Can You Put Shoes in the Dryer? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you have ever been caught in a downpour or unintentionally walked into a puddle, you understand the annoyance of wet shoes. Throwing them in the dryer for a fast fix may be alluring, but waiting for them to air dry can seem like forever. However, is drying shoes in the dryer really acceptable? Let us examine what you should know before pressing the start button in more detail!

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Understanding the Risks of Drying Shoes in a Dryer

Heat Damage: Many shoes are not designed to survive the extreme heat of a dryer. Leather, suede, and some synthetics are among the materials that can distort, shrink, or even melt when heated.

Loss of Shape: Shoes’ comfort and support are frequently dependent on their shape. Shoes with rubber or foam soles may lose shape due to the dryer’s tumble motion.

Noise and Possible Dryer Damage: Have you ever tossed shoes in a dryer and heard a loud thumping sound? The noise produced by shoes bouncing around inside can be pretty loud and may cause harm to the dryer drum.

Types of Shoes You Should Never Put in the Dryer

1. Leather Shoes:

Leather and heat are incompatible. Leather may fracture and lose its shine if it is dried in a dryer.

2. Suede Shoes:

Shoes made of suede are even more delicate than leather; heat and moisture can permanently alter the texture of suede.

3. Dress Shoes:

Avoid putting formal shoes near a dryer if they are made of fragile fabrics or have unique finishes.

4. Shoes with Glue:

Specific shoes are glued together instead of sewn. Heat can deteriorate the glue, causing seams to come loose.

How to Dry Shoes in a Dryer Safely

Here are some guidelines for drying shoes in the dryer without endangering them or your dryer, should you choose to try it:

Set to Low or No Heat:

Always choose the lowest heat setting. High heat may damage your shoes and dryer irreparably.

Include towels to provide cushioning:

You can lessen the impact and noise by throwing a few towels in with your shoes. The towels shield your shoes and dryer drum and absorb part of the impact.

Use a Dryer Rack (If Available):

If a dryer rack is available, use it. Racks that keep things in place are included with certain dryers. Because they keep the shoes from bouncing about, this is perfect for drying them.

Try the Pillowcase Trick:

The Pillowcase Trick is worth trying. Shoes can be protected by being placed in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. After tying the case firmly, put it in the dryer with a few towels.

Alternative Ways to Dry Your Shoes

Here are several less dangerous but equally efficient substitutes for the dryer if it seems too dangerous:

Air drying:

Take off the laces and insoles, wrap the shoes in paper towels or newspaper, and leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry. If you swap out the paper after it is saturated, you will be shocked at how quickly it dries!

Using a Fan:

Place your shoes next to a fan and let it force air into them. This can expedite drying without causing heat damage.

Dryers for shoes:

Specialized shoe dryers gently dry shoes. They operate with constant airflow and at a lower temperature, which is considerably safer for most materials.

How to Dry Shoes with Newspapers

The first step in using newspapers to dry your shoes is to remove the laces and insoles, promoting ventilation and expediting the drying process. Gather some simple black-and-white newspapers (do not use colorful ink to stop bleeding), crumple the pages, and cram them inside your shoes, paying particular attention to the toes where moisture likes to remain. Wrap more newspaper around the outside of each shoe for added absorption.

To prevent damage to the material, keep your shoes away from direct heat sources and in a dry, well-ventilated place. Your shoes should dry in a few hours overnight, so check and replace the newspaper every few hours if it gets wet. Newspaper is incredibly absorbent, kind to your shoes, and does not require heat to keep them fresh and odor-free, so this method works beautifully.

Conclusion

Although some shoe types can be dried in the dryer, it is advisable to use caution and judiciously. In general, air drying is a safer choice that can extend the life of your shoes. However, in an emergency, take the advice to keep your boots and dryer safe.

The bottom line? Before you put your shoes in the dryer, give it some thought! If you use the proper methods, you may have dry shoes without the danger of breaking them.

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