How To Dry Your Shoes Faster

Written by , BA Hons Indrani Karmakar BA Hons Experience: 2.5 years
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Stepping into a puddle or getting caught in a sudden downpour can leave your shoes soaked and dirty. The sensation of dampness can be both frustrating and inconvenient, potentially disrupting your plans for the day. However, fear not, for there are effective ways to expedite the drying process of your wet shoes. Whether you’re a hiker caught in a rainstorm or an urban dweller navigating wet streets, discovering these methods to swiftly dry your footwear can be a game-changer. In this article, we will explore a range of techniques that will not only save you from soggy shoes but also get you back on your feet comfortably in no time. Read on!

1. Dry Your Shoes With A Towel

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Image: Shutterstock

Drying your shoes with a towel is a simple and efficient method that can help eliminate excess moisture. Begin by removing the insoles and laces from your shoes to allow air circulation. Then, take a clean, absorbent towel and gently pat the interior and exterior of the shoes to absorb as much moisture as possible. Press the towel against the wet areas, ensuring that you reach all corners. Remember not to vigorously rub the towel on the shoes, as this could potentially damage the material. Instead, focus on blotting and absorbing the moisture. Once you’ve completed this step, place crumpled pieces of newspaper or paper towels inside the shoes. These will continue to absorb moisture and aid in the drying process. Finally, find a well-ventilated area to leave your shoes to air dry naturally. With patience and proper care, your shoes should be completely dry and ready for your next adventure.

2. Use Newspaper To Dry Your Shoes

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Image: Shutterstock

Utilizing newspaper to dry your wet shoes is a time-tested and effective approach. Begin by removing the shoe’s insoles and laces to enhance airflow within the shoes. Take several sheets of newspaper and crumple them into loose balls. Next, place the crumpled newspaper balls inside the shoes, ensuring they fill up the entire interior. The newspaper will absorb moisture from the shoes, aiding in the drying process. Replace the newspaper with fresh, dry sheets every few hours if the shoes are extremely wet.

After allowing the newspaper to work its magic for a few hours or overnight, remove the damp newspaper and assess the moisture level of the shoes. If they’re still damp, you can repeat the process with fresh newspaper until the shoes are adequately dry. Remember, while a newspaper is an excellent method for drying shoes, it’s important to place the shoes in a well-ventilated area during this process. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, as excessive heat can potentially warp or damage the shoe material. By using this straightforward technique, you can effectively expedite the drying of your wet shoes.

3. Dunk Your Shoe In Cat Litter Or Rice

Using rice or cat litter to dry wet shoes is a clever and practical approach to dry your shoes. Start by removing the shoe’s insoles and laces for better airflow. Fill a sock or cloth bag with either rice or cat litter, securing it to prevent spillage, and place it evenly within the shoes. Leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area for several hours or overnight. The rice or cat litter will effectively absorb the moisture, aiding in the drying process. Once done, remove the rice-filled or cat litter-filled sock/bag, shake out any residual particles, and let the shoes air out. Keep in mind that this method might not be suitable for delicate shoe materials, so testing a small area first is wise. With this technique, you can expedite the drying of your wet shoes using common household items.

4. Hang Them In Front Of The Fan

Hang-Them-In-Front-Of-The-Fan
Image: Shutterstock

Suspending your wet shoes in front of fans is a practical and efficient method to quicken the drying process. First, remove the shoe’s insoles and laces to enhance airflow within the shoes. Then, position a fan in a well-ventilated area. Use shoelaces, clips, or hooks to hang the shoes securely from a horizontal rod or a hanger, ensuring they are not touching each other or any surfaces. Turn on the fans to create a constant flow of air, which will help evaporate the moisture within the shoes.

Whether employing household items like rice or cat litter, harnessing the power of airflow through fans, or resorting to traditional techniques such as using towels or newspapers, there’s a solution for every situation. The key is to tailor your choice to the type of shoe material and the urgency of the situation. By adopting these effective strategies, you can bid farewell to soggy shoes and stride confidently forward, knowing that you have the means to restore comfort and functionality with remarkable ease. So, which of these methods have you tried? Let us know in the comments section!

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Indrani Karmakar

Indrani KarmakarSenior Social Writer

Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduating in Political Science from Calcutta University, she took a detour into the world of creativity and discovered her knack for social writing, advertising, designing, and...read full bio

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