution to meticulously scrub every surface, including the insoles if they are removable.
Tackle Tough Stains: For stubborn stains on uppers, you might use a magic eraser or a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub.
Rinse Carefully: Rinse with a damp cloth, ensuring all soap residue is gone. If you used water for soaking, ensure you’ve removed all the dirt.
Disinfect: After rinsing, a light spray of rubbing alcohol or a diluted vinegar solution can help disinfect.
Drying: Follow the thorough air-drying process outlined in Step 6.
Condition (Leather): If applicable, condition leather cleats after they are completely dry.
Deodorize: Use baking soda or other methods to ensure they are fresh.

Baseball Cleat Maintenance: Keeping Them Game-Ready

Consistent baseball cleat maintenance will save you time and money in the long run. It’s about more than just cleaning; it’s about care for baseball cleats.

Regular Checks:

Studs: Regularly check your studs for wear and tear. Replace any that are damaged or significantly worn down.
Seams and Stitching: Look for any loose threads or separating seams. Small repairs can prevent bigger problems.
Sole Adhesion: Ensure the soles are still firmly attached to the uppers.

Storage:

Cool, Dry Place: Store your cleats in a cool, dry place, ideally not crammed in a sports bag with damp gear.
Ventilation: Allowing them to air out after use before storing them properly helps prevent mildew.

Cleaning Softball Cleats vs. Baseball Cleats:

While the process is very similar for cleaning softball cleats and baseball cleats, there can be slight differences:

Stud Type: Softball cleats often have different stud patterns or materials (like rubber nubs) compared to metal baseball cleats. Be mindful of the material when scrubbing. Rubber can be sensitive to harsh chemicals.
Field Conditions: Softball fields might have different types of dirt or clay, which could require slightly different scrubbing techniques.

Troubleshooting Common Cleaning Issues

What if I have stubborn grass stains?

Try a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit on the stain for about 15-20 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft brush. For very tough stains, a magic eraser might be helpful, but test it on an inconspicuous area first.

Can I put my cleats in the washing machine?

It’s generally not recommended to put baseball cleats in a washing machine. The agitation, heat, and harsh detergents can damage the adhesives, warp the materials, and even break the studs. Hand-washing is always the safer and more effective method for baseball cleat cleaning.

My cleats have a really bad smell, what can I do?

Beyond baking soda, try filling your cleats with crumpled newspaper soaked in a bit of white vinegar. Let it sit overnight. The vinegar helps kill odor-causing bacteria. Ensure they air dry completely afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I clean my baseball cleats?

It’s best to do a quick wipe-down and remove excess dirt after every game or practice. A more thorough cleaning should be done every few weeks, or whenever they become visibly dirty or start to smell. Deep cleaning can be done at the end of the season or as needed.

What is the best way to clean baseball shoes made of canvas?

Canvas cleats can be cleaned similarly to other materials. Use warm water and mild soap with a soft brush. For tougher stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Always air dry thoroughly.

Can I use bleach to clean my baseball cleats?

No, bleach should be avoided. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage and discolor many materials found in baseball cleats, including synthetic leathers, plastics, and rubber. It can also weaken adhesives.

How do I clean the inside of my cleats?

If the insoles are removable, take them out and wash them separately with soap and water, then let them air dry. For the inside of the shoe, use a damp cloth with mild soap or a diluted vinegar solution to wipe down the interior. Ensure the inside dries completely before use.

What about cleaning cleats with metal spikes?

Metal spikes require careful cleaning to ensure they remain sharp and free of rust. Use a stiff brush to remove all dirt and mud from around the spikes. A mild soap and water solution can be used, but avoid letting water sit on the metal parts for too long. Dry them thoroughly immediately after cleaning.

Can I use a Magic Eraser on my cleats?

Yes, a Magic Eraser can be effective for removing scuffs and marks, particularly on white or lighter-colored synthetic materials. However, it’s a mild abrasive, so use it gently and test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.

By following these steps for baseball cleat cleaning, you can keep your footwear in excellent condition, ensuring comfort, performance, and longevity on the field. Proper care for baseball cleats is an investment in your game.