How to dry shoes properly

 5 minutes

How to dry shoes: tips from the pros

Start right away

It's important to start drying your shoes as soon as possible after you get home with wet feet or take a freshly washed pair out of the washer. Wet shoes are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that can cause odors and mold marks. In addition, delaying drying can adversely affect the quality and appearance of shoes, making them stiff and damaging the materials.

Shoe preparation

Before drying, remove dirt from the surface of the shoes to prevent stains. Use a damp cloth to remove obvious dirt such as raindrops and wet snow. Suede shoes should be gently blotted with a towel, and fabric shoes and sneakers, if they are heavily soiled, should be sent to the wash and then proceed to dry.

Pull out the insoles

If possible, remove the insoles from your shoes. This will allow air to circulate freely inside the shoe, speeding up the drying process. Separately lay out the insoles for their own drying.

Take off your laces

Like insoles, laces interfere with the normal circulation of air inside the shoe, so it is recommended to remove them before drying. This will help the shoes dry evenly.

Use mold holders

In order for the shoes to retain their shape during drying, it is recommended to use mold holders. If you don't have special plastic mold holders, you can use foam pads, which often come with shoes, or simply put crumpled paper inside the shoes. This will help prevent the formation of creases and bends.

Avoid direct heat

It is important not to put shoes on direct heat. Avoid placing shoes on a radiator, near a heater or open flame. It is also not recommended to dry shoes in direct sunlight. Excessive heat can damage the outer surface of the shoe, change the properties of adhesives, impregnations and other materials, which can cause the shoe to dry out or lose its properties.

Ensure good air circulation

It is important to find a place with good air circulation to dry your shoes. For example, you can put your shoes under a fan (without the heating function turned on) or leave them in a draft. This will help speed up the drying process.

Use shoe dryers

Shoe dryers are electrical heating elements that are placed inside wet shoes and plugged into a power outlet. They heat up to a safe temperature, which helps the shoes dry faster. Some dryers are also equipped with a function to blow warm air on the inside of the shoes, while others may have built-in ultraviolet lamps that destroy bacteria and fungi.

Put tissues inside shoes

To speed up drying, you can use folded paper napkins, old newspapers, or toilet paper. They absorb moisture well. Place them inside the shoe, but don't stuff them too tightly to allow air to circulate. Change wipes as needed when they become very damp.

Use a towel

The fabric also absorbs moisture effectively. Place two corners of the towel inside the shoes, one in each shoe. Then carefully wrap the towel around the boots on all sides. The first towel can be removed after a few minutes, it will help absorb most of the moisture. Then replace it with a fresh one and leave for several hours to dry completely.

Use rice or filler

If you have excess rice or cat litter, you can use it to dry your shoes. Fill the bucket about an inch or so with rice or filler, then dip your toes in and cover the bucket with a lid. Leave the shoes in this state overnight and they should dry.

Remember to store your shoes in a dry and warm place to avoid constant moisture. If shoes are stored in cold and damp conditions, they may still be damp even after being thoroughly dried.

Drying shoes is an important step in shoe care, which helps to maintain their quality and prolong their service life. By following simple and effective drying methods, you can avoid odors, mold marks and keep your shoes in good condition.

Now that you know how to properly dry your shoes, you can apply these tips to your everyday life. Remember to start drying as soon as possible after using your shoes. Remove dirt, remove insoles and laces, use mold holders, avoid direct heat, and find a place with good air circulation. If necessary, you can use shoe dryers, paper napkins, towels or rice to speed up the drying process.

Take good care of your shoes and they will delight you for a long time with their quality and comfort. Remember that dry and clean shoes are not only pleasant for your feet, but also a guarantee of their durability.

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