We’ve all been there. You get caught in an unexpected downpour, step in a puddle that was deeper than it looked, or give the kids’ sneakers a much-needed wash. Now you’re left with a pair of soaking wet shoes and the looming question of how to get them dry before you need them next. The clothes dryer seems like the obvious, speedy solution, but the thought of a sneaker symphony—that relentless thump-thump-thump—and the fear of finding melted, shrunken shoes is enough to make anyone hesitate. Well, as the voice of Clothes Dryer Guide, I’m here to tell you that learning How To Dry Shoes In The Dryer safely and effectively is not only possible, it’s a skill every household should have. Forget the horror stories; with the right technique, your dryer can be your best friend in this soggy situation.
Before You Even Touch the Dryer: The Prep Work is Key
Hold on there! Before you toss those wet shoes into the drum, a little prep work can make the difference between a successful drying cycle and a trip to the shoe store. Rushing this step is where most mistakes happen.
First Things First, Can Your Shoes Even Go in the Dryer?
This is the most critical question you need to answer. Not all shoes are created equal, and the heat of a dryer can be a death sentence for certain materials.
- Good to Go: Canvas (like Converse or Vans), cotton, and most synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are generally safe for a carefully controlled dryer cycle. Most kids’ sneakers fall into this category.
- Absolutely Not: Put the brakes on if your shoes are made of leather, suede, or certain types of rubber. The intense heat can cause these materials to crack, warp, or shrink. The same goes for any footwear with memory foam insoles, delicate embellishments, or gel-filled soles. When in doubt, always check the care label inside the shoe—it’s your ultimate guide.
A wise word of caution from our in-house material expert, Dr. Elena Vance: “The adhesives used in modern athletic shoes are often heat-sensitive. Exposing them to high temperatures in a dryer can weaken the bonds, causing the sole to separate from the upper. Low, gentle heat is non-negotiable.”
How to Prep Your Shoes for a Safe Tumble
Once you’ve confirmed your shoes are dryer-safe, a few simple steps will get them ready for their warm-up.
- Clean Them Up: If your shoes are muddy or dirty, give them a quick clean. Tossing dirty shoes in the dryer will only bake the grime in, making it much harder to remove later. A damp cloth or a soft brush should do the trick.
- Remove the Laces: Take the shoelaces out completely. This allows air to circulate more freely inside the shoe, helping it dry more evenly and quickly. You can toss the laces in with the towels we’ll be adding later.
- Take Out the Insoles: If the insoles are removable, take them out. They are often thick and can trap a lot of moisture. You can air-dry these separately or, if they are machine washable, toss them in with a regular load of laundry.
The Safe and Sound Guide on How to Dry Shoes in the Dryer
Alright, prep work is done. Now for the main event. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” operation. Following these steps carefully will protect both your shoes and your dryer.
- Tie the Laces Together: Take the shoelaces (or a separate, sturdy pair) and tie the shoes together. You’ll want to create a loop, leaving about 6-8 inches of lace between the two shoes. You can also tie the ends of the laces of a single shoe together to create a hanging point.
- The Door Trick: This is the secret to avoiding that headache-inducing banging. Open the dryer door, hang the shoes by the laces over the top of the door so that the shoes themselves are inside the dryer drum, resting against the inside of the door. Carefully close the door, making sure the laces are caught and held securely at the top. This keeps the shoes suspended and stops them from tumbling around.
- Add Some Towels: Toss three to five medium-sized towels into the dryer drum. Do not skip this step. The towels serve two crucial purposes: they absorb some of the moisture in the air, speeding up the drying process, and they provide a soft cushion for the shoes to rest against, further preventing any clanking.
- Choose the Right Setting: This is paramount. Set your dryer to the Low Heat or Air Dry/Air Fluff setting. Never use high heat. High heat is the primary culprit behind melted glue, warped soles, and shrunken fabric. You want to gently coax the moisture out, not blast it away. For more on this, check out our deep dive into understanding your dryer’s settings.
- Set the Timer: Start with a 20-30 minute cycle. When the time is up, open the door and check the shoes. Feel inside to see how damp they still are. They will likely need more time. Continue to dry them in 15-20 minute increments until they are completely dry to the touch. It’s always better to run multiple short cycles than one long one.
What If I Have a Dryer Shoe Rack?
Some modern dryers come with a stationary drying rack, and it’s a game-changer for items you don’t want to tumble. If you have one, this is the best possible way to dry your shoes.
A dryer rack is a simple mesh or vented shelf that fits inside the drum without moving. You simply place your prepped shoes on top of the rack, add a few towels to the drum below it to help with moisture, and run the cycle on low heat. This method provides excellent air circulation without any tumbling, making it the safest option for how to dry shoes in the dryer. If you’re in the market for a new machine, this is a feature worth looking for in our guide on choosing the right dryer for your family.
The Big “Don’ts”: Common Mistakes to Avoid
To recap, let’s highlight the most common pitfalls people fall into. Avoiding these will save you a lot of grief.
- Don’t Use High Heat: We can’t stress this enough. It’s the fastest way to destroy a perfectly good pair of shoes.
- Don’t Just Toss Them In: Never throw shoes into the dryer to tumble freely. The noise is just the beginning; the repeated impact can damage the shoe’s structure and the inside of your dryer drum.
- Don’t Dry Unsuitable Materials: When in doubt, leave it out. The risk of ruining leather, suede, or specialty shoes is not worth the time saved.
- Don’t Be Impatient: Trying to rush the process with higher heat or longer cycles will backfire. Gentle and steady wins this race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to dry shoes in the dryer?
A: This depends heavily on how wet the shoes are and the type of material. Generally, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a little over an hour. Always use short, incremental cycles and check for dryness in between to avoid over-drying.
Q: Is it really safe for my dryer to dry shoes inside it?
A: Yes, it is perfectly safe for your dryer as long as you use the door-hanging method or a proper drying rack. This prevents the shoes from banging against the drum, which is the primary cause of potential damage to the machine’s interior.
Q: Will the dryer shrink my canvas sneakers?
A: If you use the recommended Low Heat or Air Dry setting, the risk of significant shrinking is very low. High heat is what causes natural fibers like cotton canvas to shrink, which is why we so strongly advise against it.
Q: Can I dry my running shoes with gel or air pockets in the dryer?
A: It’s best to avoid it. The focused heat from a dryer, even on a low setting, can potentially damage the integrity of these specialized sole components. Air drying is the safest bet for high-performance athletic footwear.
Q: What if I don’t have laces to hang the shoes from the door?
A: If you’re drying slip-on shoes, your best bet is to use a dryer rack. If you don’t have one, the next best option is to bundle them tightly inside a large, thick towel or a mesh laundry bag with several other towels to cushion the impact as much as possible.
Your Go-To Guide for Dry Shoes
So there you have it. The mystery is solved. Knowing how to dry shoes in the dryer is all about preparation and patience. By checking the material, prepping them properly, and using the low-heat, no-tumble method, you can confidently and safely rescue your footwear from a soggy fate. The next time you’re faced with drenched sneakers, you’ll know exactly what to do. Now go on, give those shoes the gentle warmth they deserve! We’d love to hear about your own experiences or any tips you’ve discovered in the comments below.