How To Clean Golf Shoes Simply: A Step by Step Guide

Are your golf shoes looking a little worse for wear? If so, putting in the time and effort needed to keep them clean is important. Not only is cleaning your golf shoes essential for improving their look and longevity, but a neat pair of golf cleats also helps you improve your performance on the course by providing optimum traction, comfort and stability.

The good news is that this task doesn’t have to be overly complicated or time-consuming –with these five easy steps, you can significantly enhance the appearance of your favorite golf shoes in no time!

What Preparation is Needed to Clean Golf Shoes?

You’ll need a few basic cleaning supplies to keep your golf shoes in top condition. You don’t need to prepare all these things below, but it’s better to have essential equipment for brushing and cleaning.

  • Golf shoe brushes: These are specific brushes designed for cleaning golf shoes and can be found in many sporting goods stores. They have stiff bristles to remove dirt and debris from the shoe’s surface and the grooves of a golf shoe.
  • Toothbrush: An old toothbrush can be used to scrub dirt and gunk from the upper part of the golf shoe.
  • Cleaning solution: Use a mild cleaning solution, like a soapy water mixture, to remove the golf shoe’s deeper dirt and stains.
  • Cleaning cloth: A damp cleaning cloth can apply your cleaning solution and give the shoe an overall clean.
  • Shoe tree: This device helps keep the shoe’s shape when unused. It can also help dry the shoe quickly and evenly after cleaning.
  • Shoe polish: This can give your golf shoes a nice shine after cleaning. Be sure to use the correct type and color of polish for your shoes.
  • Wax: A waterproofing wax can give the shoe an extra layer of protection and increase the life of your golf shoes.
  • Waterproofing spray: This can be used after waxing to protect the shoe from water and keep the shoe in great condition.
  • Towel: A soft towel can dry your golf shoes after cleaning and help prevent water stains.

How To Clean Golf Shoes Like New In 5 Easy Steps:

Before we delve into the 5 simple steps for cleaning, you have to check the label (or tag) on your golf shoes. This will help determine the fabric and provide care and usage instructions. If your golf shoes can’t be machine washed, washed in water, or use any other detergents, please follow these guidelines.

How To Clean Golf Shoes
An Old Nike Golf Shoe

Now, here’s our cleaning golf shoes guideline for common golf shoes. Keep scrolling to explore!

Step 1: Remove Debris

Start by removing any visible dirt, mud, or grass from your golf shoes. Use a stiff brush, a soft cloth, or a vacuum cleaner to help remove the debris.

Step 2: Clean Carefully

Once you’ve removed all the debris, you can start cleaning your golf shoes. Take a damp cloth and gently wipe down each shoe, removing any dirt or dust.

Step 3: Wash Shoes

After cleaning each shoe, you can start washing them. Use a mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth to scrub the shoes. Use a toothbrush or other small brush to get into all the crevices and seams of the shoes. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cold water until all the soap is gone.

A notable thing is that you shouldn’t wash your shoes in warm or hot water to avoid damaging the material or causing it to lose its color. Also, avoid submerging your shoes in water too long because that can also damage them.

Step 4: Remove Odors

If your golf shoes have any odors, you can use a mild deodorizer to help remove them. Once the smell has been removed, allow your golf shoes to dry overnight.

Step 5: Finish with a Shine

After your shoes have dried, you can finish them off by giving the leather surfaces a good shine. Use a leather conditioner or wax to protect the finish, and then use a clean cloth to buff the shoes until they shine like new.

Now that you know how to clean your golf shoes, why not learn about the gear used by the best? Check out our article on Tiger Woods’ golf clubs and their unique features.

Cleaning Golf Shoes By The Baby Wipe Method

If you’re in a hurry and need to clean your golf shoes quickly, consider using baby wipes instead of traditional cleaning methods.

Most cleaning products are harsh and can damage the leather on your shoes, but baby wipes are gentle enough to use without causing any harm. These wipes are designed for sensitive skin, making them safe and effective for leather shoes.

Simply wipe down your shoes with the baby wipes, and let them air dry afterward. Not only will your golf shoes look clean and polished, but they’ll also smell fresh and baby-fresh!

How To Clean Leather Golf Shoes

Leather golf shoes require a more specialized cleaning approach than other materials, as the leather must be regularly conditioned. You can keep your shoes in top condition with a few easy steps:

How To Clean Golf Shoes
A Leather Golf Shoe
  • Remove any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
  • Apply a gentle soap and warm water solution to the shoes with a soft cloth. Gently scrub any particularly dirty areas, careful not to damage the leather.
  • Rinse the shoes with clean water, apply a leather conditioner with a soft cloth, and buff them in the leather.
  • Let them sit for an hour or two before wearing them again.

Be aware that you don’t dry leather shoes in the hot sunlight, instead of that, finding a cool dry place to store them is the best way. Keep in mind to never use harsh chemicals when cleaning leather golf shoes, as it can cause irreparable damage and discoloration.

With proper care, your leather golf shoes will last you for many rounds.

How To Clean Canvas Golf Shoes

First, remove any loose dirt or debris using a soft-bristle brush to clean your canvas golf shoes. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent, and use a cloth to clean the shoes gently. Be sure to rinse the shoes thoroughly with water and then air dry them completely, avoiding direct heat sources that could warp or damage the canvas material.

While you shouldn’t dry your leather shoes in the hot sunlight, you can do that with your canvas. However, don’t dry them too long, if not your golf shoes will be damaged or fade. Besides, because it’s made of canvas fabric, be aware of choosing the brush. Canvas shoe fabric will be worn out due to using a stiff brush.

How To Clean Mesh Golf Shoes

Mesh golf shoes may require less cleaning or maintenance than leather ones, but keeping them clean is still important. To do so:

  • Start by removing the laces and insoles, then lightly brush away any surface dirt or debris with a soft brush.
  • Make a solution of warm water and dish soap to clean the mesh upper gently.
  • Let your shoes air dry before wearing them again.

How To Clean Golf Shoe Spikes

Start by removing any excess dirt and debris from the spikes with a sturdy brush. Then, soak them in warm water and mild soap for a few minutes. Scrub them gently with the brush, making sure to reach all the crevices.

Once clean, rinse the spikes thoroughly and let them dry completely before attaching them to your shoes. With these simple steps, you can keep your golf shoe spikes in top-notch condition and enjoy a better grip on the course.

A small notion when cleaning golf shoe spikes is avoiding not to lose them by placing them in an easy-to-find place because they are small and easy to misplace. It’s always a good idea to have a few extra spikes with you when you lose them.

Ways to Get Rid Of Stubborn Stains from Your Golf Shoes?

Now, you know how to clean your golf shoes, however, some stubborn stains are hard to clean and they are not easy to get rid of by conventional methods. In this part, we will discuss some tips and tricks on how to get rid of stubborn stains from your golf shoes.

Make a paste-like solution by mixing baking soda and water in equal parts. Rub the solution gently onto your shoes to remove stubborn stains.

Use a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts warm water as an alternative, if you need a slightly stronger product to remove the stain. Apply the solution to the shoe and wait for about 15 minutes before scrubbing it off with a toothbrush or cloth.

Use a suede brush to remove deeper, ingrained dirt and debris from your shoes. After brushing, use a damp cloth to clean any remaining grime.

If the stain still won’t come off, try using a cleaner specifically designed for leather or fabric golf shoes.

For water-based stains on leather shoes, use water and vinegar to remove them.

For oil-based stains, use a mixture of dish soap or detergent and warm water to blot the stain.

These methods should help you get rid of stubborn stains on your golf shoes without damaging the fabric or leather. Regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in helping to preserve the life of your shoes so that they look good for many rounds of golf!

Tips for Maintaining Golf Shoes

Caring for your golf shoes properly is essential to keep them in top condition and prevent wear and tear. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your shoes:

  • Stuff them with newspaper when not in use to help keep the shape intact.
  • Store them away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat.
  • Apply a leather conditioner or protective spray once a month.
  • Bring a separate pair of shoes to wear while playing on the course.
  • Replace your golf shoes when you notice wear and tear or deterioration.
  • Always air-dry your golf shoes after every use, even if they appear dry outside.
  • If the soles of your golf shoes become slick or greasy, use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue.
  • Replace the laces and insoles of your golf shoes regularly to ensure they don’t wear out over time.

How Often Should Golf Shoes Be Cleaned?

Golf shoes are an essential part of a golfer’s attire. They provide the necessary grip and support required to make the perfect shot. However, with regular use, golf shoes accumulate dirt, grass stains, and mud, affecting their performance over time. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your golf shoes clean. But how often should you do it? Well, that largely depends on how frequently you play and the conditions in which you play.

How To Clean Golf Shoes
An Old ECCO Shoe

If you’re an occasional golfer playing on dry courses, cleaning your shoes once every few weeks should suffice. However, if you’re a frequent golfer or play in wet and muddy conditions, cleaning your shoes after every round is recommended. Not only will this prolong the life of your shoes, but it will also help maintain their performance on the course.

FAQs

Can I Clean My Golf Shoes In The Washing Machine?

Putting your golf shoes in the washing machine is not recommended. Doing so could damage the material of the shoe and stretch out the fabric. However, there are also some golf shoes that can be cleaned in the washing machine. You also can put your golf shoes and some small towels or old clothes not used into the machine to protect your golf shoes.

Can I Use A Leather Cleaner On My Golf Shoes?

You can use a specialized leather cleaner to clean and protect your golf shoes. Follow the instructions carefully and use a soft cloth when applying the cleaner.

Can I Put My Golf Shoes In The Dryer?

Putting your golf shoes in the dryer is not recommended. This could cause damage to the material and shorten the lifespan of your shoes. Instead, let your golf shoes air dry naturally.

How Do I Protect My Golf Shoes?

The best way to protect your golf shoes is by regularly cleaning them and applying a protective coating or waterproofing spray. This will help keep them from becoming damaged by dirt, moisture and other outside elements. Additionally, it is important to remember to store your shoes in a cool, dry place when you are not using them. Doing this will help extend the life of your golf shoes and keep them looking new for longer!

Does Baking Soda Make White Shoes White Again?

Baking soda can make white shoes brighter and whiter again. Mix one baking soda with two teaspoons of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the shoes and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing in a circular motion with an old toothbrush. Rinse the shoes off with clean water and let them air dry. This should help make your white shoes look like new again!

Can Toothpaste Whiten Shoes?

Toothpaste can be used to whiten shoes. Apply a small amount of toothpaste on an old toothbrush and use it to scrub the shoes in a circular motion. Rinse off the shoes with clean water and let them air dry. This should help make your white shoes look brighter and whiter again.

How Do I Dry White Shoes Without Turning Yellow?

The best way to dry white shoes without turning them yellow is by allowing them to air dry. Place the shoes in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the shoes from fading and turning yellow over time. It is also important to remember to clean your shoes regularly with a gentle detergent to keep them looking bright and new.

Final Thoughts

Caring for golf shoes may seem like a chore, but following these steps carefully will help keep your shoes looking and performing like new! With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can extend the life of your golf shoes while maintaining their style and performance. So take a few minutes each week to give your golf shoes some love — it’s worth the effort!

These are just a few steps you can follow to keep your golf shoes looking their best and lasting for years. With frequent cleaning, you’ll be able to maintain the peak performance of your golf shoes to get the most out of your game!

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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