As a parent of two soccer-obsessed teens, I\u2019ve 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\u2019t always on the field\u2014it\u2019s dealing with the stink that follows the gear back home.<\/p>\n
But here’s the good news: you don\u2019t 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\u2014ranging from special detergents to deodorizing insoles\u2014that will make life a whole lot fresher.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Tip:<\/strong> Use HEX Performance Laundry Detergent for optimal results.<\/p>\n Cleats are ground zero for odor. Don\u2019t trap them in your bag. Remove the insoles and let your cleats air out after each use to avoid moisture buildup and bacteria.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Consider investing in the FORLIM Boot Dryer.<\/p>\n Regular detergent often isn\u2019t strong enough for the athletic fabrics that soccer gear is made of. Sports detergents break down sweat and odor molecules more effectively.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Try Win Sports Detergent for better results.<\/p>\n Stock insoles often can\u2019t keep up with the intensity of soccer. Opt for insoles designed to absorb sweat and combat odor from the get-go.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Dr. Scholl\u2019s Odor-X Insoles are a great choice.<\/p>\n Moisture is the main culprit for stinky shoes. A boot dryer pushes warm air into your cleats, reducing moisture and preventing bacteria growth.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> FORLIM Boot Dryer is a top choice.<\/p>\n This low-cost hack works wonders. Sprinkle baking soda into your cleats overnight to absorb both moisture and odor.<\/p>\n Just make sure to shake it out in the morning.<\/p>\n These small pods fit perfectly inside your cleats and shin guards. They release a fresh scent while fighting bacteria.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Sneaker Balls Shoe Freshener is a solid option.<\/p>\n If possible, invest in a second pair of cleats. Alternating pairs allows each set to dry out fully, reducing odor and wear.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Use Gear Aid Revivex Odor Eliminator for extra freshness.<\/p>\n Sounds strange, but freezing your cleats in a plastic bag overnight can kill bacteria and help eliminate odor.<\/p>\n Athletic shoes are ideal for fungi and bacteria. Sprinkle some anti-fungal powder into your cleats after use to keep them fresh and dry.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Lotrimin Antifungal Powder does the job well.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> DryGuy Travel Dry DX Shoe Dryer is a great travel companion.<\/p>\n Soccer socks trap sweat like nothing else. Washing them in hot water kills bacteria and helps break down odor-causing molecules.<\/p>\n If stubborn smells linger, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It neutralizes odors naturally.<\/p>\n A quick spray of disinfectant after practice prevents bacteria buildup.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> HEX Deodorizing Spray or Lysol Disinfectant Spray works great.<\/p>\n A simple mesh bag keeps air circulating through sweaty clothes, preventing them from becoming a \u201csealed stink bomb.\u201d<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Mesh Laundry Bags Set is a handy option.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are great for the job.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Classic and effective: slip a dryer sheet into each cleat after practice, and they\u2019ll smell much better by game day.<\/p>\n Nature\u2019s disinfectant is powerful. Let your cleats and shin guards dry out in direct sunlight to kill bacteria and reduce odors.<\/p>\n Invest in multiple pairs of socks so your teen doesn\u2019t wear damp ones twice. Fresh socks mean fresher shoes.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> adidas Rivalry Soccer Grip Socks are a solid choice.<\/p>\n Some players wear two thin pairs of socks to absorb extra sweat and reduce odor.<\/p>\n It can also help prevent blisters, making it worth a try if foot odor is a problem.<\/p>\n Soccer bags can get pretty stinky. Regularly spray them with a fabric-safe deodorizer to keep them fresh.<\/p>\n These eco-friendly pouches naturally absorb moisture and odor. Toss one in each cleat overnight or use a larger one in your soccer bag.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags are highly recommended.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With two soccer-playing teens at home, I\u2019ve learned the battle with smelly gear is real\u2014but it\u2019s definitely manageable. The key is consistency: act fast, don\u2019t let sweat sit, and use the right products. A solid detergent, a good boot dryer, and some odor-eliminating hacks can work wonders.<\/p>\n Start with a few of these tips, and you\u2019ll notice a difference right away. Your car, your laundry room<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a parent of two soccer-obsessed teens, I\u2019ve 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\u2019t always on the field\u2014it\u2019s dealing with the stink that follows the gear back home. But here’s the good news: you don\u2019t […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":964,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":null,"jnews_primary_category":{"id":"","hide":""},"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-962","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-soccer"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=962"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":966,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/962\/revisions\/966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/964"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysstayactive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Let Cleats Air Out<\/h3>\n
3. Use Sports-Specific Detergent<\/h3>\n
4. Odor-Fighting Insoles<\/h3>\n
5. Invest in a Boot Dryer<\/h3>\n
6. Use Baking Soda<\/h3>\n
7. Try Gear Deodorizing Balls<\/h3>\n
8. Rotate Cleats<\/h3>\n
9. Wash Shin Guards Weekly<\/h3>\n
10. Freeze the Funk<\/h3>\n
11. Use Anti-Fungal Powder<\/h3>\n
12. Try a Portable Gear Dryer<\/h3>\n
13. Always Wash Socks in Hot Water<\/h3>\n
14. Add Vinegar to the Wash<\/h3>\n
15. Spray Gear After Each Game<\/h3>\n
16. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag<\/h3>\n
17. Don\u2019t Forget the Bag<\/h3>\n
18. DIY Essential Oil Spray<\/h3>\n
19. Dryer Sheets in Cleats<\/h3>\n
20. Sunlight Is Free<\/h3>\n
21. Rotate Socks<\/h3>\n
22. Try the Double Sock Method<\/h3>\n
23. Deodorize Your Soccer Bag<\/h3>\n
24. Use Activated Charcoal Bags<\/h3>\n
25. Set a Weekly \u201cReset\u201d Routine<\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n