Keeping your shoes in perfect condition can be challenging. Aside from the general wear and tear, you must also combat dirt. It isn't easy! When your shoes start to look old and worn, you need to do something about it. Cleaning your shoes can help them to look brand new for longer. But what about when it comes to drying them properly?
The question on everyone's lips is simple: Can you put shoes in the dryer? You need some answers before you rush off to stick them in the machine. In the following guide, we will answer that question and delve into how you can dry your shoes correctly.
Can you put shoes in the dryer?
While you technically can put shoes in the dryer, you probably shouldn't. It's not a great idea to place footwear in the dryer, given that the clothes dryer's solid heat and roll movement can harm the shoes and change their look or damage adhesives.
If that wasn't enough to put you off this approach, some shoes might not be made of dryer-safe components. With that in mind, letting your shoes dry naturally at room temperature is typically much better. That way, you don't have to worry about ruining your footwear or inadvertently changing the shape of your shoes. Keep things simple!
How to dry shoes quickly: 5 tips
Let's say you've just washed your shoes and want to dry them quickly. What options do you have? Here are some of the expert-backed tips you can use to dry them.
1. Stuff them with newspaper
You might have heard of this shoe-drying tip before. Take a few sheets of newspaper and crumple them into balls. Stuff the balls into your shoes to help absorb moisture. Replace the wet newspaper with dry sheets every hour or so. The shoes will dry in no time.
Using newspaper can also be an effective way to stretch shoes that are a little too tight.
2. Use a fan to dry them
Position your footwear in front of a fan to help distribute the air and speed up the drying process. You can use a portable fan or a hair dryer to blow air directly into the shoes. Once again, you must ensure you don't apply too much heat to the shoes.
There's more where that came from! Check out all of the other uses for a hair dryer next.
3. Use a dehumidifier
Did you know you can use a dehumidifier to dry clothes? The same goes for your shoes! If you have a dehumidifier at home, give this quick shoe-drying tip to try. Place your shoes near the device or even in the same room with the door closed. Dehumidifiers help remove moisture from the air, which speeds up the drying process as a whole.
4. Invest in a shoe dryer
Yes, these do exist. Consider investing in an electric shoe dryer. These devices are specifically designed to dry shoes quickly and effectively. They typically use warm or hot air to dry the shoes quickly.
If you are always having to dry your shoes, we'd suggest trying one of these, but you may also want to learn how to waterproof your shoes.
5. Get some silica gel packets
Silica gel packets are excellent at absorbing moisture. Popping a few packets inside your shoes and leaving them overnight may help them to dry faster.
For more nifty ideas, check out all of the amazing uses for silica gel.
How to dry your shoes in a dryer
Do you still want to put your shoes in the dryer? Okay. Before you dry your shoes in the dryer, double-check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You should also check the shoes' label and fabric to ensure they can be dried this way. The following is a basic overview of how you can get this right:
- Wash your shoes: First up, you're going to want to wash your shoes. Ensure they are clean and debris-free before using the dryer.
- Remove laces and insoles: Remove the shoelaces and any removable insoles or inserts from your shoes. This move will help them dry more evenly and prevent damage.
- Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase: Protecting your shoes is essential! Our favourite laundry tip is to place them in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and prevent them from tumbling around.
- Add towels or dryer balls: If you know how to do laundry, you should be familiar with this tip. To help speed up drying and reduce noise, add a few clean towels or dryer balls into the dryer along with your shoes. These will help to absorb moisture and prevent the shoes from banging against the walls.
- Choose a gentle cycle: Select a low or delicate heat setting on your dryer to prevent excessive heat and potential damage to your shoes.
- Keep an eye on things: Periodically check the shoes to see their progress. You can remove them if they're nearly dry to finish air-drying at room temperature. This action will help to prevent over-drying and maintain their shape.
- Allow them to cool down: Once the shoes are dry or mostly dry, let them cool down inside the dryer before handling them.
While putting shoes in the dryer is an option, it is typically not recommended. If you want to speed up the drying process, the above tips can be used because they are generally more reliable and efficient. Should you choose to go against the grain and put them in the dryer anyway, do so at your own risk. We've outlined ways to protect your shoes when using a washing machine or dryer. To keep your shoes in pristine condition, take a look at our article on clever shoe storage ideas next.
Q&A
Are you looking for some more answers? We've got you covered. Let's take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions. Here's what you need to know.
Will drying shoes ruin the dryer?
Maybe! Some shoes shed lint and debris during drying, which can accumulate in the dryer's lint trap and vents. Excessive lint buildup can reduce the dryer's efficiency and pose a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly. That is a problem of which you should be aware. For that reason, you need to clean out your dryer filter continuously.
There's another problem that you need to know about too. Heavy or bulky shoes can also cause damage to the dryer drum if they repeatedly bang against the walls during the drying process. You don't want to run that risk by drying your shoes in the dryer.
How do you dry shoes overnight?
Are you looking for a quick fix? To help dry shoes overnight, there are some approaches that you can try. Here's a step-by-step guide to drying shoes overnight:
- Wipe away any wetness or dampness from the shoes' interior and exterior with a dry towel or cloth.
- Place the shoes upright, with the soles pointing down in a wire rack or mesh surface to improve airflow.
- Place a fan near the shoes for air circulation. The moving air will help evaporate the moisture more quickly. If you have a portable fan, direct it towards the shoes.
How do I dry my shoes fast?
If you're in a rush, you need a way to dry your shoes quickly. Enhance air circulation around the shoes to speed up the drying process. You may use a fan to blast air directly over the shoes, or you can open doors or windows to facilitate natural ventilation.
Of course, if the location where you're drying your footwear is damp, you should consider using a device that dehumidifies to minimise moisture in the air. This specific approach can help when it comes to speeding up the drying process.
Can you wear wet shoes?
The short answer is no. Wearing damp shoes for an extended period is typically not recommended because it can cause discomfort, foot odour, and perhaps more severe foot problems. Put simply, it's not going to be the nicest experience.
If you can't avoid wearing damp shoes, it's best to have spare dry socks on hand and alternate between pairs of shoes. This move will help you minimise the time your feet are exposed to moisture and reduce the associated risks. However, it's still no fun at all.
Can you put canvas shoes in the dryer?
Canvas shoes are generally safe to put in the dryer, but it's essential to do the following before you get started:
- Check the manufacturer's instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or care instructions for your canvas shoes.
- Remove detachable parts: Take out any detachable parts, such as insoles or laces, before placing canvas shoes in the dryer. This step helps prevent damage and ensures more even drying.
- Use a gentle cycle and low heat: Set your dryer to a gentle cycle with low heat. High heat can potentially damage or shrink canvas shoes, so it's best to use a more delicate setting to avoid adverse effects.
Do you know any other tips for drying shoes? Leave a comment below!
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