Can I wash my golf shoes in a washing machine? Yes, you can wash certain types of golf shoes, especially modern synthetic and mesh ones, in a washing machine, but hand washing is often safer for leather and more delicate materials.
Keeping your golf shoes clean is important. Clean shoes look good. They also last longer. Mud, grass, and dirt build up fast when you play golf. This guide shows you simple, safe ways to clean your golf shoes well. We will cover both spiked and spikeless shoes.
Preparation: What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin cleaning, get everything ready. This makes the job much easier. Think of this as setting up your golf shoe cleaning station.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Gathering the right tools is the first big step. You need gentle cleaners, not harsh chemicals. Harsh cleaners can damage the shoe material.
- Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush works well for tight spots.
- Stiff brush: Use this only for the soles and cleaning golf spikes.
- Mild soap or detergent: Dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent is perfect.
- Warm water: Not hot water. Hot water can melt glue.
- Microfiber cloths or old towels: For drying and wiping.
- Baking soda or specialized deodorizer: For deodorizing smelly golf shoes.
- Shoe cleaner solution: If you prefer commercial golf shoe cleaning solutions.
Initial Steps Before Wet Cleaning
Always remove the major dirt first. This saves time later.
- Remove Laces and Insoles: Take out the laces and the insoles. Wash these items separately. This lets you reach every part of the shoe.
- Knock Off Loose Dirt: Take the shoes outside. Tap the soles together gently. Brush off as much dry dirt, sand, and mud as possible using a dry, stiff brush. This step is key to removing grass stains from golf shoes effectively later on.
Hand Washing: The Safest Method for Most Shoes
Hand washing gives you the most control. It is the best way to clean leather golf shoes and helps preserve modern synthetic materials.
Cleaning the Uppers (The Main Part of the Shoe)
Treat the top part of the shoe gently. This area shows dirt easily.
- Mix the Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap into a bowl of warm water. You want soapy water, not lots of suds.
- Dampen the Brush: Dip your soft-bristled brush into the soapy water. Shake off the excess water. The brush should be damp, not dripping.
- Gently Scrub: Rub the brush over the shoe surface in small, circular motions. Work in small sections. Be gentle, especially on mesh areas. If you see tough spots or dirt lines, scrub a bit harder, but always be gentle.
- Wipe Clean: Dip a clean microfiber cloth into plain warm water. Wring it out well. Wipe away the soap residue from the shoe. Rinse and repeat this wiping process until all soap is gone. Leftover soap can dry out or damage materials.
Addressing Stains: Tackling Tough Spots
Sometimes, regular scrubbing is not enough. You need targeted help for specific blemishes.
Tackling Grass Stains
Grass stains can be stubborn. They contain chlorophyll, which binds to fabric.
- For synthetic materials, a paste made of baking soda and water can work wonders. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing.
- For tougher stains on durable materials, a specialized enzymatic cleaner (sold for sports gear) might be needed. Always test these cleaners on a small, hidden spot first. This is part of caring for golf shoe materials.
Washing the Soles and Cleaning Golf Spikes
The bottom of the shoe holds the most dirt and grime. This area needs more aggressive cleaning.
- Focus on the Grooves: Use a stiffer brush. Dip it in the soapy water. Scrub the entire sole surface hard. Pay close attention to the areas around the spikes or cleats.
- *Maintaining Golf Shoe Cleats*: If you have soft spikes, use a toothpick or a specialized cleat wrench to dislodge packed dirt from between the spikes and the receptacles. This ensures good traction for your next round. If the spikes look worn down or damaged, now is the time to replace them.
- Rinsing the Soles: Use a cloth dipped in clean water to wipe all the soap and dirt away from the sole area.
Machine Washing Spikeless Shoes and Synthetics
Many modern golf shoes are made from synthetic leather, mesh, or fabric. These materials often handle machine washing better than traditional leather. This section covers washing spikeless golf shoes made from these materials.
Important Warning: Never machine wash traditional leather golf shoes. The heat and tumbling can cause the leather to dry, crack, and shrink permanently.
Steps for Machine Washing
If your shoe manufacturer’s label allows machine washing, follow these steps carefully.
- Preparation is Crucial: Complete all initial prep steps: remove laces, insoles, and knock off loose dirt.
- Protect the Shoes: Place both shoes inside a large mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase. Tie the bag securely. This prevents the shoes from banging against the drum of the machine.
- Add Protection: Toss in several old towels with the shoes. The towels act as padding to cushion the shoes and prevent hard knocking sounds.
- Set the Machine: Use the gentle or delicate cycle setting.
- Water Temperature: Select COLD water only. Hot water can damage glues and synthetic fabrics.
- Detergent: Use only a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners entirely. Fabric softeners can sometimes leave residue that affects the grip or waterproofing of the shoe.
Cleaning Different Golf Shoe Materials
The best cleaning method depends heavily on what your shoes are made of. Caring for golf shoe materials correctly extends their life significantly.
Leather Golf Shoes
Leather needs gentle care to stay supple and prevent cracking. This method is the best way to clean leather golf shoes.
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wipe Down | Use a slightly damp cloth to remove surface dust. |
| 2 | Soap Application | Use a small amount of specialized leather cleaner or very diluted mild soap. Apply with a soft cloth. |
| 3 | Gentle Scrubbing | Use a soft brush only on stubborn areas. |
| 4 | Rinse | Wipe thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap. |
| 5 | Conditioning (Crucial) | After drying, apply a high-quality leather conditioner. This keeps the leather from drying out. |
Synthetic and Mesh Golf Shoes
These shoes are generally more durable but can trap odors easily. They are the best candidates for machine washing.
- Use a soft brush and soapy water. Focus on scrubbing dirt out of the mesh weave.
- For stubborn dirt, a paste of baking soda and water can be scrubbed into the mesh gently.
- If hand washing, rinse very well to ensure no soap residue remains trapped in the mesh fibers.
Deep Cleaning Golf Shoes: Reaching Hidden Grime
A deep cleaning golf shoes session goes beyond a quick wipe-down. It targets accumulated sweat, dirt, and odors inside the shoe.
Tackling the Insoles and Interior
The inside of the shoe absorbs sweat and bacteria, leading to bad smells. This is critical for deodorizing smelly golf shoes.
- Remove and Soak Insoles: Remove the insoles completely. If they are fabric-topped, you can soak them in a mixture of warm water and a capful of white vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
- Scrubbing the Interior: Dampen a cloth with the vinegar/water solution or use an upholstery cleaner safe for shoes. Wipe down the entire interior lining of the shoe. Pay special attention to the heel cup area where sweat collects most.
- Rinse Interior: Wipe the interior down again with a cloth dipped only in plain water.
Addressing Odor Problems
If smells persist even after cleaning, more intensive deodorizing is needed.
- Baking Soda Treatment: After the shoes are completely dry, sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda inside each shoe.
- Wait Time: Leave the baking soda in the shoes overnight, or even for 24 hours. Baking soda absorbs trapped moisture and odor molecules.
- Removal: Shake out the excess powder thoroughly. You can use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment for stubborn powder in the corners.
The Critical Step: Drying Golf Shoes Properly
Improper drying ruins shoes faster than cleaning them incorrectly. Trapped moisture leads to mildew, bad smells, and can cause glue to fail.
Air Drying Rules
Never use direct heat sources to dry golf shoes. High heat damages glue, melts synthetic materials, and causes leather to crack.
- No Direct Sunlight: Do not place shoes outside in blazing sun. A shady, well-ventilated spot is best.
- No Heat Vents or Radiators: Keep them far away from heaters.
- Use Stuffing Material: To speed up drying and help maintain the shoe shape, stuff the shoes loosely with plain white paper towels or crumpled newspaper. Change the paper every few hours as it absorbs moisture.
- Airflow is Key: Position the shoes so that air can circulate freely around them. Pointing a small fan toward them can significantly speed up the process without using heat.
Drying Spikes and Cleats
Ensure the spike receptacles are completely dry. If you removed the spikes for cleaning, make sure the area is dry before screwing in new or cleaned spikes.
Post-Cleaning Care and Protection
Once your shoes are spotless and dry, a few extra steps ensure they look great for your next round and protect your investment.
Leather Shoe Maintenance
If you cleaned leather shoes, conditioning is not optional; it is vital.
- Apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a soft cloth. Rub it in gentle circles. This restores oils lost during cleaning and protects against future water damage.
- Once the conditioner soaks in, you can apply a water-repellent spray specifically designed for leather.
Protecting Synthetic and Mesh Shoes
Synthetic materials benefit greatly from protective sprays.
- Use a quality water and stain repellent spray suitable for athletic footwear (check the label to ensure it works on mesh/synthetics). Spray an even coat over the entire upper. Allow the shoes to dry fully before wearing them. This makes future cleaning much easier.
Summary of Cleaning Methods by Shoe Type
Choosing the right method saves time and prevents damage. Here is a quick reference guide for caring for golf shoe materials.
| Shoe Material | Recommended Cleaning Method | Key Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Leather | Hand wash only with mild soap and soft cloth. Condition after drying. | Do not submerge or machine wash. Heat causes cracking. |
| Modern Synthetics/Fabric | Hand wash preferred. Machine wash (cold, gentle cycle) is often acceptable. | Ensure thorough rinsing to prevent soap residue. |
| Mesh Uppers | Gentle scrubbing with soft brush and mild soap. Baking soda paste for stains. | Do not use stiff brushes, as they can tear the weave. |
| Spikes/Cleats | Remove and clean using a stiff brush and toothpick. | Ensure receptacles are dry before replacing cleats. |
FAQs About Golf Shoe Cleaning
How often should I clean my golf shoes?
You should always give your golf shoes a quick wipe down after every round, especially if they are muddy. A deep cleaning golf shoes session should happen once every 10 to 15 rounds, or whenever you notice heavy buildup or odor. Maintaining golf shoe cleats should also be part of this routine.
Are specialized golf shoe cleaning solutions better than dish soap?
Specialized cleaners are formulated to break down the specific soils found on golf courses (like specialized dirt, grass, and turf treatments) without harming shoe adhesives. Dish soap is a good general cleaner, but a dedicated solution might offer better stain removal for deep issues like removing grass stains from golf shoes.
How can I prevent grass stains in the first place?
Prevention is the best policy. Apply a high-quality water and stain repellent spray to your shoes at the start of the season. Reapply after every deep clean. This creates a barrier that makes it harder for stains to set in.
My golf shoes still smell bad after washing. What do I do?
If they still smell after cleaning, the issue is likely bacterial growth deep in the lining. Try the baking soda method mentioned above for 24 hours. If that fails, try soaking the insoles in a weak solution of bleach (if the shoe material allows—check labels!) or strong white vinegar, followed by a long, proper air dry. Using charcoal deodorizers inside the shoes when not in use is also very helpful for ongoing odor control.
Do I need to remove my cleaning golf spikes every time I wash my shoes?
No, you do not need to remove them for a simple wipe-down. However, if you are doing a deep cleaning golf shoes session or if mud is heavily packed around the base of the spikes, removing them allows for a much more thorough clean of the spike receptacles. This aids in proper traction and maintaining golf shoe cleats.
What is the best way to clean the inside of the tongue area?
The tongue traps a lot of sweat. Pull the tongue out as far as it will go. Use a cloth dipped in your mild soapy water or vinegar solution to wipe it down thoroughly. Ensure you let this area air dry completely, as it is often overlooked and stays damp the longest.