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You’re probably wondering whether it’s safe to put shoes in a dryer. I have the experience and maybe I can help answer your question. I remember being soaked to the skin after a heavy downpour. My white sleek sneakers were clean but completely soggy. I thought my dryer would hasten the drying process. To cut the long story short, I ended up losing my sneakers.
They warmed up and came apart as the glue keeping them together with melted. This leads to our main question for the day: Can you put shoes in a dryer? NEVER put your shoes in a dryer unless you’re absolutely sure they are dryer safe. The heat from the dryer warps and melts the glues holding the shoes together. Some shoe fabrics even shrink affecting the shoes’ fit and performance.
Not all shoes can withstand the dryer tumbling and high temperatures. Make sure you inspect the shoe labels, materials, and alternative drying methods. Even when machine drying is recommended, use low heat and never over-dry. Can you put shoes in the dryer? Read my comprehensive post as I navigate the muddy waters of cleaning and drying shoes using a washer and dryer respectively.
What Causes Shoes To Smell?
Before I discuss cleaning and drying shoes, you need to understand what makes shoes smell. The daily wear and tear alone can cause shoes to smell. You’ve probably experienced smelly shoes in your lifetime and the experience is a bad one. However, the main reason most shoes smell is because of the sweat they absorb from your feet and when they don’t dry completely.
We wear socks to absorb the sweat and prevent shoes from smelling. Can you put Nike shoes in the dryer? You’re probably asking that because you want the shoes drying fast to prevent smells. However, you shouldn’t put Nike shoes in the dryer as the heat can damage them.
Instead, try and wear different pairs each day as you wait for your Nike shoes to dry completely. If you don’t wear socks, then your shoes will most likely smell. This is the case, especially for closed leather shoes with poor breathability.
Which shoes are machine washable?
Can I put shoes in the washer? Yes! But first, check the care instructions and shoe materials. Before starting any cleaning process, you need to check your shoe’s care instructions. Most canvas shoes made of polyester, nylon, and cotton materials are generally safe to wash in a machine.
This is because the shoe materials are extremely durable and can withstand the machine tumbling. However, shoes made of leather, vinyl, rubber, and suede are easily damaged when placed in a dishwasher. You need to double-check the care instructions before cleaning your shoes.
Shoes made of delicate materials and beading should never be placed in a washer. So, can you put leather shoes in the washer? You cannot put leather shoes in the washer as this would damage the leather. How Often Should You Wash Your Shoes?
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Can You Put Shoes In The Dryer?
Can you put new balance sneakers in the dryer? You might be asking this question if you want to wear your wet balance sneakers the next day. When it comes to drying shoes faster, you’re not alone. Most people hate waiting for days to have their shoes dry. So, can you put wet shoes in the dryer? With the right settings and technique, you can put wet shoes in a dryer.
However, this does not apply to all shoes. This is because not all shoes are dryer safe. For example, can you put leather shoes in the dryer? No, because the high temperatures can melt the glues holding the leather material. Below, we discuss how long you can put shoes in the dryer, the materials you’ll need, and the steps to follow.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Shoes In The Dryer
A Step-By-Step Process For Cleaning Shoes In The Dryer
As noted earlier, cleaning shoes in the dryer is possible but not recommended. Still wondering, can you put running shoes in the dryer? You can if the shoes are made of polyester, canvas, or cotton. However, it is not necessary unless you want them to dry fast. Below, I’ll explain simple steps to help clean shoes in the dryer.
Step 1 – Check The Shoe Labels
Look for a drying simple inside the shoe. In most cases, people only see size information. The drying simple is in the form of a square. If the square has an X, it means you can’t machine dry the shoes. However, if the square has a dot, then the shoes are dryer safe. What if there are no drying labels? If that’s the case, then look for the materials I mentioned earlier (cotton, polyester, and canvas).
Step 2 – Perform Basics Of Normal Drying
The norm is to dry clothes in a dryer and not shoes. However, since you’ve taken the extraordinary step of drying shoes, it doesn’t change how a dryer works. The last thing you want is to go through the entire drying process and still find your shoes wet. Here are a few basics to perform:
- Drain the shoes if they are soaked
- Clear any lint on the lint screen. This allows for excellent airflow and prevents the dryer from overworking to dry the shoes. If the lint filter is damaged, consider replacing it.
- Add some fabric softener to have the shoes smell great
This seems a lot, but you need to do it to achieve the right results.
Step 3 – Place The Shoes In The Machine & Add Towels
Next, you can strategically place the shoes in the dryer rack. When you start the machine, the shoes are likely going to tumble around. This is why you need to add some old towels and heavy clothes. So, can you put shoes in the dryer with clothes? You can put shoes in the dryer with clothes with the sole purpose of keeping the shoes in place.
Use small and large towels placed around the shoes to prevent them from tumbling. When shoes move around, they can warp and even damage your dryer. Additionally, you can stuff small rugs inside your shoes. This prevents shrinking as the shoes dry. Consider using small socks, handkerchiefs, and scarves.
Step 4 – Knot Shoes & Hung Them From The Door
Hanging shoes on the dryer door is another excellent way to dry them. Hanging shoes on the door dryer prevents them from slamming on dryer components.
- Have the laces on the shoes except for the last hole
- Keep the shoes connected and tie them to the door
- Avoid making the normal bow tie and loops as this would affect how the laces dry
- Make sure the shoes are tightly knotted at the end of the laces
- Drape the shoes inside the dryer and have part of the laces outside the machine
- Know the laces outside and shut the dryer door. The know prevents the shoes from dropping inside the dryer
- The method works perfectly for front-load and top-load dryers
- With the shoes hanging, start your dryer on a delicate setting
Step 5 – Choose The Right Settings
With the shoes properly set inside the dryer, you need to select the right dryer settings. The best option is to set the dryer to Air Dry Settings. However, if the option is not available on your dryer, consider choosing the lowest dryer settings. Most machines have specific timer settings of 30, 45, and 60 minutes.
However, it’s recommended you check your shoes every 15 minutes. This is important to gauge how long the shoes will take to dry. You can then adjust the settings accordingly. Overall, drying your shoes in a dryer is not recommended but comes in handy when you need the shoes to dry faster.
So, can you put shoes in the washer and dryer? You can put shoes in a washer and dryer if the care instructions recommend. You can also wash and dry them in the machine if they are made of cotton, polyester, and canvas. However, a lot of care should be taken to prevent damage to the dryer and washer.
Alternative Methods Of Shoe Cleaning
Apart from the washer and dryer, there are alternative shoe cleaning methods you can consider. If you don’t have a dryer, or can’t put your shoes in the dryer, don’t fret. This is a worry for most people. Can you put suede shoes in the washer? You cannot put suede shoes in the washer. However, there are alternative ways to clean them.
If you love playing tennis, you might ask, can you put tennis shoes in the washer? You can put them if they are made of cotton, canvas, and polyester. However, if they are made of leather, suede, vinyl, and delicate fabrics, consider the following methods:
- Air drying
- Fan drying
- Rice
- Handwashing leather fabrics
- Deodorizing
- Using vinegar on leather
1. Air Drying
Air drying is the classic way of drying shoes. In fact, it is the best and safest way to dry shoes. There are no settings to adjust. Just place your shoes in a cool place indoors or outdoors to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight as rays can make the shoes fade over time.
2. Fan Drying
You can also consider a space heater fan and place the shoes in front of the fan. It is a straightforward way to dry clothes faster without damage. You can also hang the shoes on the fan. Make small S hooks and hang the shoelaces using a clothes hanger. Ensure the hooks don’t lean far inside the fan as this might damage the fan. Additionally, tie the laces to prevent them from getting tangled inside the fan blades.
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3. Rice
Using rice to dry shoes is an old trick to consider. You’ve probably heard people salvage waterlogged cellphones by placing them inside the rice. The same should work for your shoes. Fill a big container with white or brown rice. Insert the shoes inside and close the container lid. You can also fill socks with rice and place them inside the shoes. Depending on how wet the shoes are, they should be dry in a few hours.
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4. Handwashing Leather Fabrics
You can also hand wash leather shoe fabrics by hand. Mix two cups of warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Apply the solution to the shoes and use a toothbrush to scrub them. Scrub thoroughly and wipe with a wet rug. Use the same solution to wash the shoe insoles. You can then dry the shoes using dry air or a fan.
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5. Deodorizing
This is a simple way to deal with bad shoe odors. The method might not clean your shoes but can eliminate bad smells. Sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and let them stay overnight. The smell should disappear the next day.
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6. Using Vinegar On Leather Shoes
You can also clean leather shoes using distilled white vinegar. Mix equal parts of the vinegar and cool water. Dip a clean rug inside the mixture and use it to wipe the shoes. Once clean, let them dry outside naturally.
Follow The Manufacturer’s Recommended Method
Lastly, you can always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method. Most shoes come with a detailed cleaning method. Sticking to the recommended method prevents damage and ensures shoes last longer.
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Can You Put Shoes In The Washer?
You can put shoes in the washer if the care instructions recommend. In addition, you need to check the shoe materials and ensure they are dryer safe. Washing shoes in the washing machine can be pretty difficult. You need to have the right materials listed below.
Materials & Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Shoes In The Washer
A Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Shoes in the Washer
Now that you know you can wash some shoes in the machine, it’s time to learn how to wash shoes in the washing machine without a mesh bag. Once everything is ready and you’ve made sure the shoes are machine-washable, follow these steps:
Step 1 – Untie shoelaces and take out shoe insoles
Wash white shoes in the washing machine are made easier with laces and insoles separate. This is important since laces can get tangled.
Step 2 – Wash the shoelaces and insoles separately by hand
However, shoelaces can still be washed in a machine wash. Place them in a garment bag with a zipper and close them tightly before placing them in the washing machine. If the shoelaces are extremely dirt, wash them using a detergent and soft brush. Avoid washing insoles in the washing machine since they can be waterlogged and take days to dry.
Step 3 – Clear excess debris in the soles using a soft brush
Use a toothpick or toothbrush to remove dirt from tight areas. Once the dirt is clear, use a rag and apply a shoe cleaner.
Step 4 – Wipe the shoe cleaner away using a wet cloth
Once the shoes are clean, place them inside a mesh garment. This prevents the shoes from banging inside the dryer.
Step 5- Now, you can place the garment in the washer
This is where most people ask, can you put shoes in the washer by themselves? The answer is a BIG NO. You need to secure the shoes with a few old towels. The towels help balance the wash load and prevent the garment bag from moving around. Old towels are preferred since they don’t leach dyes that stain shoes.
Step 6 – This is where you need to select the washing cycle
In the washer, only use liquid detergents and cold water. Select a delicate cycle and put the washer in a no/slow spin motion. If you use powder detergents, make sure they dissolve properly before starting the cycle.
Step 7 – With the cycle complete, take everything out of the garment bag
Stuff them in paper towels and clean rugs to absorb excess moisture. This also ensures shoes retain their shape as they dry. Place the shoes in a cool area with lots of sunshine to dry. While using a dryer is not recommended, you can still use it if you have a dryer drying rack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It OK To Put Sneakers In The Dryer?
It is not OK to put sneakers in the dryer. The high temperatures can damage your sneakers. The heat inside melts the glue holding the sneakers. While you can wash the sneakers in the washer, don’t dry them in the dryer. Instead, allow them to dry naturally by air, or use alternative methods like a fan.
2. How Do I Dry Shoes Quickly?
You can dry shoes quickly by getting a shoe dryer, using old newspapers, a fan, or uncooked rice. While using a dryer is possible for canvas, cotton, and polyester shoes, it is not recommended. You can only use a dryer when you need the shoes drying fast. Nonetheless, you will need to follow certain steps and choose the right settings to avoid damage.
3. Is It Better To Let Shoes Air Dry Or Put Them In The Dryer?
It is better to let shoes air dry as opposed to putting them in a dryer. While occasional dryer use is okay, it is not ideal for leather, vinyl, and suede shoes. The rough dryer environment can make the shoes shrink and warp over time. If you’re not in a hurry, let shoes dry by air in a cool place.
4. How Do You Put Shoes In The Dryer Without Ruining Them?
You can put cotton, polyester, and canvas shoes in a dryer without ruining them by stuffing newspapers all the way to the toe. This helps prevent shrinking. Additionally, you can wrap old towels and sheets around the shoes to keep them in place. This prevents shoes from slamming into the dryer and getting ruined.
5. Can You Put Nikes In Dryer?
You should NEVER put Nikes in a dryer since Nikes are not designed to withstand the dryer temperatures. Furthermore, Nike does not recommend putting their shoes in a washer. After cleaning Nikes, lay them in a cool area with good ventilation to dry naturally.
How Can I Dry My Shoes In 10 Minutes?
You can dry shoes in 10 minutes if they are not soaked in water. However, fast shoe drying is not recommended as it can lead to damage. Using a shoe dryer can help slightly damp clothes dry faster. However, soaked shoes will take hours to dry.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it from me! Can you put shoes in a dryer? I’ve thoroughly answered the question in my comprehensive post. By now, you know you can dry certain shoes in a dryer, although it is not the best method.
Using a washer and dryer is only advised when care instructions recommend and when you need the shoes to dry faster. Nevertheless, strict steps should be followed to prevent shoes from warping and shrinking. Can you put leather shoes in the washing machine?
No, leather shoes, suede, and vinyl shoes should NEVER be put in a washer and dryer. I’ve clearly shown you the shoes to put in a dryer and the steps to follow.
