Shoes are generally meant to be a protective gear against tough terrains, unforgiving weather conditions, and constant wear and tear. However, slipping a pair of shoes only to find them soaked or saturated isn’t such a good way to start your day.
Think about walking around with damp, wet footwear, and the associated squidgy environment upon every step you make- wet shoes can be harsh enough.
Well, it’s partway normal to have soggy shoes sometimes. It’s especially common while walking in heavy rain, and could even occur from an unpredicted puddle on the street.
However, you can relax knowing that whenever this happens, you know how to get rid of the wetness and dry your shoes without subsiding the longevity of your boots with excessive heat.
You might be tempted to think that shoes will be okay in the washer and dry, but that can significantly degrade the model’s durability. You may have heard issues where users placed their shoes in the washer, and then subject them to a dryer, only to realize the shoes were getting stained and the outsoles weakened, likely to separate from the shoe.
Luckily, there are several drying methods at your disposal. Obviously, the first one would be a clothes dryer, but shoe developers usually recommend staying away from this path. It can shrink them and cause real damages to the model’s construction. Yet, it’s still an option somehow.
Using a fan
One thing worth mentioning about this method is it’s relatively based on the construction and the built quality of the shoe. Solid models, leather, and gel-soled shoes tend to work best with this particular method.
- Start by removing any dirt on the shoe, and get the wet footwear near a table fan.
- The fan needs to be sturdy and elevated than the shoe’s length for this to work properly.
- Put a towel near the fan to hold the excess water drops as the shoe gets dry.
- Remove the insoles and set them on a low cycle for several minutes. Alternatively, you can put the insoles on a radiator to dry up.
- Get two pieces of wire hunger that are six inches (15 cm) each, and bend them to form S-shaped hooks.
- Put the wire hooks on the front side of the table fan.
- Hang the shoes on the hooks with the insides facing the fan blades, and turn the fan on high until your shoes are dry and ready.
Newspaper
Newspapers probably the easiest and the least damaging alternative method to have your shoes dry and ready. In fact, this method has been around and has for long and is a good way to use unwanted newspapers.
- Start by adding an absorbent element to the shoe’s interior to wick away the moisture.
- Get some newspapers, ball them up, and stuff them right into the sneakers.
- After an hour or so, check to see whether the shoe’s interior remains damp.
- Replace the newspaper every few hours if it gets soaked.
- Continue to let your sneakers dry.
- As for the shoes’ outside, wrap several newspaper sheets around the shoes.
- You might need to use a rubber band to keep everything together.
Shoe Dryer
This is probably the quickest option to have your shoes dry overnight.
- Start by removing the laces and the insoles to dry outside.
- Place your shoes on two drying tubes. Ensure the front of the shoe remains high enough then the heel so that the whole thing dries thoroughly.
- Use anvils when putting your shoes on the drying tubes to enhance the proper circulation of warm air.
- Keep a six inches clearance between the base and the shoe.
- Turn on your shoe dryer and get rid of any obstruction near the vents. It could just hinder ample air circulation.
- Don’t use a shoe dryer alongside any secondary heat source.
Refrigerator
Refrigerator? Well yes! It’s yet another household appliance where you can get your shoes dry and ready. But in this case, you will be using the vents, not really the inside. These vents are typically located below the door.
After every cooling cycle, refrigerators are designed to blow out hot/warm air, which can help dry your shoes. Alternatively, you can have your shoes placed behind the refrigerator where the intake. It will draw the moisture from your footwear:
- Remove the laces and insoles if there are any.
- Place your shoes with its opening facing the vent.
- If you’re using the refrigerator intake, place the opening of the shoe facing the fan.
- Allow them to dry
Rice
Staple foods are generally associated with so many applications. And rice is not an exception. Raw dried rice can work as a desiccant and eliminate a substantial amount of moisture:
- Have an inch (or two) of dry rice in a sealable synthetic tub.
- Snuggle the wet shoe upside down into the rice.
- Seal the tub and leave your shoes for a few hours to dry.
- The rice will absorb a great deal of moisture out of the shoes.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Shoe Odor With Tea Bags
Clothes Dryer
If you have to dry a pair of shoes immediately, you might consider clothes dry as a last resort. However, this method is not ideal for all footwear types.
You might have to find an alternative way, especially if the shoes are made of leather or incorporate gel-core inserts, as the dryer could destroy such materials. With that in mind:
- Knot the laces of both footwear together.
- Place them within the dryer and don’t put any other laundry.
- Close the door and make sure the knot in the laces remains outside after closing
- Set the dryer to air fluff (or as low as possible)
- Run the dryer for a maximum of one hour.
- Use another method if the shoes are still wet.
Bottom Line
Wet shoes can be downright uncomfortable. Whether you’re getting rid of dirt and stains, are just walking in the rain, too much wetness is bound to reach your shoes’ interior. This is definitely the case if the shoes aren’t water-proof. Walking in a pair of sneakers that are not properly dried can cause mold build-up, mildew, and awful odor. So be sure to get your footwear clean and dry with the above easy methods.