As a parent of two soccer-obsessed teens, I’ve experienced every kind of soccer-related odor imaginable. From cleats left in the car overnight to shin guards that could clear a room, the real challenge isn’t always on the field—it’s dealing with the stink that follows the gear back home.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to surrender your car or laundry room to the funk. With the right approach and a little consistency, you can keep those odors at bay. Below are 25 parent-tested tips—ranging from special detergents to deodorizing insoles—that will make life a whole lot fresher.
1. Wash Gear Immediately
Don’t let jerseys, shorts, and socks sit in a bag overnight. Sweat trapped in synthetic fabrics leads to bacteria growth, which worsens over time. Toss your gear into the wash as soon as possible.
Tip: Use HEX Performance Laundry Detergent for optimal results.
2. Let Cleats Air Out
Cleats are ground zero for odor. Don’t trap them in your bag. Remove the insoles and let your cleats air out after each use to avoid moisture buildup and bacteria.
Tip: Consider investing in the FORLIM Boot Dryer.
3. Use Sports-Specific Detergent
Regular detergent often isn’t strong enough for the athletic fabrics that soccer gear is made of. Sports detergents break down sweat and odor molecules more effectively.
Tip: Try Win Sports Detergent for better results.
4. Odor-Fighting Insoles
Stock insoles often can’t keep up with the intensity of soccer. Opt for insoles designed to absorb sweat and combat odor from the get-go.
Tip: Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Insoles are a great choice.
5. Invest in a Boot Dryer
Moisture is the main culprit for stinky shoes. A boot dryer pushes warm air into your cleats, reducing moisture and preventing bacteria growth.
Tip: FORLIM Boot Dryer is a top choice.
6. Use Baking Soda
This low-cost hack works wonders. Sprinkle baking soda into your cleats overnight to absorb both moisture and odor.
Just make sure to shake it out in the morning.
7. Try Gear Deodorizing Balls
These small pods fit perfectly inside your cleats and shin guards. They release a fresh scent while fighting bacteria.
Tip: Sneaker Balls Shoe Freshener is a solid option.
8. Rotate Cleats
If possible, invest in a second pair of cleats. Alternating pairs allows each set to dry out fully, reducing odor and wear.
9. Wash Shin Guards Weekly
Shin guards absorb sweat like sponges. Clean them with soap and water once a week and let them air dry. For a deeper clean, soak them in an odor-eliminating solution once a month.
Tip: Use Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator for extra freshness.
10. Freeze the Funk
Sounds strange, but freezing your cleats in a plastic bag overnight can kill bacteria and help eliminate odor.
11. Use Anti-Fungal Powder
Athletic shoes are ideal for fungi and bacteria. Sprinkle some anti-fungal powder into your cleats after use to keep them fresh and dry.
Tip: Lotrimin Antifungal Powder does the job well.
12. Try a Portable Gear Dryer
Traveling for tournaments means your gear might not dry out in time. A portable gear dryer uses warm air to quickly dry cleats and shin guards.
Tip: DryGuy Travel Dry DX Shoe Dryer is a great travel companion.
13. Always Wash Socks in Hot Water
Soccer socks trap sweat like nothing else. Washing them in hot water kills bacteria and helps break down odor-causing molecules.
14. Add Vinegar to the Wash
If stubborn smells linger, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It neutralizes odors naturally.
15. Spray Gear After Each Game
A quick spray of disinfectant after practice prevents bacteria buildup.
Tip: HEX Deodorizing Spray or Lysol Disinfectant Spray works great.
16. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
A simple mesh bag keeps air circulating through sweaty clothes, preventing them from becoming a “sealed stink bomb.”
Tip: Mesh Laundry Bags Set is a handy option.
17. Don’t Forget the Bag
Your soccer bag absorbs sweat and dirt too. Wipe it down weekly with disinfectant wipes and let it air out in the sun when possible.
Tip: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are great for the job.
18. DIY Essential Oil Spray
Make your own deodorizing spray with water, witch hazel, and a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil. These oils naturally kill bacteria and leave your gear smelling fresh.
19. Dryer Sheets in Cleats
Classic and effective: slip a dryer sheet into each cleat after practice, and they’ll smell much better by game day.
20. Sunlight Is Free
Nature’s disinfectant is powerful. Let your cleats and shin guards dry out in direct sunlight to kill bacteria and reduce odors.
21. Rotate Socks
Invest in multiple pairs of socks so your teen doesn’t wear damp ones twice. Fresh socks mean fresher shoes.
Tip: adidas Rivalry Soccer Grip Socks are a solid choice.
22. Try the Double Sock Method
Some players wear two thin pairs of socks to absorb extra sweat and reduce odor.
It can also help prevent blisters, making it worth a try if foot odor is a problem.
23. Deodorize Your Soccer Bag
Soccer bags can get pretty stinky. Regularly spray them with a fabric-safe deodorizer to keep them fresh.
24. Use Activated Charcoal Bags
These eco-friendly pouches naturally absorb moisture and odor. Toss one in each cleat overnight or use a larger one in your soccer bag.
Tip: Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags are highly recommended.
25. Set a Weekly “Reset” Routine
Create a regular routine where you wash shin guards, clean cleats, wipe down the bag, and check socks. This helps keep smells in check and teaches kids responsibility.
Final Thoughts
With two soccer-playing teens at home, I’ve learned the battle with smelly gear is real—but it’s definitely manageable. The key is consistency: act fast, don’t let sweat sit, and use the right products. A solid detergent, a good boot dryer, and some odor-eliminating hacks can work wonders.
Start with a few of these tips, and you’ll notice a difference right away. Your car, your laundry room
