Struggling to clean your football cleats? Then this article is definitely for you!
When we talk about football, it is one of the best and one of the most popular team sports which we love playing.
We enjoy everything, from dribbling to goal-shooting. But when it comes to cleaning, we just get annoyed by it.
So, why not make your difficulty easier? I have shared some easy steps to clean basketball and football cleats in this blog. Read the blog until the end to know more.
What Are Football Cleats?
Let's discuss what these cleats are before discussing how to clean them properly. Football cleats are soccer or football shoes that are worn while playing football/basketball. However, with the game's development, the cleats have also come a long way, varying in the players' preferences. These shoes have protrusions or a bump on the sole, also known as studs or spikes, that provide friction during the gameplay. They come in various styles, including neutral colours, and are also made of different materials depending on the type of surfaces you are playing on.
Why Should You Clean Your Football Cleats Regularly?
Cleaning your cleats is necessary to enhance your performance in football. Here is why you have to clean your football cleats regularly.
Injuries
The soles of the football cleats catch up with dirt-like debris quickly, which can impact the players' performance by reducing traction. The tragedy not only stops here but also hinders your speed or even turns your anklets if more force is applied, leading to twisted anklets. Therefore, cleaning them can prevent sports injury to your body while playing.
Reduces Life Span
If this dirt is stuck in your shoes for a longer time, it might reduce the lifespan of the cleats. This results in the cleats tearing, cracking, and warping, which are also uncomfortable to wear.
Ball Control
These cleats help have ball control, whereas the upper areas of these cleats are kickers with high grip. When these upper surfaces become dirty, the chances of having control over the ball are reduced, which may lack accuracy with passes and shots.
What Are the Things to Avoid with Cleats?
Take care of the following things while washing your cleats as this might reduce their lifespan and also can cause damage to them. Henceforth, the following are the things to look after when cleaning the cleats: So if you want to be a professional football player, kindly look at these things.
No Chemicals
Using chemicals for your cleats is the best way to spoil them directly! It adversely affects the material and also damages the lifespan of the shoes/cleats.
Avoid Heat
Heat can also adversely affect your cleats as the excess heat can change the shape, reducing performance. Make sure you wash the cleats with your hand in lukewarm water to protect the soles.
Avoid Hard Scrubbers
Also, do not use very hard scrubbers to clean your cleats. This will not excessively clean the cleats but will damage the material and make it look torn and old. Make sure you use the brushes with softer bristles.
No Heat Drying
Ensure you do not expose your cleats to the midday sun, which is excessive heat, as it will damage the product. Instead, opt for air drying, which is the best way to dry it. Choose overnight drying. Do not use hair dryers or other heat products to dry it. Also, avoid drying it in confined areas like garages and basements, which slows the drying process.
- Also Read: Types of Kicks in Football
How to Clean Your Basketball and Football Cleats?
Here are the following steps to clean your football cleats easily.
Debris Removal
The fundamental steps towards cleaning your football cleats involve removing the debris at the primary stage. It includes removing all the massive dirt stuck in your shoes' soles. To remove it, tap both shoes in sole-to-sole contact; if this does not work, use a small wooden stick or a screwdriver. To remove the dirt from the uppers, use a gentle brush.
Use a Mild Solution
Using strong chemical solutions can damage the material of your cleats. Use warm water, clean it with your hand, use a mild scrubber, and wash it gently. This helps remove the soles gently. It is the best method to clean the lower part of the cleats. Use the scrubber easily without any problems.
Wash Shoelaces
It is always best to remove the shoelaces before washing the shoes. It helps clean both the boots and the laces properly. A damaged toothbrush is enough to gently clean shoelaces without adding more force.
Rinse
After cleaning, do not forget to rinse the shoes in water to remove the excess soap substances that can lead to slipping during the gameplay. Therefore, rinse the boots thoroughly after washing them.
Air Drying
After cleaning the shoes thoroughly and properly, ensure you do not put them in the dryer but instead dry them in the air. Drying it overnight in an open space is best. Avoid placing it in exposure to the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Steps to Clean Basketball and Football Cleats
What Type of Cleats Is Best for Football?
People who play on the grass fields must opt for moulded cleats with permanently attached studs. They have plastic studs that dig up into the soil for better traction. The hard plastic construction also makes them more durable than turf cleats. These are some of the best sports advancements that have helped multiple players improve their performance.
What Are the Purpose of the Football Cleats?
Cleats are referred to as protrusions on the soles of the shoes, which are external attachments that provide additional traction on a soft or slippery surface.
What Are the Different Types of Football Cleats?
There are three different types of football cleats used for various surfaces.
Firm ground cleats are used for the grass fields
Soft ground cleats which are designed for wet and muddy conditions
Artificial ground cleats are ideal for artificial turf
Hence, you should know how to clean your football cleats properly. I hope the above guide was helpful and provides easy steps to clean basketball cleats.
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