How To Dry Tennis Shoes After Washing? [Updated In 2022]

If you’ve ever wanted to thoroughly clean your shoes, you may have been tempted to use a washer and dryer to do so. When I was a teenager, I used to do the same thing with my Tennis Shoes.

You might think that throwing your shoes in the washer and drying them will make them last longer, but this can actually degrade the model’s durability.

It’s easy to believe that washing and drying shoes will keep them in good condition, but this isn’t always the case.

I’ve had the unfortunate experience of putting my shoes in the washer and then drying them, and the shoes became stained and the soles began to separate from the shoe.

Fortunately, you have a few options for drying your clothes. The first and most obvious option is to use a clothes dryer, but manufacturers will try to discourage you from doing so because it can damage the shoe’s construction.

It can also make them smaller! Is that a hair dryer? You could, but only for a few minutes, and your puddle-covered shoe(s) will not be completely dry. So, what’s next?

Making Use Of A Fan

Another thing to keep in mind about this method is that it is based on the shoe’s construction and built quality. This method works best with solid models, leather, and shoes with gel-soles.

• Remove any dirt from the shoe and place wet footwear near a table fan to dry.
• For this to work, the fan must be sturdy and higher than the length of the shoe.
• As the shoe dries, place a towel near the fan to catch any excess water drops.
• Remove the insoles and place them in the washing machine on a low cycle for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can dry the insoles by placing them on a radiator.
• Bend two six-inch (15-centimeter) pieces of wire hunger into S-shaped hooks.
• Place the wire hooks on the table fan’s front side.
• Turn the fan on high and hang the shoes on the hooks with the insides facing the fan blades until they are dry and ready.

1. Newspaper

Newspapers are probably the simplest and least damaging alternative method for drying and preparing your shoes. This method, in fact, has been around for a long time and is a good way to recycle unwanted newspapers.

• To wick away moisture, start by adding an absorbent element to the shoe’s interior.
• Gather a few newspapers, roll them up, and stuff them into your sneakers.
• Check to see if the interior of the shoe is still damp after an hour or so.
• If the newspaper becomes wet, replace it every few hours.
• Allow your sneakers to air dry.
• Wrap several newspaper sheets around the outsides of the shoes.
• To keep everything together, you might need to use a rubber band.

2. Rice

 Raw dried rice can be used as a desiccant to remove a significant amount of moisture:

• In a sealable synthetic tub, place an inch (or two) of dry rice.
• Snuggle the wet shoe into the rice by turning it upside down.
• Seal the tub and let your shoes air dry for a few hours.
• The rice will absorb a lot of moisture from your shoes.

3. Drying Clothes

You might consider clothes dry as a last resort if you need to dry a pair of shoes right away. This method, however, is not suitable for all types of footwear.

You may need to find another option, particularly if the shoes are made of leather or have gel-core inserts, as the dryer may damage them. With that in mind, consider the following:

• Join the laces of both shoes with a knot.
• Do not put any other laundry in the dryer with them.
• Close the door and double-check that the knot in the laces is still visible outside.
• Turn on the dryer’s air fluff setting (or as low as possible)
• Run the dryer for no more than an hour.
• If the shoes are still wet, try a different method.

4. Refrigerator

It’s yet another household appliance for drying and preparing your shoes. However, in this case, you will be using the vents rather than the interior. These vents are usually found beneath the door.

Refrigerators are designed to blow out hot/warm air after each cooling cycle, which can help dry your shoes.

You could also put your shoes behind the refrigerator, where the intake is. It will wick moisture away from your shoes:

• If there are any, remove the laces and insoles.
• Position your shoes so that the opening faces the vent.
• Place the opening of the shoe facing the fan if you’re using the refrigerator intake.
• Allow time for them to dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How Long Does It Take For Tennis Shoes To Dry?

It takes me about one day to air dry my sneakers. The exact time depends on the type of shoe and the temperature outside.

Just remember, as previously stated, to remove the insole and laces from the shoe and dry them separately if at all possible.

2. Can I Dry My Shoes With A Hair Dryer?

You can use a hair dryer for a minute or two to speed up the drying process, but too much heat will harm the shoes and ruin the dryer. Wet running shoes should not be left in a gym bag or locker overnight. They’re not going to dry at all.

3. Is It Safe To Leave Shoes Out In The Sun To Dry?

The majority of people simply dry their wet shoes in the sun, which is partially correct. This is probably the best method for drying shoes because it also removes the odour. However, allowing your shoes to dry in the sun can result in them becoming dry and crispy.

Conclusion:

Wet shoes can be extremely inconvenient. Whether you’re removing dirt and stains or simply walking in the rain, too much moisture will inevitably reach the interior of your shoes.

This is especially true if the shoes aren’t water-resistant. Mold, mildew, and an unpleasant odour can develop in sneakers that have not been properly dried. So, using the above simple methods, make sure your footwear is clean and dry.