We’ve all been there: You get caught in a surprise downpour, step in a puddle the size of a small lake, or your kid “accidentally” drops their sneakers in the dog’s water bowl. Now you’re staring at a soggy pair of shoes and wondering, can I just throw these in the dryer?
Short answer? Yes—but only if you do it right. If not, you risk melted glue, misshapen soles, or a dryer that sounds like it’s under attack from inside. Improper drying methods can also affect the quality and characteristics of different shoe materials. For instance, using a shoe dryer can affect the texture of leather shoes, while waterproof sprays might affect breathability. Additionally, the heat from a dryer might adversely affect certain materials, leading to warping or cracking.
This guide is for real people with real wet shoes. No fluff. Just practical steps (with a few laughs) to dry those kicks without causing damage to your shoes, dryer, or sanity. And if your machine starts acting up in the process, Don Fuller’s got your back with trusted dryer repair services.
First Things First: What Kind of Wet Shoes Are We Talking About?
Not all shoes belong in the dryer. Some are totally fine to toss in (with a little prep), while others scream, “Air dry only, please!”
Good candidates for drying:
- Canvas shoes (like Converse)
- Fabric sneakers
- Nylon or mesh running shoes
Bad dryer candidates:
- Leather shoes/dry animal fabrics
- Suede (don’t even think about it)
- Dress shoes with glue-heavy soles
If your pair has a care label, check it. It’ll usually give you a clue about the materials and whether the dryer is a safe move. No label? Play it safe with the lowest temperature or skip the machine altogether.
Step-by-Step: How to Dry Shoes in Dryer
1. Take Out the Extras
Before doing anything, remove the laces and insoles. Laces can get tangled, and insoles hold a ton of moisture. Dry them separately by laying them flat or hanging them with clips in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it is important to wash the shoes before the drying process to ensure they are clean and to prevent damage.
2. Give ‘Em a Quick Soak (In Towels, Not Water)
Use a clean, dry towel to blot the excess water. Stuff the inside of the shoes with a few more towels or crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture. Before placing the shoes in the dryer, wrap them in newspaper to help absorb additional moisture. This gives the dryer less work and speeds up the drying process.
Tip: If you use newspaper, swap it out every 30–60 minutes until the shoes feel less like mini swamps.
3. Protect Your Shoes—and Your Dryer
This step is everything.
You don’t want your shoes to be flung around your dryer like sneakers in a washing machine mosh pit. That kind of banging not only sounds awful, but it can damage your dryer door, dryer drum, or knock sensors loose. (Yep, that’s a thing.)
Here’s how to fix that:
Option A: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Pop your shoes in a mesh laundry bag and toss in some towels. The towels help cushion the spin and prevent damage to both shoes and machine.
Option B: Tie the Laces in the Dryer Door
This one’s clever: Tie the shoelaces together, then shut the dryer door with the shoes hanging inside the drum. Let the laces dangle out so the shoes hang mid-air inside the machine. It keeps them from bouncing all over and helps them dry faster by letting hot air circulate.
(Just make sure the laces are secure so they don’t slip inside.)
4. Pick the Right Dryer Settings
Heat is your biggest risk when it comes to drying shoes.
Stick to:
- Low heat or air dry setting
- Short cycles (15-20 minutes at a time)
- Drying rack if your dryer has one
Don’t crank it to high. High heat can melt glue, warp soles, or even shrink the fabric—especially on canvas and fabric shoes.
If your dryer doesn’t have a drying rack, no worries—just stick with the mesh bag and towels combo.
Additionally, always check the shoe labels for a square symbol that indicates different drying options.
5. Take Breaks, Check Often
Let your shoes rest between cycles. Check them every 15-20 minutes to avoid overheating. If they feel almost dry, let them air dry the rest of the way in a well-ventilated area, near a fan or window—but not in direct sunlight. Too much sun can cause colors to fade or glue to soften.
Mistakes That’ll Wreck Your Shoes (Or Dryer)
Let’s keep you out of the “whoops” club. Avoid these common mistakes when drying shoes:
- Skipping the prep. Putting shoes in the dryer without removing insoles, laces, or soaking up excess water first = bad idea.
- Using high heat. Just don’t. It may seem faster, but it can warp, shrink, or fry your shoes.
- Drying leather or suede. Nope. Use the air-dry method or hang-dry those with care.
- Leaving them in one spot too long. Heat buildup = potential for burned soles or melted glue.
- Letting them bang around. Always secure or pad your shoes to protect your dryer and your nerves.
Additionally, we encourage you to review user-submitted tips or advice regarding shoe care to avoid these common mistakes.
Dry Sneaker Care
Proper shoe care is essential to extending the life of your shoes. This includes regular cleaning, drying, and storage. When drying shoes, avoid exposing them to excess heat, moisture, or direct sunlight, as this can cause damage to the materials. Instead, opt for air drying or using a low heat setting on a clothes dryer. Using a drying rack or a mesh laundry bag can help absorb moisture and prevent damage. Additionally, consider using a fan to speed up the drying process and prevent shrinkage. Always check the label on your shoes to see if they can be machine dried, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying. By taking these steps, you can ensure your shoes stay in great condition and are ready for whatever comes next.
What to Do If You Don’t Want to Use the Dryer
Not everyone’s a fan of machine-drying shoes, and that’s fair. If you want a dryer-free method, here’s what to do:
To keep shoes dry, remove the laces and insoles to enhance ventilation. Place the shoes in an open area, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent damage.
The Fan Trick
- Stuff your shoes with paper towels or dry cloths to absorb moisture.
- Place them in front of a fan in a well-ventilated room.
- Elevate them slightly using a rack or box to let air flow through.
It may take longer, but it’s gentle and safe for more delicate materials.
When Your Dryer Starts Acting Up…
If your dryer starts making weird noises, won’t heat, or completely quits after drying one too many pairs of sneakers, it’s probably time for help.
That’s where Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair comes in. Whether it’s a strange smell, a dryer door that won’t close, or a machine that now refuses to spin, our expert team is ready to fix it fast. If you’ve been Googling “dryer repair near me,” you just found the right crew.
Pay attention to the condition of your dryer to prevent further issues and ensure it continues to operate efficiently.
Quick Recap: Don’t Forget These Tips
- Remove laces and insoles
- Soak up extra water with towels or newspaper
- Use a mesh laundry bag or hang shoes by their laces inside the door
- Set the dryer to low heat or air dry
- Toss in towels to protect your shoes (and your ears)
- Use specialized shoe dryers to avoid damage
- Avoid leather and suede—those need special care
- Check your shoes often
- Finish with air drying if needed
Dry Shoes, Happy Feet, Healthy Dryer
Drying shoes doesn’t have to be a pain—or a risk to your appliances. With the right prep, settings, and a little creativity, your sneakers can be dry, fresh, and ready for their next adventure. Just remember: heat + fabric = tricky combo, so treat your shoes with a little patience.
And if your dryer doesn’t handle it well? Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair is just a call away. Whether it’s banging, overheating, or just not working like it used to, you can trust us for reliable help and good service, because appliances should make life easier, not more stressful.
Need dryer help fast? Contact Don Fuller’s Appliance Repair—your trusted local answer to dryer repair near me. We’ll get your dryer (and your laundry game) back on track.
