7 Natural Ways to Get the Smell Out of Cleats

Evan Chymboryk Founder • B.S. Exercise Science

You know that specific moment after a long tournament weekend? The one where your kid opens their gym bag in the backseat of the car, and a scent hits you that feels like it could peel paint off the walls? It’s a mix of wet grass, old sweat, and something that smells suspiciously like a locker room that hasn't been cleaned since 1994.

As parents and partners of athletes, we’ve all been there. We spend a small fortune on high-performance soccer cleats or football spikes, only for them to become biohazards within a month. You want to keep the gear in good shape without resorting to harsh chemicals that might irritate your family’s skin. The good news is that you don't need a degree in chemistry to fix this. You just need a few household staples and some consistency.

Why Do Sports Cleats Smell So Bad After a Game?

Cleats smell because the dark, damp environment inside the shoe allows odor-causing organisms to thrive on the sweat and skin cells left behind. Without proper airflow and drying, these smells become trapped in the synthetic or leather materials of the footwear.

Think about it: your feet have about 250,000 sweat glands. During a ninety-minute soccer match or a double-header on the diamond, those cleats are soaking up a massive amount of moisture. If you just toss them in a bag and forget about them until Tuesday's practice, you're essentially creating an incubator for funk.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just the sweat. It’s the mud from the field, the grass clippings, and occasionally—if you have younger kids or play on certain turf fields—traces of animal waste or urine from local wildlife that gets tracked onto the pitch. All of that organic matter starts to break down inside the shoe fibers.

If you want to stop the moisture before it starts, you need a heavy-duty absorber. This is the one we keep by the door:

How Can You Get the Smell Out of Cleats Using Natural Methods?

Natural deodorizing methods include using white vinegar soaks, baking soda sprinkles, or essential oil sprays to neutralize odors without damaging shoe materials. These methods focus on absorbing moisture and breaking down the organic compounds that cause the scent.

Here are seven ways to tackle the problem without reaching for the bleach:

1. The Newspaper Stuffing Trick

This is an old-school move for a reason. As soon as the cleats come off, pull out the insoles and stuff the shoes with crumpled-up newspaper. The paper acts like a giant sponge, pulling moisture out of the deep corners of the toe box. Replace the paper every few hours if the cleats are truly soaked. This is a great first step before applying any sprays.

2. Baking Soda and Cornstarch

Baking soda is a natural pH neutralizer. If you sprinkle a tablespoon into each shoe and let it sit overnight, it will physically pull the odor out of the fabric. I like to mix mine with a little cornstarch to help with any lingering dampness. Just remember to tap the shoes out over a trash can before the next practice, or you'll have "sock paste."

3. White Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts water and white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the inside of the cleats lightly. The acetic acid in the vinegar cuts through the organic buildup. Don't worry—the vinegar smell disappears once it dries, taking the locker room scent with it. This is particularly helpful for those "heavy" smells that feel stuck in the heel padding.

4. Sunlight and Airflow

UV rays are nature's best cleaner. If it's a sunny day, open the tongues of the cleats as wide as possible and set them out on the porch. The sun helps dry them out faster than sitting in a dark mudroom ever could. Just don't leave leather cleats out in high heat for too long, or they might get brittle.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Mud and Urine Off Cleats?

To remove mud and urine, wait for the mud to dry before brushing it off, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap. For urine smells, an enzymatic cleaner or a deep vinegar soak is necessary to break down the uric acid crystals.

If your kid's cleats have been through the ringer (or the mud puddle), you have to be careful. Mud can clog the "pores" of the shoe material, making it even harder for them to breathe. Once the mud is dry, use an old toothbrush to flick it away. If there’s a urine smell—maybe from a pet at home or a very unlucky slide on a park field—you need something stronger than just water.

I’ve found that a dedicated spray works much better than DIY concoctions when the smell is truly offensive. We compared our natural spray against the big-brand aerosols. The difference isn't just in the smell—it's in the ingredients.

One of our customers, Sarah, shared her experience: "My son's soccer cleats were so bad we had to leave them in the garage. I tried everything. The Extra Strength Shoe Deodorizer Spray was the only thing that actually worked. Now I can drive him to practice without the windows down!"

Can You Put Cleats in the Washing Machine?

Most manufacturers recommend against putting cleats in the washing machine because the heat and agitation can break down the adhesives and ruin the structure of the shoe. Hand-washing with a soft brush and mild soap is the safest way to maintain the lifespan of expensive sports footwear.

I know it's tempting. You just want to toss them in and hit "Heavy Duty." But the high-speed spin cycle can warp the sole plate, and the hot water can melt the glue holding the upper to the bottom. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Remove the laces and insoles (wash those separately in a mesh laundry bag).
2. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the exterior with a mix of water and a tiny bit of dish soap.
3. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth.
4. Air dry away from direct heat sources like radiators.

If you're looking for more tips on specific gear, check out our 5 steps to wash hockey skates like new or learn how to prevent running shoes from smelling.

Is the Natural Route the Best for Your Family?

Is the natural route perfect? Mostly, but it does require consistency. You can't just spray once every six months and expect a miracle. However, when you weigh the pros and cons, the choice becomes pretty clear for most households.

At the end of the day, keeping cleats fresh is about two things: getting them dry and keeping the organic buildup at bay. Whether you're a soccer mom, a weekend warrior on the softball field, or a marathon runner, your nose (and your family) will thank you for taking these extra five minutes after the game.

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