Can you wash baseball cleats in a washing machine? While some might be tempted, the best way to clean cleats is by hand to preserve their structure and materials. Properly cleaning your baseball shoes is crucial for their longevity and your comfort on the field. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your baseball footwear looking and smelling fresh.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Why Cleaning Your Baseball Cleats Matters
Baseball cleats endure a lot. From muddy fields to dusty infields, they accumulate a significant amount of grime. Regularly cleaning your clean baseball shoes isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about performance and preventing damage. Dirt and mud can clog the cleat spikes, reducing their grip. Moreover, persistent moisture and dirt can break down the materials, leading to premature wear and tear. Proper maintenance ensures your cleats offer the best support and traction throughout the season. It’s about maintaining baseball footwear so it performs as intended.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Cleaning Tools:
- Bucket: For water and cleaning solutions.
- Soft-bristled brush: A dedicated shoe brush for cleats is ideal, but an old toothbrush or a soft-bristle household brush will also work.
- Stiff-bristled brush (optional): For stubborn dirt, a slightly stiffer brush can be useful, but use it with caution to avoid damaging the material.
- Microfiber cloths or rags: For wiping and drying.
- Mild soap: Dish soap or a specific mild soap for athletic shoes is recommended. Avoid harsh detergents.
- Old newspaper or paper towels: For stuffing inside the cleats to absorb moisture.
- Leather conditioner (if applicable): For leather cleats.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Baseball Cleats
Following these steps will ensure your cleats are thoroughly cleaned and ready for your next game.
Step 1: Removing Loose Dirt
The first step in removing dirt from cleats is to get rid of as much dry, loose debris as possible.
- Bang them together: Find an outdoor area and gently bang the soles of your cleats together. This dislodges a significant amount of caked-on dirt and grass.
- Brush off excess dirt: Use your shoe brush for cleats to brush away any remaining loose dirt from the uppers, midsoles, and especially the cleats themselves. Pay attention to the nooks and crannies where dirt likes to hide.
Step 2: Preparing the Cleaning Solution
A gentle cleaning solution is key.
- Fill the bucket: Add warm water to your bucket.
- Add mild soap: Mix in a small amount of mild soap for athletic shoes or dish soap. You don’t need a lot – just enough to create a slightly soapy solution. Too much soap can be difficult to rinse out.
Step 3: Scrubbing the Uppers
This is where you tackle the visible dirt and stains on the main body of your shoes.
- Dip the brush: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the soapy water.
- Gently scrub: Work in a circular motion to scrub the uppers of your cleats. For different materials:
- Synthetic leather/plastic: These are generally durable and can handle a good scrub.
- Canvas/mesh: Be a bit gentler to avoid tearing or stretching the material.
- Genuine leather: Use a softer brush and less pressure. Ensure you don’t saturate the leather.
- Focus on stains: For stubborn stains, you might need to apply a little more pressure or use a slightly stiffer brush on a small area, but always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
Step 4: Cleaning the Midsoles and Outsoles
The midsoles and outsoles often accumulate the most dirt.
- Scrubbing the midsoles: The foam or rubber midsoles can be scrubbed with the same soapy water and brush.
- Cleaning the cleat base: Use your brush to scrub around the base of the cleats and the outsole pattern. Ensure no dirt remains lodged in the cleat housing.
Step 5: Dealing with Stubborn Stains
Sometimes, regular scrubbing isn’t enough.
- Spot cleaning: For particularly tough stains, you can create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain with an old toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing.
- Athletic shoe cleaner: If you have a good quality athletic shoe cleaner, you can follow its instructions for spot treatment. These are formulated to be effective yet safe for athletic footwear.
Step 6: Rinsing Your Cleats
Proper rinsing is important to remove all soap residue.
- Wipe with a damp cloth: Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away the soap from the uppers. You may need to rinse the cloth multiple times.
- Avoid submerging: Do not submerge your cleats in water, as this can damage the adhesives and materials.
Step 7: Cleaning the Insoles
Don’t forget the inside of your cleats! Dirty insoles can lead to odor and discomfort. Cleaning insoles is a vital part of refreshing your baseball shoes.
- Remove insoles: If your insoles are removable, take them out.
- Hand wash: Gently wash them with the same mild soap and water solution you used for the uppers.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the insoles under cool running water.
- Blot dry: Gently blot them with a towel to remove excess water.
Step 8: Drying Your Baseball Cleats
Proper drying baseball cleats is as important as cleaning them. Improper drying can lead to mold, mildew, and damaged materials.
- Stuff with paper: Stuff the insides of the cleats with dry newspaper or paper towels. This absorbs moisture from the inside and helps maintain their shape. Replace the paper if it becomes saturated.
- Air dry: Place your cleats in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators or hair dryers. Direct heat can warp plastic or melt glue.
- Patience is key: Allow them to air dry completely. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on humidity and how wet they got.
Special Considerations for Different Materials
Baseball cleats come in various materials, and each requires slightly different care.
Synthetic Leather and Plastic
- These materials are generally very durable and easy to clean.
- A bit more scrubbing power can be used compared to other materials.
- They dry relatively quickly.
Genuine Leather
- Leather is more sensitive to water and harsh cleaning.
- Use less water when cleaning.
- After cleaning and drying, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. This is key to maintaining baseball footwear made of leather.
Mesh and Canvas
- These materials are breathable but can be more prone to tearing or stretching.
- Be gentle when scrubbing.
- Avoid over-soaking the material.
Removing Odors and Refreshing Your Baseball Shoes
Even after cleaning, you might notice lingering odors. Here’s how to tackle that and keep your shoes smelling great.
Baking Soda Power
- Dry odor absorption: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your dry cleats. Let it sit overnight or for a few days. The baking soda absorbs odors.
- Vacuum or shake out: The next day, shake out or vacuum the baking soda.
Vinegar Solution
- Diluted vinegar spray: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the inside of the cleats. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking odors with it.
- Test first: If you’re concerned about vinegar affecting the material, test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Shoe Deodorizers
- Commercial shoe deodorizer sprays or inserts are also effective at refreshing baseball shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Baseball Cleats
Here are some common questions people have about cleaning their baseball shoes.
Q1: Can I put my baseball cleats in the washing machine?
A1: It is generally not recommended to put baseball cleats in a washing machine. The agitation, high water levels, and spin cycles can damage the adhesives, stitching, and overall structure of the cleats, potentially shortening their lifespan. Hand washing is the best way to clean cleats.
Q2: How often should I clean my baseball cleats?
A2: It’s a good practice to do a quick wipe-down after every game or practice to remove loose dirt. A thorough cleaning, as described above, should be done every few weeks or whenever they become significantly dirty. This helps in maintaining baseball footwear effectively.
Q3: What should I do if my cleats have metal spikes?
A3: When cleaning cleats with metal spikes, be extra careful not to bend or damage the spikes themselves. Use a smaller brush, like an old toothbrush, to get into the areas around the spikes. Ensure the spike area is free of dirt and debris. After cleaning, you might want to lightly dry the metal spikes to prevent rust.
Q4: Can I use bleach to clean my baseball cleats?
A4: No, avoid using bleach. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can discolor and degrade the materials of your cleats, especially synthetics and glues. Stick to mild soaps for cleaning.
Q5: My cleats have white grass stains. How do I remove them?
A5: Grass stains can be tricky. Try a paste of baking soda and water, or a specialized athletic shoe cleaner that targets stains. For tough stains on white materials, a very diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (test first!) can sometimes help lift the stain, but be extremely cautious.
Q6: How do I dry my cleats quickly if I need them soon?
A6: While it’s best to air dry, if you’re in a pinch, you can try to speed up the process by using a fan to blow cool air on them. Stuffing them with absorbent material that you change out frequently can also help. However, avoid heat, as this is the primary cause of damage during drying.
Q7: Are there special cleaners for different cleat materials?
A7: Yes, for genuine leather cleats, a leather cleaner and conditioner are best. For synthetic materials and fabrics, a mild soap or an athletic shoe cleaner designed for sports shoes works well. Always check the product label for recommendations.
By following these detailed steps and tips, you can effectively clean and maintain your baseball cleats, ensuring they perform their best and last for many games to come. Keeping your clean baseball shoes in top condition is an investment in your game.