How to dry your shoes properly

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Putting your boots on a battery is not an option.

An important point: you need to start drying your shoes as soon as possible. Ideally, right after you come home with wet feet (or take out a freshly washed steam from the machine).

The fact is that bacteria and fungi rapidly multiply in wet shoes, due to which an unpleasant odor and mold stains can appear. In addition, if tightened with drying, the quality of shoes or boots may suffer: they will become stiff, their appearance will deteriorate.

To dry your shoes as gently as possible, follow our instructions.

How to prepare shoes for drying

Remove dirt

If it dries on the surface of the shoe, it can lead to stubborn stains. It is very difficult to cope with them, and in some cases even impossible.

Once you get home with wet feet, take off your shoes and use a damp cloth to wipe off the most obvious dirt from your shoes, including raindrops and wet snow.

This does not apply to suede boots: you just need to gently blot them with a towel. Shoes made from such a delicate material are cleaned only dry. And cloth shoes and sneakers, if they are seriously dirty, should be immediately sent to the wash (follow the instructions on the tag!) And only then dry.

Pull out the insoles

If it is possible of course. Due to the free circulation of air inside, the shoes will dry faster. Let the insoles dry separately.

Take off your laces

Like insoles, they make it difficult for air to circulate inside the shoe, so it is best to dry them separately.

Use mold holders

They will help prevent the formation of creases and kinks. If you don't have special plastic mold holders, you can install the foam pads that were sold with a pair into your shoes, or put crumpled paper inside.

How to dry your shoes correctly

Avoid direct heating

Never put shoes, sneakers, boots on a radiator, or near a heater or open fire. Drying your shoes in direct sunlight is also not a good choice.

The fact is that excess heat can damage the outer surface of the shoe and change the properties of glue, impregnation and other materials. Because of this, the shoes can dry out or lose their properties: for example, they become more rigid or begin to leak water.

Find a place with good air circulation

For example, you can put your shoes under a fan - without the heating function turned on! Or leave her in a draft. This will speed up drying significantly.

How to dry your shoes faster

Use shoe dryers

These are electrical heating elements that are placed inside wet steam and plugged into an outlet. The gadgets heats up to a safe temperature and the shoe dries faster.

Dryers can have additional functions besides heating. For example, some models also blow warm air from the inside of the shoe. Others have built-in UV lamps that kill bacteria and fungi.

What to buy

Place rolled paper napkins inside the shoe

Old newspapers and toilet paper will also work. Such materials quickly absorb excess moisture. To speed up drying, do not stuff your shoes too tight, and change the paper as it gets wet - every 2-4 hours.

Use a towel

Like paper napkins, the fabric absorbs moisture effectively.

Place two corners of the towel inside the shoe - one in each shoe. Wrap the loose part of the boot loosely on all sides. The first towel should be removed after a few minutes: it will absorb the main moisture. Then replace it with a fresh one and let it sit for a few hours.

Use rice or cat litter

If you have an abundance of these products, fill the bucket with them about 2-3 centimeters. Then dip in rice or shoe sock filler, cover the bucket with a lid, and let sit overnight.

And remember: the place where the shoes are stored must be dry and warm. If you keep your steam in cold and humid conditions, it will be constantly wet, no matter how thoroughly you dry it before.