Quick Guide: Clean Sneakers in a Shoe Dryer

Getting your sneakers dry and ready for your next outing involves more than just leaving them out to air. The right preparation before using a shoe dryer can make all the difference in keeping your footwear in prime condition. This guide aims to walk you through each step necessary for drying your sneakers effectively, ensuring they come out looking great and lasting longer.

Preparing Sneakers for Drying

To ensure your sneakers emerge dry, intact, and looking good, follow these simple steps. Doing so also helps in maintaining their quality and extending their longevity.

1. Clean Your Sneakers:

Give your sneakers a basic cleaning. Remove surface dirt and mud with a soft brush or cloth. If they're particularly dirty, consider hand-washing them gently with mild soap and water before drying. Remember, the shoe dryer isn't for cleaning; it's for drying.

2. Remove Insoles and Laces:

Pull out the insoles and laces. These parts of your sneakers dry better and faster when they're separated from the main shoe structure. You can air dry the insoles or place them in the shoe dryer separately if the device accommodates them without squeezing them in.

3. Check the Material:

Know what material your sneakers are made of. While most athletic shoes made of canvas, cotton, or synthetic materials are generally safe to dry, materials like leather or suede might need special care. Always check the care label inside your sneakers for any drying instructions or restrictions.

4. Wipe Off Excess Water:

If your sneakers are excessively wet, gently pat them down with a towel before placing them in the shoe dryer. Removing excess water aids in faster and more even drying within the device.

5. Position Correctly in the Dryer:

Position your sneakers properly inside the shoe dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure they're well-supported and not squashed. Proper positioning ensures effective airflow around the sneakers, which leads to more efficient drying.

6. Consider Using a Deodorizer:

• Place a deodorizing pouch inside the sneakers before drying to tackle odors.
• Sprinkle some baking soda inside the sneakers to absorb moisture and neutralize smells¹.

7. Setting the Dryer:

Adjust the settings on your shoe dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Opt for lower heat settings if your sneakers are delicate or made of sensitive materials to avoid damage.

By preparing your sneakers correctly before using a shoe dryer, you'll not only get them dry but also prolong their life, keeping them fresh and clean for your next adventure or workout session.

Selecting the Correct Shoe Dryer Settings

When using a shoe dryer for your sneakers, selecting the ideal settings is crucial to ensure your shoes come out ready for your next adventure without any damage. Here's how to select the ideal shoe dryer settings for your sneakers.

• Identify if your shoe dryer has different heat settings. If yours does, opt for a lower heat setting. High heat may quickly dry your shoes, but it can also cause the glue binding your sneakers to weaken or melt, damaging your shoes². A lower heat setting takes a bit longer but is much safer for your sneakers.
• Consider the drying time. Most shoe dryers will have a timer feature where you can set how long you want your sneakers to dry. Start with a 20-minute cycle. After the cycle finishes, check if the sneakers are dry. If they're still a bit damp, you can add more time in small increments, but avoid over-drying as this can damage the shoes.
• If your dryer comes with an option for continuous airflow without heat, use that setting. Continuous airflow helps in drying the sneakers gently without introducing any heat, thus eliminating any risk of damaging the shoes.
• For added precaution, if your shoe dryer allows for it, use any extensions or racks that come with it designed specifically for drying footwear. These accessories help keep the sneakers in an ideal position to maximize airflow inside and around the shoes. This ensures an even and gentle drying process.

Post-Drying Shoe Care

Once your sneakers are dried thoroughly, the next steps are imperative to maintain their shape, comfort, and to ensure they're ready for your next venture outdoors.

1. Re-Inspect For Dampness: Even after a thorough dry, certain sneaker materials can trap moisture inside. Gently press on the thicker sections of each sneaker to ensure they are completely dry. If any part feels even slightly damp, allow more air-dry time.
2. Re-insert the Insoles and Lace Up: Once fully dry, reshape the insoles (if they were removed) by flattening them out with your hands and then slide them back inside each sneaker. Next, thread the laces back through the eyelets. This is also a perfect opportunity to experiment with different lacing styles for improved foot support or to add a fresh look.
3. Inspect and Smooth Over Creases: After the drying process, sneakers might show creases or bends, especially around areas that move a lot, like where your toes bend. Gently smooth these out by hand or stuff the sneakers with dry, clean paper (avoiding newspapers as the ink can transfer) for a few hours to help regain their original shape.
4. Brush Off Any Dust or Lint: Drying, especially using external devices like fans or shoe dryers, can attract dust or lint. Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to gently wipe down the exterior of the sneakers to eliminate any foreign particles.
5. Protect and Spray: After ensuring your sneakers are perfectly dry and clean, now is the best time to apply a waterproof spray or sneaker protectant. This helps shield your footwear from future water damage and stains. But remember, always read the label of the protectant spray to ensure it's suitable for your sneaker's material.
6. Air Them Out Periodically: Even after drying your sneakers thoroughly, residual moisture from sweat during wear can lead to odors or mold formation if not cared for properly. Make it a habit to air out your sneakers regularly after use, placing them in a well-ventilated area, preferably away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
7. Regular Cleaning Rotation: Just because your sneakers are dry doesn't mean they won't get dirty or smell with repeated use. Here are some tips for incorporating regular maintenance cleaning into your routine:
   • Wipe down your sneakers after intensive activities to remove sweat and dirt.
   • Deep clean your sneakers every few weeks using a gentle cleaning solution and a soft brush³.
   • Rotate your sneakers, allowing them to fully dry and rest between uses to extend their life.

By following these steps right after drying your sneakers, not only do you ensure the longevity of your footwear, but you also keep them looking and feeling as good as new. Well-cared-for sneakers can take any adventure head-on, extending their life and the miles you can walk in them.

Maintaining the quality and extending the life of your sneakers doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these straightforward steps for drying and post-drying care, you’re not only preserving their structure but also ensuring they’re always ready for whatever comes next. Properly dried and cared-for sneakers mean you can step out in confidence, knowing your footwear is at its best.

1. Garlick, R. How to get smell out of shoes. Reviewed. Published February 25, 2021.
2. Stain Removal 101. How to dry shoes in the dryer safely. Published June 27, 2020.
3. Forte, C. How to clean every type of sneaker. Good Housekeeping. Published March 16, 2020.