Wet grass, dirt, sweat, and long hours packed into a bag after the final whistle are the perfect cocktail for bacteria causing that persistent smell on your football shoes. But with the right steps and tools, it's easy to avoid letting mud and sweat sit for days between uses, and therefore prevent odors and premature material damage.

With the FIFA 2026 World Cup coming to an end, we're walking you through the best way to care for your football boots, so you can keep them fresh and in play for the next one. You only need 5 minutes post-match or training. Take it as your own ritual to:

• Prevent bacteria buildup that causes smells and can irritate skin
• Preserve performance and comfort by keeping dirt from breaking down the fabric
• Avoid transferring smell and dirt into your bag, other gear, your car or your home
• Ultimately extend the life of your trusted football cleats

Materials

How to Clean Football Shoes: Step-by-Step

How Often Should You Clean Football Boots

Why Choose the DFNS Footwear Cleaning Kit?

Materials

• Shoe cleaner
• Cleaning brush
• Microfiber cloth
• 2 bowls or recipients
• Lukewarm water

Quick tip: our DFNS Footwear Cleaning Kit has the essentials packed in a travel-friendly box.

How to Clean Football Shoes: Step-by-Step

1. PREP 

First, remove and clean your laces. Soak them in a bowl with lukewarm water and a bit of cleaner gel and set them aside while you clean your shoes. Then, use the dry brush to remove loose dirt on the surface and cleats.

2. SCRUB

Dip the brush in lukewarm water to wet the bristles and apply a generous amount of the cleaner to it. Then scrub firmly but carefully in a circular motion to foam the solution.

3. WIPE 

Use the microfiber cloth to wipe away the foam and scrub again as needed.

4. DRY 

Finally, let your football cleats air-dry for 24 hours out of direct sunlight. Once dry, lace them back up and you’re good to go.

How Often Should You Clean Football Boots

Our call is that you should clean your boots after every match or training session. Listen, we know it sounds like overkill, but it isn't just about the looks. Not only will it take you five minutes of your life, but it will give them many more years of theirs.
Plus, they won't always need a full deep clean. Sometimes they just need a quick refresh to avoid stinking up your entire sports bag and hallway. For those in-between moments, the DFNS Refresher is a fast, easy way to eliminate odor. Just a quick spray after training or a match keeps things smelling fresh until it's time for a proper clean.

Why Choose the DFNS Footwear Cleaning Kit?

We're the experts in footwear and apparel care, trusted by leaders like adidas and The North Face, and committed to designing solutions that keep your favorite apparel in play for longer, without compromising on quality or sustainability.

Our Footwear Cleaning Kit brings your entire rotation of shoes back to their best. From football cleats to mesh running shoes or hiking boots. Including our 90 ml Footwear Cleaner, our Premium Cleaning Brush, and a microfiber cloth. Our set is:

• Safe for mesh, canvas, rubber, suede, nubuck, leather and pleather
• Water-based and solvent-free
• Kind to your skin and the environment
• Travel-friendly

Get your DFNS Footwear Cleaning Kit and keep your football boots on top performance.