How to quickly dry sneakers after washing?

Sneakers need periodic cleaning, even if they're worn exclusively at the gym. It's not just about cleanliness, but also about hygiene. Increased sweating, which accompanies all physical activity, and the accompanying moisture, create a breeding ground for fungal infections and other harmful microorganisms in the material. Running shoes are often used daily, so the question of how to quickly dry sneakers after washing becomes pressing. Let's explore all the effective methods.

General recommendations

Without following the basic rules for drying sneakers, it's very easy to ruin them. It doesn't matter whether they're from a reputable brand or a Chinese knockoff. Therefore, if you don't plan on replacing your sneakers anytime soon, keep the following recommendations in mind:

Avoid drying sneakers on heat sources, such as radiators and electric heaters. While it's tempting to quickly dry your shoes, there's a high risk of ruining them. When exposed to high temperatures, the glue may crack and lose its properties, which will lead to deformation of the product.;
You cannot dry your sneakers in the drying chamber of a machine on a standard setting;
Before drying, be sure to remove the insoles and completely unlace the sneakers;
If you need to dry sneakers that have not been washed, but have been wet in the rain, first clean off any dirt from the shoes;
It's best to use special dirt-repellent and water-repellent liquids for outdoor sneakers. These products will protect your shoes and significantly extend their lifespan.

If your leather sneakers get wet in the rain, you should take them off quickly. Wet genuine leather is very elastic and stretches well, so stretching the material will inevitably occur if you wear a wet pair for a long time. If your sneakers are made of suede, you should first dry the fabric before brushing or cleaning off any dirt with brushes or sponges. The sneakers cracked due to improper washing.

Shoe care rules are fairly simple. By following general recommendations, you can preserve your favorite sneakers for a long time. But how can you quickly dry a pair at home if you can't use a radiator? There are several gentle methods that will help speed up drying.

Paper napkins

A tried-and-true method is using paper towels. Clean sheets of scrapbook paper will also work. You can form a ball of toilet paper, wrap it in paper towels, and use it for drying. The procedure is as follows:

Stuff the sneaker with paper balls. Be careful not to stretch the shoe;
wrap the “crosses” with paper towels on the outside in five or six layers, secure the structure with rubber bands;
Place your sneakers in a well-ventilated room;
replace the paper “filling” after 20-30 minutes;
Fill the shoe with balls again.

The more often you change the paper "filling" of your sneakers, the faster they will dry.

Therefore, check the wetness of the paper towels every 40-60 minutes. This drying method is far from cost-effective, but it is very effective. Don't stuff your sneakers with old newspaper sheets - the printing ink may bleed onto the fabric, ruining the look of your shoes.

Salt your sneakers

Rock salt can also help speed up the drying of athletic shoes. This method can be useful, for example, on a hike, where drying sneakers can be a real challenge. Here's the procedure:

Heat coarse salt in a frying pan;
pour hot salt crystals into a nylon stocking, tie it, and pull a cotton sock over it;
Place homemade "warmers" in your sneakers, distributing the salt evenly over the shoe last;
After the salt has cooled, reheat it in a frying pan and repeat the procedure.

Don't use finely ground salt for this purpose—particles will easily get through the toe and onto the insole and inside the shoe last, causing discomfort during further wear. Therefore, large salt crystals are essential. Sometimes a pair can be dried in one go, or the process may need to be repeated 2-3 times.

Handy absorbents

At home, rice can help speed up the drying of athletic shoes. This method isn't super fast, but it can reduce the time it takes for excess moisture to be absorbed. Follow these steps:

Pour rice into a shoebox, the layer should be about 3 centimeters;
Place the sneakers inside, placing them with the soles facing up.

You can't close the box of rice cereal, otherwise you can achieve the opposite effect.

The average drying time for sneakers on a rice mat is 6-8 hours. The time it takes for moisture to evaporate will depend on the sewing method, the room temperature, and the presence or absence of insulation.

Everyone who buys sneakers has seen small bags of balls in the shoebox. Some people throw these little bags away without thinking, not realizing what they're for. In fact, the manufacturer includes silica gel granules in the packaging—a good absorbent that soaks up water. These bags can be saved and used to quickly dry shoes when needed.

Modern cat litter can also be used. The required filler is silicone crystals, which are the silica gel described above. Fill a sock with the granules, tie it, and place it inside your sneakers. The water will be absorbed fairly quickly.

Artificial wind

You can quickly dry your sneakers with a fan. Although this device may seem useless after installing an air conditioner, there's no need to rush to part with it. Its blades can create a constant flow of cool air, which will undoubtedly help remove excess moisture. use a fan

When using a fan, proceed as follows:

Place the structure on the floor and spread towels at the base of the device to absorb water;
remove the insoles and laces from the sneakers; these items can be dried separately on a radiator;
open up your sneakers as much as possible;
hang the sneakers from the fan grille using a curved wire;
make sure that the crosses and homemade hooks do not interfere with the rotation of the blades;
Start the device by selecting the medium blowing speed.

You can put your dry sneakers on after just 2-3 hours. This method is relatively quick and gentle on your shoes, requiring little effort.

When drying shoes, it's best to avoid using a hair dryer, as it generates hot air. Exposure to high temperatures can damage sneakers and cause them to become deformed. Some devices have a cold air function, which can be useful when drying.

What shouldn't you do?

Let's look at the main mistakes that often lead to shoe damage. This will help homeowners avoid unpleasant surprises after washing and drying their athletic shoes. As mentioned earlier, sneakers can be damaged by high temperatures.

Even slight heat from a heat source can cause the sneakers to warp and crack.

Therefore, you should avoid drying your sneakers not only on radiators or near heaters, but also avoid using electric dryers and hair dryers. Of course, there's a chance your sneakers won't be damaged, but why risk it when there are plenty of other ways to dry them? It's also important to protect your sneakers from direct sunlight, as this can cause them to fade and become misshapen.