Shoes made of leather, suede and nubuck are considered durable and wear-resistant, but do not forget that natural materials require careful care. Dirt, puddles, wet snow, temperature changes - these factors do not have the best effect on the condition of the shoes. If the boots become saturated with moisture, care must be taken to return them to their original appearance. Otherwise, something irreparable may happen: the seams will come unglued, the material will become deformed and acquire an unpleasant odor. We will discuss how to properly dry shoes in our article.
General recommendations
All things lose their original appearance over time, and negative external factors accelerate the process of their wear and tear. Shoes made of textile materials, suede or leather, if stored improperly or insufficiently dried, become deformed, creases or cracks appear on the surface, and the sole also deteriorates.
Drying agents must be selected based on the material from which the shoes are made, however, the algorithm of actions and recommendations is suitable for all types:
- It is necessary to remove drops of water from the surface with a soft cloth, and in suede pairs - with a special brush.
- Drying is carried out in well-ventilated areas, if possible, on the street or balcony.
Before drying, you need to remove the insoles from the shoe and open it as much as possible so that air gets inside.
General information
What can you do
Once your feet are wet, the first thing to do is:
- immediately remove your shoes, if possible;
- remove the insoles from the shoes, unlace them if there are laces;
- wash off the dirt from the sole and upper part, gently soap and rinse with water;
- you also need to take care of your feet - you should wash them in warm water, wipe them dry and put on woolen socks;
- if you had to stay in wet shoes for a long time, then your feet should be steamed in a basin of hot water and drink tea with ginger to avoid colds.
What not to do
Usually, when it comes to drying shoes, people immediately think about hot radiators. It is believed that a battery can dry shoes in a couple of hours, which is a huge mistake.
You need to remember and never put wet boots on a hot radiator, because in this way you can very quickly ruin your boots. There will definitely be stains on them, and the sole may come off. High temperatures are detrimental to any coating except rubber. If you've done this and your boots haven't ruined yet, then you're just lucky.
REFERENCE! If your boots are wet, then you need to be prepared for the fact that they will dry all night, or even more.
It is very important to dry your shoes properly. One option is warm air, but there should be no direct contact with it. Drying boots should take place in a well-ventilated room, or even better, on the street or at least on the balcony.
Modern drying methods
In order to quickly dry shoes, heating devices are used that remove moisture without damaging the material.
Warm surface
Many apartments have heated floors, which speed up the drying process. Just place the pair on a warm surface and wait until it dries completely. This option is suitable for boots made of natural and delicate materials.
Unlike heaters and batteries, the heat inside the boot is distributed evenly, and the gentle temperature does not deform the surface.
Electric dryer
Shoe stores offer a large selection of dryers that can handle any surface. The most affordable and easiest to use is an electric dryer.
- Suitable for leather, suede, membrane, fabric surfaces.
- You can dry a wet pair in a few minutes, and the correctly set temperature will not damage the material.
Fan
When used correctly, a household fan can dry boots in a few hours.
- You need to take the wire and use wire cutters to model a hook in the shape of the letter “S”.
- Place the mount on the fan grill, then install the boots on it.
- Adjust the appropriate power on the fan and wait for it to dry (2-4 hours).
Hairdryer
When using a hair dryer for drying, you must be careful, as the wrong mode can damage the surface. It is advisable to use only cold air and low temperatures.
You need to dry your shoes by placing the hairdryer at a distance of 15-20 cm from the shoe. Repeat the procedure until the couple dries.
Advantages of electric dryers
Electrical devices designed specifically for drying shoes are efficient, reliable and safe for the quality of things. In addition, unlike heated floors, they are quite affordable. Using gentle temperature conditions, these devices do not overheat leather products. An electric dryer consists of two heating elements placed inside boots, boots or shoes: metal or ceramic in a plastic case. Heaters are made in the form of loops or blocks. The second option, in addition to drying, helps to maintain the shape of things and avoid shrinkage.
The ideal option for automatic dryers are devices with ultraviolet lamps that have disinfecting properties. They eliminate fungus, which is likely to occur inside as a result of getting wet.
Fan dryers are also popular, eliminating excess moisture using a stream of hot air that passes through special tubes.
Note! These devices operate both from the mains and from the battery, so they can be used not only at home.
Some dryers are equipped with deodorizing plates. After using them, leather products not only become dry and beautiful, but also acquire a pleasant smell.
Before the procedure, it is important to know how long it will take if you dry your shoes with an electric dryer. In standard devices, the drying time is approximately 6-7 hours, but only 3 hours will be enough to completely dry shoes using blowers.
Many home improvement stores also offer mildly heated electric mats that hold 3 to 5 pairs.
Traditional methods
When it is not possible to use heating devices, household products that every housewife has at her disposal help.
Newspaper and baking soda
Using newspaper is the most common folk method for gentle drying. Paper is not only a good form holder, but also absorbs excess moisture well. Baking soda speeds up the process, which must be placed in a sock and use the same algorithm as for newspapers.
- Fill the shoe evenly with wads of rolled up newspaper, then press them tightly together.
- Wrap the outside of the pair with several layers of newspaper and wait until completely dry.
In order not to spoil the inside of the boots, it is better to select sheets of newspapers without photographs and large texts. The packing needs to be changed every few hours.
This option is recommended for drying leather shoes. The method is suitable not only for home, but also for office.
Salt
At home, you can use salt, which must be preheated for better absorption of moisture.
- Spread table salt evenly over the surface of the pan.
- After heating the mixture, pour it into a nylon sock and tie it tightly.
- Place in the boot and wait to cool. It is necessary to change the sock when the salt has cooled. However, in most cases, once is enough.
Silica gel
This is an effective remedy for use at home. It instantly absorbs moisture, while being consumed in small quantities. The option is suitable for daily use in winter.
The principle of operation is the same as that of soda: just pour silica gel into a sock and place it in your shoe. After use, the filler can be dried on a radiator to be reused.
Fan
At home, it is possible to properly dry products with leather or gel soles using a household fan. Using wire cutters and wire, you need to make two hooks in the shape of the English letter “C”. Place them on the fan grill and place boots on them. Then you just need to turn on the fan. 2-3 hours of fan operation is enough to dry them completely.
Following these simple rules will allow your shoes to look 100% good, regardless of the vagaries of the weather. Dry it properly and it will last a long time.
How not to dry your shoes
Under no circumstances should boots be left near heating devices (fireplaces, radiators, electric heaters). High temperatures will lead to deformation of the product, and uneven drying will cause cracks or creases to appear on the sole.
You must understand that it takes a lot of time to dry completely. As a rule, leather and suede shoes will take almost a day to dry, while fabric sneakers and sneakers dry within 12 hours.
You should not leave shoes in poorly ventilated places or put them in boxes: this will not only aggravate the situation, but will also cause an unpleasant odor.
Using devices
When wondering how to dry shoes, you can find many different answers. The problem is perfectly solved with the help of different devices. Some can most likely be found in every home, while others will require a special trip to the store.
Electric dryer
The most effective and easiest way to get your boots or shoes in order is to remove moisture with an electric shoe dryer. The range of modern devices is very large; products differ from each other in the following indicators:
- number of drying elements;
- cord length;
- power;
- cost.
In addition to the simplest devices, there are modernized options that include electric blowing or ultraviolet treatment. They help remove bacteria, which reduces the risk of skin diseases. The shoe dryer works simply - you just insert it into your shoes and leave it, for example, overnight.
Ultraviolet dryer
An ultraviolet device not only removes all moisture from shoes, but also disinfects them. The material of the external and internal finishing does not matter: it will dry boots and summer shoes equally well. The use of this product will make the operation durable, as well as preserve the appearance of your favorite things. The ultraviolet device has the following functions:
- dries;
- disinfects;
- removes foreign odors.
It looks like two drying elements in the shape of an irregular parallelepiped. They are connected to each other by a cord. Power comes from a plug that plugs into an outlet. You need to use an ultraviolet electric dryer in the same way as a classic one - insert it into your shoes and leave it for several hours.
Fan or hair dryer
It is no secret that drying shoes occurs much faster if it is carried out under the influence of air pressure. It can be created with a hairdryer or fan. One of these devices is in every home, so the method is suitable for most. Removing moisture with a hair dryer is a fairly simple process. You can dry your shoes by directing the air flow on a medium, moderately warm setting alternately to one, then to the other shoe.
Do not use the maximum temperature, as hot air can deform the surface of the shoe and lead to melting.
Drying with a fan is more labor-intensive. In this option, you do not need to spend a lot of time standing nearby and ensuring the workflow. However, it will require making a kind of device for drying shoes: attaching fixing elements like hooks to the grille, on which you can hang the desired pair.
Automatic clothes dryer
When thinking about how to dry shoes quickly, do not forget about automatic clothes dryers. More often, washing machines are equipped with these functions. This method is ideal for shoes that have become wet as a result of cleaning from dirt. It can be used for shoes and boots that have the following properties:
- made of synthetic materials with a porous structure;
- have a cotton composition;
- The sole is not very hard.
Shoes made from natural or artificial leather should not be automatically dried. When exposed to high temperatures, the material may harden.
The drying process itself takes approximately one hour. Before use, you must study the manufacturer's instructions and strictly follow them. This will avoid deformation and damage.
Vacuum cleaner
Despite the fact that a vacuum cleaner is most commonly used for cleaning using the suction method, it can also be used to remove excess moisture. When choosing options for how to quickly dry shoes from the inside, it is worth keeping in mind this household appliance. Sequencing:
- turn on the vacuum cleaner;
- remove the suction hose;
- secure it to the air vent hole;
- place the free edge inside the shoe;
- wait for it to dry.
Not every model is equipped with an air vent. If it is missing, you can suck out the moisture without removing the hose. In this case, you will have to spend about 20 minutes on each shoe.
Individual drying features
When drying, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the material in order to choose an individual approach to it. It should be borne in mind that leather and suede shoes are at greatest risk, so it is better to purchase special water-repellent products in advance to prevent unwanted consequences.
Do you dry your shoes on a radiator?
Yes
No
Leather shoes
Genuine leather does not tolerate moisture, so if the pair gets wet, it is necessary to dry it as quickly and thoroughly as possible, otherwise the surface will become deformed.
Before you start drying, it is advisable to remove dirt from the surface of the boot using a delicate cloth. The inside must be provided with good ventilation, so it is better to hang the pair by the laces or lay it on its side.
- The salt method will help speed up the drying of boots.
- For loafers, pumps, sneakers and low-soled shoes, you can use rice. Fill the container with dry cereal a few centimeters and lower the shoes into the mixture, placing them with the soles facing up. Cover the box with a lid and leave in a warm place.
- Within 4 hours the result will already be noticeable.
Do not use a hairdryer or fan to dry leather shoes, as temperature changes will cause cracks on the surface of the shoe.
Fabric shoes
The main rule for drying fabric shoes is to maintain their shape, so using newspapers and shoe holders is a good option. It is better to dry sneakers and sneakers naturally, however, to speed up the process, use an electric dryer or table salt.
- You can dry your sneakers using a vacuum cleaner. Place the tube in the wet shoe and connect the hose to the special blow-out hole. Using this method, you can dry the product in 20-30 minutes.
Suede and nubuck
Suede and nubuck shoes require careful handling. It is necessary to remove dirt from suede after drying. Otherwise, having spread the dirt over the surface, you will have to wash the shoes after drying.
Suede and nubuck shoes should be dried at room temperature.
- To dry suede, it is recommended to use a method using silica gel or newspapers. Fill the inside with materials and wait until it dries completely. You can take bags of silica gel with you to school or work, or leave them in your shoes to remove excess moisture. After drying, it is advisable to clean the surface with a special brush, moving in one direction.
- An electric dryer is used to dry nubuck shoes. It is lowered into the boot, with a pre-set temperature. Periodically check the condition and follow safety precautions. If possible, it is better to purchase an ultraviolet dryer, which works on the same principle, but at the same time removes bacteria and prevents the occurrence of fungus and other foot diseases.
Drying leather boots while hiking
While hiking, the likelihood of getting your feet wet is very high. That's why it's important to know how to dry leather boots while hiking. In order to return wet shoes to normal condition as soon as possible, they must be well prepared for drying: unlace, turn out the tongue and remove the insoles. It is recommended to place wet boots near the fire, but not too close to it, so that they do not overheat and a random spark cannot reach them. The optimal distance will be such that the person’s hand does not experience discomfort and feels moderate warmth. To speed up the process, you can use what you have at hand: heated stones of suitable size, warm coals from a fire placed in a sock, dry grass, hot sand or traditional compressed newspapers.
Proper drying of leather shoes with strict adherence to all rules is the key to long service life of the products. High-quality dried products are able to retain their appearance and valuable properties for 3-4 seasons.
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Lifehacks
Tips to help dry your shoes quickly and easily.
Drying shoes after washing at home
Some sneakers and trainers are machine dryable. Correctly set mode and temperature can handle drying in a few hours. If this is not possible, you can use a vacuum cleaner to blow out the air.
- Place the shoes under the air conditioner - blowing cold air will help the product dry faster.
- Do not leave white sneakers in the sun, as strong exposure to direct sunlight will cause the fabric to dry out and turn yellow.
- Carry out drying in the corridor or on a glassed-in loggia, maintaining the optimal temperature (15-20 degrees).
How to dry wet shoes after rain outside the house
Use bags of silica gel or cat litter in the form of small balls. Leave for an hour, after the time has elapsed the result will already be noticeable.
If you have napkins or sheets of paper with you, you can use them. Even a small amount of products will absorb moisture and provide temporary protection.
If it rains outdoors, you can use coals from a fire. It is important that they are warm, not hot. Several coals are poured into the sock, then secured tightly. You need to put it in your shoes and wait until it dries.
There are many ways to dry shoes, both professionally and at home. Using rules and life hacks, you can not only maintain a favorable appearance for your beloved couple, but also extend the service life.
Drying shoes outside the home
In the field, in the absence of other methods, a fire is often used. In this case, you need to be very careful that flames, sparks, or too hot air do not cause a fire or simply damage the shoes.
You can also use moss or dry grass to dry shoes from the inside, and above we talked about specialized battery-powered shoe dryers.
Precautionary measures
When the bulk of the liquid has drained from the wet sneakers, you need to continue drying correctly:
- You should not leave shoes on heating devices, as leather items can stretch and artificial ones can crack.
- Hang the pair to dry on a line outside the window.
- Fill the internal space with sorbent - newsprint, warm salt, silica gel.
- For blowing, you can use a hairdryer with a cool air stream.
Sneakers should be dried at room temperature. Exposure to sunlight may cause color fading.
Dryers
To quickly dry shoes after getting wet, you can use dryers:
- Electric dryers. Usually similar to inserts that are placed inside boots. The tool is connected to a power source, the surface of the dryers is heated to a low temperature, gradually drying the shoes from the inside. Exposure time – from 3 hours. Inexpensive, easy to use. Suitable for gentle drying of leather, membrane or fabric shoes.
- With airflow. A more complex and larger mechanism, its price is higher than for electric models. It is a base with air ducts on which wet shoes, clothes or accessories are put on. When the equipment is connected to the network or a battery is placed inside, heated air enters the tubes, the flow of which dries the wet product.
- Ultraviolet. The most expensive models that also get rid of fungus. They are a combination of a blow dryer with the action of an ultraviolet light bulb.
Silica gel
For those who are used to everything ready-made, you should pay attention to silica gel. These are special bags that can be easily purchased in the store. They need to be placed in the affected product for an hour. Then dry the bags on the radiator. Can be used many times. Moreover, you can take it with you and use it if necessary at work.
It will be a good lifesaver, but only if the product is slightly wet. You need to select the “cold air” mode and begin manipulation.
