How to Dry Shoes Fast (10 Methods)

Everyone knows what it’s like to be in a hurry and not have the right outfit ready. Whether you have an important meeting the following day or some type of event, you will want to have your favorite pair of shoes ready for wearing. It just so happens that you thought you could wash your shoes and dry them in time for the big event, but you are now running out of time.

To help you with this problem, we listed several most effective ways to dry your shoes. Depending on the amount of moisture and your time, you can find one method to help you with this task. The best part is that you can always mix some of the following methods and drastically speed up the drying process.

The 10 Methods to Dry Shoes Fast

1. Clothes Dryer

Since the clothes dryer removes excess water from clothes and makes them dry with circulating air, it can be an excellent solution for drying your shoes quickly. Every material requires different types and amounts of care, so before you put your shoes in the dryer, always check the label. This will help you avoid ruining your shoes since clothes dryers can sometimes shrink them, depending on the material. It would be best to dry your shoes at low heat and either tie the shoelaces to the dryer door or put them together in a mesh bag.

2. Fan

Using a fan is an excellent method to dry your shoes without damaging them. You can begin by laying a towel underneath the fan to catch any dripping that may happen. It would be best to hook the shoes with an old wire hanger. Remove any dirt that may have accumulated and remove the shoes’ insoles. Let the laces stay loose when you put your shoes on the hanger and run the fan for a couple of hours. This way, you create an excellent air circulation that runs by your shoes and will quickly dry them without risk of damage.

3. Rice

Rice is known to have high absorbing qualities and is used for many other similar situations. While rice is commonly used to dry up wet electronic devices, it can also absorb water from clothes and shoes. You can simply fill a box with rice and lay the shoes on it. You can also add some rice to the shoes, although once the lid on the box is closed, the rice will quickly begin to do its thing.

4. Newspaper

The first important thing is to separate pages without any dark ink or pictures. Remove any excess dirt with a damp cloth and stuff a clump of newspaper down the shoe. The newspaper drying method is best for shoes such as leather or suede. It is best to place the newspaper at the toes first, as far as you can reach, and then continue stuffing the rest of the shoe. Wrap the shoe from the outside as well. This process may take a bit more time, but it is one of the safest and most effective methods.

5. Old Clothes

Giving your old clothes a new purpose instead of throwing them out can be an excellent idea. Find some clean but old clothes you are willing to sacrifice. Materials such as flannel, fleece, and cotton have excellent absorbing qualities. Once you remove any dirt from your shoes, scrunch up the fabric and stuff your shoes with it. Let the materials absorb for an hour or two, and replace the rags as soon as they become wet.

6. Toilet Paper

Using toilet paper to dry shoes is quite similar to the newspaper method and is very effective in absorbing moisture. This method is best paired with a fan to promote better air ventilation and better results. Simply stuff the inside of the shoes with plenty of toilet paper, and wrap the outside of the shoes as well. Make sure to change toilet paper as it becomes wet.

7. Shoe Dryer

Since shoe dryers come with many features that target the drying of shoes specifically, they tend to be a bit more expensive than other methods in this list. They usually come equipped with timers that allow you to monitor the drying process and come with low-temperature settings to reduce the risk of damaging your shoes. Nevertheless, once you acquire this gadget, you will have a shoe dryer that will last a long time.

8. Refrigerator

Drying shoes using a fridge is similar to using a fan, except the air is a bit hotter coming from the refrigerator. Instead of placing your wet shoes in the appliance, you will simply put them against the vent, effectively speeding up the drying process. This process may take a bit more time, but it is still an effective way of achieving dry shoes.

9. Blow Dryer

While drying your shoes with a blow dryer is possible, there are some safety measures you have to take. A general rule of thumb is to keep the blow dryer running on a cool heat and at least 10 inches away. This goes for all shoes, although for those that are gentler, you can distance the blow dryer further from the shoes. Once removing any dirt off your shoes and insoles, place the blow dryer at a safe distance and let the warm air circulate through your shoes.

10. Towel

This method is quite similar to drying shoes with old clothes. You can give your old towels a new purpose and use them to dry your shoes effectively. This method works fast and doesn’t require any use of electricity. Simply roll the towel and place each end in the shoes. After a while, you may need to replace the towel, depending on the amount of moisture. After doing so, it is best to tighten the shoes again to help them maintain the same shape and form.

Conclusion

After reading this article, hopefully, you’ve found a fitting way to dry your shoes without causing any additional damage. Depending on which equipment or tools are accessible, one of these methods will be the most effective for your particular needs.

• See also: How to Wash Shoes in A Washing Machine in 4 Simple Steps

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