Learning how to wash golf shoes is a helpful skill. Taking care of your golf shoes will help them remain comfortable and protected from damages. This can also save you money from buying new ones every season.
Read on to find out how to wash golf shoes on your own, you’d be surprised how easy it is.
How to wash golf shoes?
A lot of golfers often ask, can you wash golf shoes? Well definitely yes! Contrary to popular belief, washing golf shoes is the best way to keep them clean.
There are many hazards in the golf field that can deteriorate the condition of your shoes.
Whether it is leather, synthetic, or any other kind, golf shoes must be thoroughly washed to maintain its quality.
Simply follow these steps on how to wash golf shoes:
Hand Washing
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Check the material of your golf shoes
First, determine the material of your golf shoes. It can be made using a variety of materials such as mesh, leather, and synthetic. A proper way on how to wash golf shoes depends on the material used.
You can also check with the manufacturer to identify which substances can be used to clean it.
That way you can avoid damaging your shoes during the process.
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Take off excess dirt from soles
After your round, you can already begin to remove excess mud accumulated by your shoes.
But before completely washing your golf shoes, you should also do it again and take off the remaining dirt. Normally, it gets stuck at the spikes of your shoes.
Use a scrubbing cloth or a wire brush to clean the spikes. If the residue is difficult to remove, you can try using a toothpick or an old toothbrush to clean the soles.
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Wash the upper part of your golf shoes
Before can you wash golf shoes, remove the laces first.
It is also recommended to take out the inner sole before you apply water, this applies if the sole is not glued into the golf shoes.
To wash your pair, prepare a mild soap and water solution as your cleanser.
If you have purchased a cleanser specialized for golf shoes, that works well too. Use a durable towel or a sponge to gently wash the uppers of your shoes.
Take note, do not soak your shoes and leave it submerged in water because this can destroy the material.
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Apply stain remover on affected areas
If the stains cannot be removed by washing, you may need to apply the stain remover. Put a small amount on the affected area and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes.
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Let it dry
To allow your shoes to dry faster, put crumpled newspaper inside for about 30 to 40 hours so that the excess water can be completely absorbed. Then, allow them to air dry.
It is best to let your shoes dry naturally, never use a blow-dryer or an external heat source. The excessive heat may cause damage to the uppers and outsoles.
This is a crucial step in learning how to wash golf shoes.
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Use Shoe Trees
Add shoe trees while your golf shoes are still damp, do this to maintain its shape and structure. Shoe trees absorb moisture out of the insides of your shoe, especially leather ones.
Shoe trees play an important role in prolonging the life of your shoes. They draw out water fast and prevent mold spots to form on the material of your shoe.
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Polish your shoe properly
For golf shoes with leather uppers using a matching shoe polish can cover the scuffs and boost the appearance of your cleats.
You can apply the shoe polish once it has completely dried. Just remember to use the same color of polish to maintain its original look.
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Apply leather oil
One optional step on how to wash golf shoes is applying leather oil. You have the choice to apply oil on the leather uppers of your golf shoes once the polish has dried.
This added touch can enhance the appearance of the shoes and bring back its shine.
Putting some waterproofing wax is also helpful to keep your feet dry on damp and soggy courses.
You can apply this no matter what material your golf shoes are made of. You can also use a washing machine to clean your golf shoes.
Machine Washing
Follow these steps to ensure it is properly washed.
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Remove dirt from soles
Using an old toothbrush or toothpick, brush up any dirt, mud, particles that have built up in your spikes and soles.
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Place inside the washing machine
Before placing the golf shoes inside the washing machine, remove the laces first. Make sure nothing is inside the insoles and the shoes have no residue.
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Pour detergent
Put a mild laundry detergent into the washing machine. Make sure you are using a gentle detergent to avoid damaging the golf shoes.
Use the recommended amount of detergent for your machine’s wash load size.
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Add baking soda
For better results, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine. Doing this will deodorize the shoes which can eliminate any unwanted odor.
Baking soda acts as an extra cleaning agent. Using cold water, turn on the washing machine. If there is an option, select the mild level in the machine.
Wait for it to finish.
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Allow the shoes to air dry
Once it is finished, remove the golf shoes from the washing machine. Place crumpled newspapers or paper towels inside the shoes for faster absorption.
If you have shoe trees, you can add them inside while the golf shoes are still damp. This can maintain the shape of the shoes as it dry.
The best way is to let them air dry; do not place them under direct sunlight. Air-dry the shoelaces as well. Lay them flat so they can dry properly.
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Put grooming products
Similar to the manual washing of golf shoes, you can add grooming products after it has dried.
If your shoes are made of leather, you may add polish and oil to enhance the color and overall appearance. Remember to let it dry once again before storing it.
Now that we have answered the question can you wash golf shoes, it’s time to determine where to clean them.
Where to Clean Golf Shoes?
An important aspect of how to wash golf shoes is identifying the right place to wash and store them.
Knowing where to clean golf shoes is essential so you can effectively clean your shoes and protect them from damaging environments.
If you are looking for the right area where to clean golf shoes, there are two options you can pick from.
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Indoors
If you are cleaning your golf shoes by hand, the best place where to clean golf shoes is indoors, specifically in the bathroom.
Preferably in the bathroom for more space but an area with a sink will also work (except for kitchen sink).
It is convenient to wash golf shoes inside the bathroom because you have the entire space for yourself and water supply is just one reach.
More importantly, the dirt, mud, and other residues you have removed can immediately flow down the sink.
This allows you to clean the space easier and faster.
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Any space away from children’s reach
In case indoors are not available, any area away from children’s reach can be a place where to clean golf shoes.
Cleaning your shoes can take out harmful chemicals and excess dirt that puts children at risk.
To avoid them from playing with your cleaning materials and touching the substances, wash your golf shoes away from them.
In finding a place where to clean golf shoes, consider a place without direct sunlight. Too much sun and heat are not good for your shoes.
Instead, place them in a shaded area where air flows sufficiently.
It’s best to dry them indoors but if you have no choice but to dry them outside, do not leave them under the sun for too long.
After washing and drying your golf shoes, do not store them in an enclosed space such as lockers, cabinets, and car trunks.
These areas have high temperatures that can tear the materials leading to a decreased lifespan of your golf shoes.
Look good, play good
You can try your best to keep it clean, though over time you will be left with no choice but to wash your shoes.
Knowing how to wash golf shoes can prolong its life and even boost your confidence on the field.
Apart from your playing capabilities, maintaining a neat and polished appearance can improve your performance during the game.
There are many ways to clean golf shoes, so you can definitely find a technique that works best for you.
Returning your cleats to their former glory is not as difficult as it looks!
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Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Paul Roger Steinberg