How to Dry Shoes in the Dryer: A Comprehensive Guide
Inspect Shoe Material
Before attempting to dry your shoes in a clothes dryer, check the shoe material. Only shoes made of **canvas**, **polyester**, or other **synthetic fibers** and **without** a sole made of **solid rubber** or **specialized athletic gel** are suitable for machine drying.
Do not machine-dry leather shoes, as it can cause the leather to crack and deteriorate.
Prepare Shoes for Dryer
Remove the laces and stuff the shoes with paper, newspaper, or dry towels. This helps absorb moisture and maintain the shoe’s shape.
Steps to Drying Shoes in a Clothes Dryer
Set Dryer to Air-Only Drying Mode
Select the **air-only drying** setting to prevent heat damage. This mode ensures your shoes dry thoroughly without causing blistering or warping.
Dry Shoes for 20 Minutes and Check
20 minutes is the ideal drying time. After this period, check the shoes for dryness. If they are not fully dry, you can add additional 10-minute increments. Avoid over-drying, as it can weaken the shoes.
20 Minutes is the Ideal Drying Time
When using a clothes dryer to dry your shoes, observe these precautions for safety and effectiveness:
- Use a clothes dryer only when absolutely necessary, such as when you lack space to air-dry, or in urgent situations or damp weather.
- **Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions** to ensure proper and safe usage of the dryer.
- **Verify that your shoes are made of materials suitable for dryer use.** Some materials, like leather, require more delicate treatment to prevent damage.
- **Ensure the dryer temperature is not excessive** to avoid damaging your shoes. Extremely high heat can shrink or weaken the shoe material.
- **Monitor drying time** to prevent over-drying and potential damage.
- **Arrange the shoes** so that they do not overlap or become deformed during the drying process.
Precautions for Using a Clothes Dryer
This concludes our guide on drying shoes in a clothes dryer, providing you with the essential information and steps for quick and effective shoe drying. We hope you found this article informative and helpful!