Can Tennis Shoes Go In The Dryer?
Contents
Get the answer to the question “Can Tennis Shoes Go In The Dryer?” Find out the best way to dry your shoes and prolong their life.
Introduction
It’s happened to everyone. You’re in a rush to get ready and you grab your clothes out of the laundry basket, not taking the time to sort them. You throw everything in the dryer, set it, and forget it. But when you take your clothes out, you realize that you’ve accidentally put your tennis shoes in the dryer along with everything else. Can tennis shoes go in the dryer?
The quick answer is no, you should not put tennis shoes in the dryer. Dryers are huge culprits of shrinking clothes and damaging them beyond repair, and tennis shoes are no exception. The heat from the dryer can cause the material of your sneakers to break down and deform, leaving you with a pair of shoes that don’t fit quite right. In some cases, putting your sneakers in the dryer can cause them to fall apart completely.
The Drying Process
Tennis shoes can go in the dryer, but the process is a little different than drying other clothing items. You’ll want to put your shoes in the dryer on a low heat setting and use a drying rack to ensure they don’t get damaged. Drying your shoes in the dryer can help them last longer and keep their shape.
Air Drying
The air-drying process is the most gentle way to dry your shoes and will help prolong their life. It’s best to stuff them with newspaper or a shoe tree to help them keep their shape while they dry. Never place wet shoes in direct sunlight or near a heating source, as this can cause the leather to crack.
Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area, such as a porch or garage, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If you live in a humid climate, it’s best to stuff your shoes with newspaper to speed up the drying process.
Machine Drying
Machine drying is the most common way to dry clothes. Clothes are put into a tumbler where they are blown around by hot air. The air evaporates the water in the clothes, and they come out dry. This method is fast and convenient, but it can be hard on clothes. The high temperatures can cause shrinkage and damage, so it’s important to read the care labels on your clothes and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Risks of Drying Tennis Shoes
Washing your tennis shoes in the washing machine is fine, but you might be wondering if it’s okay to put them in the dryer too. Unfortunately, putting tennis shoes in the dryer can be risky. The high heat of the dryer can cause the shoes to shrink, warp, or even melt. In some cases, the heat can also cause the glued parts of the shoes to come apart.
Shrinking
One of the risks of drying tennis shoes in the dryer is that they may shrink. This is especially true for tennis shoes made of natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. The heat from the dryer can cause the fibers to contract, resulting in a smaller shoe. If your tennis shoes are made of synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, they may not shrink as much, but they can still lose their shape.
Warping
One of the risks of drying tennis shoes in a clothes dryer is that they can become warped. The high heat causes the fibers in the shoes to contract, which can change their shape. If you have a pair of shoes that you really love, it’s best to air dry them to avoid this risk.
Discoloration
One of the most common risks associated with drying tennis shoes in the dryer is discoloration. The high heat of the dryer can cause the colors in your tennis shoes to bleed, making them look dull and faded. If you have a pair of white tennis shoes, they may even come out of the dryer looking yellow or grey.
How to Dry Tennis Shoes Safely
If your shoes are machine-washable, you can also put them in the dryer on a low or delicate setting. If your shoes are made of leather or another sensitive material, however, you should avoid putting them in the dryer. Hanging them up to dry is always the best option.
Air Drying
One of the best ways to dry your shoes is to let them air dry. If you have time, take the insoles out of your shoes and let them air dry separately. This will help them dry more evenly and prevent them from getting mildewy. If you can’t take the insoles out, just make sure to stuff your shoes with wadded up paper towels to help absorb moisture.
Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources like vents or radiators. Letting your shoes dry in direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, while heat sources can cause your shoes to shrink or warp.
Depending on the humidity and temperature of your home, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours for your shoes to completely air dry. If your shoes are still damp after a day of air drying, you can try using a fan to help speed up the process.
Machine Drying on a Low Setting
Many of us have probably put our sneakers in the dryer at some point in our lives, especially if we were in a hurry and needed to wear them ASAP. But is it actually safe to dry sneakers in the dryer, or will it ruin them?
The quick answer is that yes, you can put tennis shoes in the dryer, but you should only use the lowest setting and stop the cycle as soon as they are dry. If you have a pair of shoes that are particularly delicate or expensive, it’s best to air dry them instead.
The main reason why you should be careful about putting your sneakers in the dryer is because the high heat can cause the material to break down and degrade over time. In addition, if your shoes have any metal parts (such as cleats on a pair of soccer shoes), the heat can cause those parts to warp or melt.
Another potential issue with machine drying your sneakers is that they can come out looking misshapen. If you have a pair of shoes with a lot of cushioning or support, they may lose their shape after being tumble dried. This is why it’s always best to air dry whenever possible.
If you do need to put your tennis shoes in the dryer, make sure to use the lowest setting and take them out as soon as they are finished drying. This will help extend the life of your shoes and prevent any damage from occurring.
Conclusion
Yes, you can put tennis shoes in the dryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if your shoes are wet, set the dryer to the lowest heat setting and add a couple of towels to help absorb moisture. You should also remove the laces and any metal shoelace eyelets before putting your shoes in the dryer. Finally, don’t overcrowd the dryer—putting too many shoes in at once can cause them to come out damage.
