How to Clean Muddy Trainers

Whether it’s a muddy football pitch, a countryside walk, or the school run after a rainy weekend, trainers have a habit of collecting dirt faster than almost anything else. 

The good news is that cleaning muddy trainers doesn’t have to be difficult. You can remove mud and keep your trainers looking their best without damaging them, and keep your car’s interior clean at the same time.

Read our guide with advice on how to use our Boot Brush to keep your trainers, football boots, and walking shoes clean and mud-free.

The Best Way to Clean Muddy Trainers

When your trainers get caked in mud you might be eager to clean them straight away. However, this is actually a mistake and can make the cleaning process more difficult.

When the mud is still fresh, it tends to smear across your trainers and works deeper into their fabric. Instead, allow your trainers to dry somewhere well-ventilated and you will have a much better chance at cleaning them back to their best.

Once the mud is dry, it can be brushed away without even needing to wash them. A sturdy bristle brush is firm enough to remove caked on mud without damaging the material of your trainers.

After the majority of the mud has been removed, then you can use a bit of water to remove muddy stains on the fabric of your boots or trainers. Use warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent, moving in circular motions to clean away muddy stains.

Once they are clean, dab them dry with a clean towel and allow them to fully dry in a well-ventilated area and your trainers will be back to looking brand new.

Can You Put Muddy Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Many trainers can survive an occasional machine wash, but it shouldn’t be your first choice.

Repeated machine washing can weaken glue, distort the shape of the shoe, and reduce its lifespan.

If you decide to use the washing machine:

• Remove laces and insoles
• Brush off dried mud first
• Use a cold, gentle cycle
• Place trainers in a shoe washing bag if possible
• Avoid high spin settings

Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing. And, most importantly, never put trainers in the tumble dryer afterwards. High heat tumble dryers will ruin the integrity of your trainers and drastically reduce their lifespan.

How to Dry Muddy Trainers After Cleaning

Drying trainers correctly is just as important as cleaning them if you want the best results.

As with avoiding tumble dryers, you should also avoid placing shoes on radiators, near heaters, or even in direct sunlight. Excessive heat can warp materials and weaken the glue that holds the shoe together.

Instead, allow them to air dry naturally at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. This will also help them smell fresh.

Stuffing the trainers with newspaper helps absorb moisture from the inside and speeds up drying. Replace the paper if it becomes damp and leave the shoes somewhere with good airflow.

How to Keep Trainers Smelling Fresh

By allowing your trainers to dry properly after cleaning them, that alone will help them smell fresh. If you allow them to remain damp for a long time then this can just make them smell musty again.

There are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to keep your trainers smelling clean and fresh:

• Allow them to air between wears
• Wash your insoles, or replace them if they are heavily worn
• Sprinkle baking soda inside your trainers overnight

How to Restore White Trainers

White trainers can start looking tired long before they’re actually worn out, especially if they’re regularly exposed to mud, grass, and everyday dirt. 

The key to restoring them is regular cleaning rather than waiting until stains become deeply ingrained. 

After removing surface dirt, use a mixture of warm water and a mild detergent to gently clean the fabric or leather. For scuffs and stubborn marks, a paste made from baking soda and water can help lift discolouration without damaging the material. 

Pay particular attention to the midsoles, as these often collect the most visible dirt. A soft brush and a little patience can make a surprising difference. 

While it may not return heavily worn trainers to a box-fresh condition, regular care will help keep white trainers looking brighter, cleaner, and far more presentable for longer.

Stop Muddy Trainers Dirtying Your Car

Cleaning muddy trainers is one thing. Keeping that mud out of your car is another challenge altogether.

Whether you’re transporting football boots, walking shoes, or muddy children after a busy weekend, dirt has a habit of finding its way onto seats and carpets.

That’s where our products at Muddy Rug can help. We have car footwell protectors and car seat mats that are designed to be comfortable and to protect your car’s interior from muddy stains. This makes upkeep of your car much easier, meaning you don’t need to do as many deep cleans to keep your car looking and smelling fresh.For active families, dog owners, and sports parents, quality car mats and car boot rugs can save a huge amount of cleaning time while helping to protect your vehicle’s interior.