Introduction
Wet shoes can be an annoying inconvenience whether you’re running errands, exercising, or just hopping around town. They can cause blisters, emit unpleasant odor, and even harbor bacteria that can produce fungal infections. Fortunately, there are various methods for drying shoes quickly, safely, and without damaging them.
In this article, we will be providing you with 5 ingenious ways to dry your shoes quickly and safely without damaging them. These include using newspaper or paper towels, hairdryers, fans or air conditioning, rice or silica gel packets, and even microwaves! Additionally, we will be discussing the benefits of air drying overnight, tricks for drying wet shoes without ruining them, how to safely dry your shoes in a clothes dryer, and 10 quick and easy tips for drying wet shoes on the go.
5 Ingenious Ways to Dry Shoes When You’re in a Hurry
Option 1: Stuffing shoes with newspaper or paper towels
Newspaper or paper towels are a great absorbent and can draw moisture out of the shoes quickly. When using newspaper, crumple it up into tight balls that can be easily inserted into the heel and toe areas of the shoe. This ensures maximum absorption of water from both the outside and the inside of the shoe.
Option 2: Using a hairdryer on low heat with caution
A hairdryer is a quick and effective way to dry shoes, but it comes with a warning label. You need to use it with caution to prevent damaging the shoes. Avoid high heat settings and try to keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the shoes to prevent melting or discoloring. Move the hairdryer back and forth around the shoe, focusing on the wet areas until they are dry.
Option 3: Setting shoes in front of a fan or air conditioning
Placing your shoes in front of a fan or air conditioning unit is an easy and effective way to dry them out. If you have a surface or rack, place your shoes on it and aim the fan or air conditioning directly at the shoes. Allow for adequate ventilation so that the moisture does not accumulate in the surrounding air.
Option 4: Microwaving shoes for a few seconds (if made of certain materials)
This method is suitable for shoes that only contain certain materials such as rubber or plastic. However, this option should be used with caution to avoid injury or damage to the shoes. Place a damp towel over the shoes and microwave them for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat this process until the shoes are dry to the touch.
Option 5: Placing shoes in rice or silica gel packets to absorb moisture
Silica gel as well as white rice grains can be great moisture absorbers. Fill up the shoes with either and leave them out to dry for a few hours. The rice grains should be able to absorb the moisture out of the shoes and leave them dry and good to go.
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Drying Your Shoes Overnight
Air drying your shoes is a simple process that requires minimal effort but good time. It is also one of the safest methods to dry any wet footwear. Below are some simple steps to follow:
Step 1: Removing excess water
The first step in air drying your shoes is to remove as much water as possible. Avoid twisting or wringing the shoes because this can cause damage. Instead, pat them down with a dry towel, and then stuff wrinkled newspaper, socks or talcum powder into them to absorb moisture.
Step 2: Setting your shoes in a well-ventilated area
When air drying your shoes overnight, make sure to set them in a room with good ventilation. This will help get rid of the moisture. Do not put them in any enclosed space like cupboards or boxes. Instead, place them in a well-lit area near a fan or air conditioning if possible.
Step 3: Allowing time to dry completely
Air drying would take a while, and in most cases, it could take up to a day to get your shoes dry completely. Make sure the shoes are fully dry before wearing them again. It’s essential to be patient and allow the shoes enough time to dry completely.
5 Simple Tricks for Drying Wet Shoes Without Ruining Them
Option 1: Using a boot dryer or shoe tree
Boot dryers are the perfect way to dry your footwear safely without damaging them. The boot dryer blasts warm air into the shoes, drying them out efficiently. If you don’t have access to a boot dryer, a shoe tree would work well to reshape the shoes after air drying them before being left overnight.
Option 2: Applying talcum powder or baking soda to absorb moisture and odor
Talcum powder or baking soda are excellent moisture absorbers and odor eliminators. Simply sprinkle them in your shoes and leave them for a few hours. Talcum powder and baking soda also work to prevent mould build-up by keeping the inside of your shoes dry.
Option 3: Rubbing alcohol and water solution to kill bacteria and quicken drying time
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, consider rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria on the shoe’s surface. Besides killing bacteria, it evaporates quickly, making it dry faster. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) and water, then apply the solution to the shoes.
Option 4: Freezing shoes to kill bacteria and rapidly dry them out
Place your wet shoes in a plastic zip-lock bag and place them in the freezer. The low temperatures will kill bacteria and rapidly dry out the shoes. Leave the shoes in the freezer for at least three hours before wearing them.
Option 5: Drying shoes in sunlight to kill bacteria and minimize odour
If the weather permits, sunlight is a fantastic way to dry shoes, especially leather shoes. The sunlight will kill the bacteria that cause odors and dry out the shoes quickly. Make sure to avoid leaving your shoes in the sun for too long as it could cause discoloration and warping.
How to Safely Dry Your Shoes in a Clothes Dryer
Not all shoes are ideal for the clothes dryer. Shoes that are made with specific fabrics like leather, suede, or delicate materials should never be put in the dryer because it could damage them. However, for those shoes which are appropriate for a clothes dryer, here are few steps to follow;
Step 1: Setting dryer on low to medium heat
It’s crucial to avoid using high heat on the dryer. It could cause the shoes to shrink, warp or melt. For the best results, set the dryer on low to medium heat.
Step 2: Using a mesh bag or pillowcase for protection
If possible, place your shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase before throwing them into the dryer. This way, the shoes will not bang around inside the dryer but remain stable inside the protective bag.
Step 3: Adding soft towels to prevent noise and aid in fluffing and reshaping the shoes
Another great tip is to add soft towels into the dryer when drying your shoes. This helps cut down on noise and aids in fluffing and reshaping the shoes. This is particularly useful for shoes, which have become stiff and are in need of some reshaping.
Step 4: Checking frequently to prevent overheating or melting
Make sure to check your shoes frequently, so they don’t overheat or melt. If you notice any signs of melting or discoloration, remove the shoes immediately from the dryer. For best results, avoid setting too high a temperature and time in the dryer to avoid damage.
10 Quick and Easy Tips for Drying Wet Shoes on the Go
Option 1: Wrapping shoes in a towel or plastic bag and twisting to remove moisture
When you are in a hurry, wrapping your wet shoes in a towel or plastic bag is a great way to shake off any excess water. Twist the ends of the towel or bag to help wring out the moisture.
Option 2: Using hand dryers or heat lamps in public restrooms
Head over to a nearby public washroom and use the hand dryer or heat lamp to dry out your shoes quickly. Most facilities have both of these, and you don’t need to leave your shoes on for too long to see results.
Option 3: Wearing waterproof socks or shoe covers
Waterproof socks or shoe covers are perfect for rainy days. They help keep your feet dry while still allowing you to wear your shoes. They’re also relatively affordable and last for a long time.
Option 4: Bringing spare shoes to alternate between while others dry
One sure way to avoid wet shoes altogether is by bringing a spare pair if you have the extra space. This is particularly useful for long trips where you might not have space for larger shoes.
Option 5: Utilizing a car’s heating system to dry shoes during a commute
If it’s possible to place your shoes near the heating system of the car during your commute, this is another quick way to dry them out. Just make sure to avoid leaving your shoes there for too long, as it could cause damage or discoloration.
Option 6: Drying shoes in a hotel room with a hairdryer or heated towel rack
If you’re travelling and don’t have access to a boot dryer, use the hairdryer in the hotel to dry your shoes. Some upscale hotels might also have a heated towel rack that works wonders in drying out shoes.
Option 7: Using a portable boot dryer or shoe rack when camping or hiking
When hiking or camping, a portable boot dryer or shoe rack could come in handy. They’re light and portable, and they get the job done. You can easily dry out your shoes overnight under a protective cover if needed.
Option 8: Placing shoes near a campfire or another heat source
Placing your shoes near a heat source like a campfire is a quick way to dry them out. But you run the risk of melting or damage to your shoes due to being placed too near the fire.
