GearCare | Taking care of your football boots, football shirts and goalkeeper gloves

How to clean your football boots

Cleaning your football boots may not be the most exciting task, which is why many players neglect it. However, proper maintenance helps extend the durability of your boots and improves performance on the field. The tools you need will depend on the material of your boots. Some essential cleaning tools include:

• Soft brush
• Hard brush
• Leather conditioner
• Shoe cleaner

See our boot care products here.

Leather football boots

Leather is a natural material, and therefore leather football boots need some extra caring. In general, one should use a soft brush against more delicate materials, such as leather and knitwear.

• Use a soft brush with lukewarm water to clean the leather upper, and a hard brush, like a nylon brush, for the outsole.
• For detailed areas, use a finer brush—an old toothbrush works well.
• Apply a thin, even layer of leather conditioner with a soft brush and let it absorb for 12-24 hours.
• Wipe off excess conditioner with a cloth or towel.
• Repeat this process once a month for optimal results.
• Let the boots dry naturally—avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or dryers. Stuff them with newspaper to absorb excess moisture.

Synthetic football boots

Synthetic football boots can usually be cleaned with a harder brush. But be careful using too much force as you might damage and weaken the material that holding the boot together.

• Use a hard brush and lukewarm water to clean the upper and sole.
• If needed, apply a shoe cleaner for stubborn dirt.
• If the boot has knitted material, clean it gently with lukewarm water and shoe cleaner.
• Let the boots dry naturally in a shaded area to prevent material degradation.
• Store them in a cool, dry place and avoid keeping them in your bag after matches.

Knitted football boots

Knitted football boots have some delicate areas which, like leather football boots, should be treated more carefully.

• Use a hard brush for coated areas and a soft brush for exposed knit sections.
• Let the boots dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.

How to wash your football shirt

As football fans, we all know that special feeling of adding a new football shirt to the collection. When washing football shirts it is important to follow the right instructions to extend the lifetime of your favorite shirts.

Watch the video above or follow the instructions below for washing football shirts.

• Wash at 30°C (86°F) whenever possible. If necessary, wash at 40°C (104°F) for heavily soiled shirts.
• Turn the shirt inside out to protect sponsor/player prints and prevent fading.
• Wash with similar colors to avoid color bleeding.
• Let the shirt dry naturally—avoid tumble dryers to prevent shrinking.
• Do not use fabric softener, as it can damage the material.
• Iron carefully at low heat. If the label indicates a crossed-out iron symbol, do not iron the shirt at all.
• For stubborn stains, soak the shirt in cold water with mild detergent before washing.
• Store your football shirts on hangers instead of folding them to prevent creases and print damage.

Maintaining goalkeeper gloves

• Take gloves off properly—avoid pulling on the fingertips to prevent damage.
• Rinse them under lukewarm water and gently scrub off dirt with your thumb.
• Use a towel to pat them dry—never use a radiator, hairdryer, or direct sunlight.
• Maybe even use. glove wash to keep them clean.You can find products and accessories for goakeepers here.

Correct maintenance, wash and use of your football- and training gear is essential to you getting the most out of your equipment. Especially the goalkeeper gloves and football kits with print are vulnerable to wear and tear, because if they aren’t washed correctly the print falls off. Watch our videos and learn more about how make your equipment last longer.