Can You Put Sneakers in the Dryer? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a sneaker enthusiast looking to freshen up your favorite pair of kicks? You may have heard horror stories that putting sneakers in the dryer is a surefire way to ruin them. Well, we’re here to shed some light on the subject and inform you that there are ways you can clean your shoes – with heat – without the risk of damaging them! This approach is much faster than conventional methods and gives your favorite shoes an added boost they might not otherwise get from air drying or traditional cleaning. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how and why you might consider throwing those beat-up tennis shoes into the dryer—and emerging with like-new footwear.

How and what types of shoes can you wash or dry?

Before drying your shoes, do you know what shoes you can wash and then quickly dry? If not, then don’t worry. We will give you some knowledge about this question, and after that, you can also quickly dry your shoes.

Leather Shoes

Taking care of wet leather shoes can seem daunting, but with the proper technique, it can quickly become part of your routine. It’s possible to wet and dry leather shoes without causing any damage to them. Firstly, wet your leather shoes with a wet cloth and ensure you don’t soak them thoroughly – wetting lightly is best. Gently use an old toothbrush to remove excess dirt from your shoes. Once done, put paper towels inside the wet shoes and then dry them in a well-ventilated area with little sunlight directly on the leather. You can also use a hair dryer if needed for stubborn wet spots, but ensure that you maintain a medium distance since too much heat could cause harm to your valuable leather shoes. Taking this approach for keeping wet leather shoes clean will result in supple, beautiful footwear that looks as good as new for years to come!

Cotton Shoes

Taking proper care of shoes is a must, but good care of shoes made from cotton can be tricky. While putting shoes in the Dryer is not recommended, there are steps you can take when trying to wash and dry shoes made from this material. To extend the wear and life of your shoes, air drying is always your best bet. Taking the shoes outside on a sunny day or placing them near a fan are just two ways to help ensure your shoes get completely dry without damaging them. You can also use a warm iron on low heat after they are completely dried to help them last even longer. Taking the time to care for your shoes will pay off in the long run and ensure that they stay looking good!

Canvas Shoes

The ever-popular canvas shoes are a favorite staple of many wardrobes, but is it possible to wash and dry them? The short answer is yes! Washing and drying canvas shoes may be more challenging than other sneakers, but with the proper techniques, it’s undoubtedly doable. Start by protecting the outer layer of your shoe before washing – this could be done by putting it in a mesh garment bag or tying a washcloth around it. Once that’s covered, you can begin washing – gentle handwashing works best rather than machine settings. Then to dry, using either a mesh rack or hanging onto your shoelaces, allow air to circulate and to air dry. With these tips, you won’t have any issues taking care of your canvas kicks, so they can continue accompanying you for years!

Suede Shoes

Washing suede shoes may sound like a daunting task, but the truth is it can be done! You must carefully treat suede shoes to avoid ruining them, but with the right tools and steps, you can achieve a deep clean. To start, use a suede cleaner designed to work gently on the suede. Then use a damp cloth (or an old toothbrush) with either white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to spot clean areas of your suede shoes. Finally, dry your suede shoes in room temperature air for at least 12 hours so that any remaining moisture evaporates without damaging the material of your shoes. With this last step, you’ll have a pair of squeaky clean suede shoes!

Polyester/Nylon Shoes

Washing and drying polyester/nylon shoes is a great way to keep them clean and shining. The best way to get it done is to remove excess dirt or debris. Then proper cleaning can be started using warm water and a mild detergent or soap. After soaking them in warm water, it’s essential to rinse out the soap and all dirt residues with warm water. For easy drying, paper towels can be used to blot some of the moisture off the surface. To ensure that the inside of your shoes isn’t damp, use a small cloth filled with warm water and white vinegar (1 part) to wipe down the lining, followed by a bucket of warm water. Lastly, you can put the shoes on low heat in the Dryer for about 15 minutes (or as needed). Check them from time to time, as it will take a little while to completely dry. If there are any stubborn stains, try using an appropriate stain remover before putting them in warm water. Following these steps should guarantee that you have perfectly clean polyester/nylon shoes!

Laces Shoes

Laces shoes can be washed and dried, but it should be done with care. Doing so without being careful could ruin the show or cause damage to the material. Try to remove the laces from the shoe as much as possible before washing them. This will allow for a deeper clean that can get into those hard-to-reach places. After being washed and rinsed, let them air dry rather than in a machine or other system. Be sure to avoid trying to speed up drying time because this could also adversely affect the laces of shoes. With patience, care and diligence, you can have spotless lace shoes!

Gel/Foam Shoes

When it comes to wet footwear, the only solution to get them dry is a clothes dryer. However, wet gel and foam shoes don’t take too kindly to being put in the Dryer, so it’s best to avoid this option altogether as it can potentially damage them. The better option for getting wet gel and foam shoes dry again is either a machine wash or hand wash with cold water and a gentle cycle. These two methods will ensure your wet footwear is back in good condition without causing irreversible damage. So, the next time your wet gel and foam shoes are bugging you, simply break out the soap and let their soles run free!

How do I dry my shoes?

Now you have enough knowledge to wash a shoe, and your next question is how to dry a shoe. Without wasting time, let’s read these ideas together.

Shoe materials you can’t put in the dryer

Before drying your shoe, did you know what type of material you can put or not put in the Dryer? Leather shoes are often a wardrobe staple, and while they are a great choice to pair with any outfit, it is essential to consider their care if you want them to last. When drying these shoe materials, you should never put them in the Dryer! Doing so will cause significant damage, such as cracking or tearing, leading to a shorter lifetime for your shoes or even irreversible damage. While some materials, such as canvas, may be safe for the Dryer, when it comes to leather shoes, always err on caution and avoid the Dryer altogether. Taking the time to invest in proper care and cleaning can save you money in the long run by preserving your favorite pairs of leather shoes instead of having to replace them frequently!

Stuff you might need

Drying a shoe requires some essential items, not just for comfort or convenience but also for safety. For starters, you’ll need an appropriate space to dry your large materials to accommodate them at least two feet apart from each other and from walls. In addition, you’ll want to invest in an electric fan suitable for the size and type of material you’re drying. An electric fan helps regulate humidity levels and reduce musty odors while drying much faster than air drying. Finally, you may need specialized hangers that can safely keep heavy fabrics off the ground. Considering these necessary items when planning your next show-drying project, you can have peace of mind knowing that your materials will be dried quickly and adequately, with safety paramount.

Machine Types and Settings

A low-heat or no-heat drying machine is essential if your shoes are in the best possible condition. While high-heat machines are potent and effective at quickly drying a shoe, they can cause severe damage to the material if misused. Low-temperature settings dry the shoe without degrading the leather or fabric, meaning that a single low-heat setting on a quality machine can preserve your shoes for years. Additionally, by using low-heat settings, you won’t have to worry about leaving water spots on delicate materials. Despite the initial cost of such a machine, it will quickly pay off in saved money and time!

Alternatives to machine drying

Above we have given you enough ideas about washing and drying shoes, but if you are looking for an alternative, here is one more best idea I am sharing with you. Machine drying your shoes is not always the best solution – air drying is an alternative and often a better option. You can help your shoes maintain their original shape and size by air drying them while avoiding potential damage that may come with a machine drying rack. Air drying helps prevent shrinkage, discoloration, or stretching by keeping your shoes away from direct heat. For the best air-drying results, you should set your shoes in a cool, ventilated area with ample air circulation. The air-dry setting on some modern washing machines also works, allowing for a low-heat bypass to give your shoes the necessary air circulation without any potential damage caused by too much heat. Regardless of which air dry shoe method you choose, taking this extra step will protect and preserve your footwear in the long run.

Video Guide: How To Properly Dry Your Shoes In The Dryer

Conclusion

I hope so we provide you with a complete guide and now it is easier for you to put sneakers in the dryer and clean them. If you have any suggestions or ideas do send us in comment box below!

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