How Long Do Shoes Take to Dry: A Guide to Drying Your Shoes Quickly

Most shoes take about 12 hours to dry. To dry your shoes quickly, always place shoes in a dry area away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not use harsh detergents or bleach – these can damage the fabric and cause shoes to take longer to dry. Avoid using a high-pressure washer because this can also damage the leather. 

Allow shoes to air-dry completely before storing them – prolonged exposure to moisture will increase the risk of mold growth. If your shoes are wet inside, it can also cause bacteria and fungus growth, damaging the leather and resulting in unpleasant odors. Shoes that are left outdoors on a porch or deck can also start to rot due to humidity and exposure to rain and sunlight. 

Factors Affecting Drying Time of Shoes

It’s important to remember that shoes made from synthetic materials tend to take longer to dry, as do hiking boots and other heavy footwear items. So if you’re in a hurry, you can dry shoes in the sun or use a heat gun to speed up the process. 

Ensure you vent the shoes well before drying them to avoid any unpleasant smells or bacteria build-up.

Ways to Dry Shoes Fast

There are various ways to dry shoes quickly, and each has its benefits. For example, hanging shoes on a clothesline is the most popular way to dry shoes, as it’s easy, cheap, and quick. 

Using a Dryer

Shoes take longer to dry if you leave them outside in the sun or rain. You can speed up this process by placing your shoes in a dryer on low heat. Use a clothes steamer to remove excess moisture from your clothes, or use a dehumidifier to remove water from the air and keep your shoes dry.

Drying shoes in the dryer can be faster, but ensure you are vigilant about not overheating them as this could cause footwear to deform. Shoes should be completely dry before storing, so they do not cause mildew. Instead, line your shoes with paper towels and place them in the closet or somewhere else out of sight.

With a Fan

Drying your shoes with a fan will help them dry quickly and avoid mold or mildew formation. The best way to dry shoes using a fan is by placing them in an area where air can circulate freely. 

By placing them on a wire rack that is suspended over a fan, you will speed up the drying process significantly. Alternatively, use a hair dryer on low or leave them outside in the sun for hours. Then, completely dry your shoes before storing them away!

Using Newspapers

You can dry your shoes using newspapers by wringing out the excess moisture, placing it in the newspaper, and leaving it. You can put your shoes in a dry place like the attic or closet. If you don’t have space to put them in the attic, use a hook or nail on the wall to hang them. Check on it occasionally.

Alternatively, if drying your shoes by air isn’t practical or convenient, try using a hairdryer or clothes dryer instead.

Using Your Refrigerator

Drying shoes in the refrigerator is a great way to keep them clean and dry. Placing your shoes in a mesh bag will stay clean and free of bacteria while in the fridge. If you have large shoes, you can also put them in a clothes dryer on low or hang them up to air-dry.

Using Uncooked Rice

Drying shoes is a tedious task that can be made easier using rice. You can speed up shoe drying by putting uncooked rice grains inside and around your shoe. Make sure to cover each shoe fully, let them sit for an hour or so, and then remove them once they are dry. The logic in the process is that the rice grains absorb the moisture and foul odor from the wet shoes.

With Parboiled Rice

Parboiled rice, or converted rice, is another excellent way to speed up drying. It absorbs water quickly, doesn’t distort shoes, and can last longer than regular rice. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prolong their life span. Once they are dry, store them in a cool, dry place for future use.

Air Drying

Air drying is an efficient way to dry shoes. It’s great for lightweight items, but it may take a long time to dry them completely. Ensure your shoes are in a warm, dry place when air drying, as mildew can occur if exposed to a damp area. You can also air dry your shoes in the sun.

You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to speed up the process. Make sure not to put shoes in the oven or radiator – they’ll damage them!

Reusable Dehumidifier Bags

If you have a lot of shoes or any other item that needs to be dry quickly, using a dehumidifier is the best way to go. So put the wet shoes inside the bag and leave them in a warm place (not too hot!) for several days. 

Make sure to empty the dehumidifier bag every few days so it doesn’t get full of moisture and start growing mildew!

Precautions to Take When Drying Shoes

When Blowdrying

Blowdrying your shoes is not a good idea – it can damage the material and make them less water-resistant. If you have to dry your shoes, place them in a low-heat dryer for a short time. It’s best to store shoes in a shoe bag or box to protect them from moisture and pests.

In the Oven

There is no way to dry shoes in the oven – it’s unsafe and won’t work. Instead, use a hair dryer to speed up shoe drying, but remember that this could also be unsafe. Some people hang their shoes outside to air them out, but rain may get inside and cause damage.

In the Sun

Drying shoes in the sun is a great way to dry them quickly – be sure to take precautions against UV damage. Place shoes on a mesh drying rack to speed up the drying process. Alternatively, you can hang them up to dry. When removing excess water from shoes, you can use a washer and spin cycle before hanging them up to dry.

Drying shoes can be time-consuming, but it can be a breeze with a little effort. Therefore, it is crucial to test different drying methods to see which works best for your shoes.