How to Dry Shoes in the Dryer?

The problem with having favorite shoes is that you wanna have them all the time. Unfortunately, there comes a day when you get caught in the rain or mud gets splashed on your shoe. Since you need them the next day, the only idea that makes sense is to dry them in the dryer.

But wait…you’ve never done that before. This leads you to wondering exactly how you can dry shoes in a dryer. The good news is, you actually can. But to avoid shoes coming out crunchy like biscuits, keep reading for some useful tips.

How to Properly Dry Shoes in a Dryer?

Since you can’t throw shoes in a dryer and press the start button, here are a few steps on how to do it right:

1. Check the label first

The rule of thumb when it comes to drying shoes in dryer is first checking the label. Some shoes are not meant to be shoved in the dryer. If you check the label and you see a crossed out sign, just know those shoes should be dried elsewhere but not in the dryer.

If by any chance you don’t understand the symbol on your shoes, then do a little research to avoid making a huge mistake.

2. What’s the type of fabric?

Hey, we know you want them dry the next morning. But here is a helpful trick-if there is no indication that the shoe can be dried in a dryer, then check the material make up. Fabric composition can easily let you know the best way to dry a shoe. FYI, nylon, cotton, canvas, and polyester can go into the dryer.

So what shoe materials should never go into the dryer? Leather, suede, and other natural and animal-based fabrics. Such material cracks or peels when exposed to excess heat.

Suppose the material box is checked for dryer eligibility, here’s what you should check next:

3. Dryer settings

One thing you have to understand about modern dryers is that they have adjustable settings. The best level for shoes and non-tumble should be ‘‘air-dry.’’ Unfortunately, not all dryers will have this setting. In such a case, you should settle for the lower settings.

Instructions on how to dry shoes in a dryer

You got everything we said above right, right? Here are a few instructions that will guarantee a successful process:

  • Clean ‘em up: first, you must clean your shoes to remove mud and other debris stuck on them. Warm water and any mild detergent should do the work
  • Remove lint: before you use a dryer, make sure to remove the lint from the lint filter. Too much of it prevents air circulation which could hamper the drying process
  • Stuff soft items in the shoes: Shoes tend to lose shape when dried in a dryer. To preserve their shape, stuff them up with soft materials like rags.
  • Next, it’s a pretty grim situation to let shoes bounce around in the dryer. This can result in costly damages. So place shoes on the rack that comes with the dryer.
  • In the absence of a rack, tie your shoes together in a knot and suspend them on the door.
  • If your everyday shoes don’t come with laces, it will be quite hard to dry them in a dryer. But you can be inventive and surround them up with towels to prevent them from bouncing around.

Alternative options of drying Shoes

If a dryer doesn’t seem like the best way to dry your favorite running shoes, boots, or flats, here are other choices that could come in handy:

1. Shoe Dryers

You probably don’t know it but machines that dry shoes exist. Some of them go for as low as $10. There are different models out there and so are their methods of drying. Basic dryers work by repeatedly forcing air into your shoes. Some can be used to dry socks, garments, and gloves. 

2. Fan

Fan

An indoor fan should be the next best choice when you cannot dry your shoes outside. In fact, through this method, you don’t need to worry about your favorite running shoes warping or fading.

No matter what kind of fan you are using, make sure to adhere to proper safety like not getting shoes/ laces too close to the fan or letting the unit run all night.

3. Heat

One of the best ways to dry shoes overnight is by getting them close to a source of heat. As a matter of fact, they’ll dry faster than they would in a fan’s cold air. However, if you get them too close to the heat, they could get warped.

4. Rice bath

You’ve probably heard this trick before, right? Rice is pretty great at absorbing moisture. But for the method to work well, you need a container that can be sealed tight. This container should be big enough to accommodate your shoes.

The amount of time your shoes will take to dry depends on how wet they are. If they are simply damp, it’ll take a couple of hours. If they were wet, you might want to leave them in overnight. 

The last choice you have is probably to dry your walking shoes outside in the sun.

Wrap up

If you always find yourself always wanting to dry your shoes overnight, then you need shoe drying machines. Yes, they exist. But if you have a dryer, that could do as well. However, as we have explained in this article, you must check the material of the shoes, dryer settings, and a few other things.

If you keep spoiling your shoes in a dryer, then try out other alternative methods of drying shoes. All the best.

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