How to Get Rid of Football Boot Smell

If your child’s football boots smell bad, you’re certainly not alone. Sweat, wet grass and muddy pitches create the perfect conditions for odour to build up, particularly when wet boots are put straight back into a kit bag after playing.

The good news is that you can usually get rid of football boot smell with a combination of cleaning, thorough drying and a few tips and tricks.

Why Do Football Boots Smell?

Football boots smell because sweat and moisture get trapped inside them, allowing bacteria to build up. The warm, damp space around the foot is particularly good at creating the familiar smell that can linger long after training has finished.

The insoles can be one of the worst offenders because they absorb sweat directly from your feet. Wet conditions make the problem worse too, especially if muddy boots are left in a closed kit bag overnight or until the next training session.

The best way to tackle the smell is therefore to deal with the moisture as well as the odour itself.

How to Clean Smelly Football Boots

Start by removing the laces and insoles, then brush off any dried mud. Use lukewarm water, a soft brush and a small amount of mild soap to clean the outside and inside of the boots. Clean the insoles separately and allow everything to dry properly afterwards before storing them or wearing them again.

If you want an easier way to clean muddy football boots and trainers, a Muddy Rug premium boot washing bag helps protect footwear during a machine wash. It’s designed to cushion shoes while they are being cleaned, preventing damage to your boots and your washing machine drum.

If you prefer to wash boots by hand, that’s fine too. Avoid soaking them unnecessarily, particularly if they’re made from leather or contain materials that can be affected by excess water.

How to Dry Football Boots After Cleaning

Drying your boots properly is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from smelling.

After training, remove the insoles, open the boots as widely as possible and leave them somewhere warm and well ventilated. You can stuff them with newspaper or absorbent paper to draw out moisture, replacing it when it becomes damp.

Avoid putting football boots directly on a radiator or using a hairdryer. High heat can damage the materials, cause leather to dry out and weaken the adhesives holding the boots together.

If you or your child trains several times a week, giving boots plenty of time to dry between sessions can make a noticeable difference.

Tips to Help Football Boots Stop Smelling

Baking soda is great at absorbing moisture and odours. Sprinkle a small amount inside the boots and leave it overnight, then remove it thoroughly before they are worn again.

You can also use specialist sports shoe deodorisers or moisture-absorbing pouches. These are useful if boots regularly become damp or particularly smelly.

Whatever you use, don’t rely on deodoriser alone. If the boots are still damp, the smell is likely to return.

If football boots continue to smell after cleaning, check the insoles. They can hold onto sweat and bacteria even when the rest of the boot looks clean.

Remove and dry them after every session and wash them when the manufacturer’s instructions allow. If they remain smelly after cleaning, replacing them may be best.

Football socks are also one of the biggest culprits for bad smells. Never leave damp socks inside football boots, especially not overnight. Wash them after every use and always make sure they’re completely dry before they go back into the kit bag.

Getting Football Boot Smell Out of Your Car

Football boot smell is only one part of the mess that comes home after a muddy match. Wet boots, muddy socks and grass-covered kit can quickly leave a car looking just as bad as the changing room.

Muddy Rug’s car seat rug helps protect seats from wet and muddy sports kit, while the footwell rug and car boot rug help keep mud and water off the carpet.

They’re simple ways to make the journey home after football a little less messy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a bad smell from football boots?

Clean the boots and insoles, then let them dry completely. Baking soda or a specialist sports shoe deodoriser can help with lingering odours, but allowing the boots to dry is the most important step.

Can you put football boots in the washing machine?

Check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. If your boots are suitable for machine washing, a shoe washing bag can help cushion and protect them during the wash.

Does baking soda remove football boot smell?

Baking soda can help absorb moisture and reduce odours. Leave a small amount inside the boots overnight, then remove it completely before wearing them.

Why do football boots smell even after washing them?

The smell may be coming from damp insoles, socks or moisture trapped inside the boots. Make sure every part is cleaned and completely dry before putting the boots away.

How do I stop football boots smelling in the future?

Take them out of the kit bag as soon as possible, remove the insoles, clean off mud and let everything dry thoroughly. Good airflow and regular cleaning are much more effective than masking the smell.