How To Dry Wet Leather Shoes: DIY Method

 

Starting the day with damp boots is the only thing that can be worse than completing it in wet boots. However, as high-quality boots are sometimes constructed of thick materials like leather, they frequently only naturally dry in time for the following day when they are damp.

But the good news for you. We have the solutions if you need your damp shoes dried and ready for the morning. This “how to dry wet leather shoes?” tutorial will explain how to speed up the boot dying process while providing some advice on avoiding damage, the accumulation of bacteria, and odor. Let's get going.

how to dry wet leather

Getting Ready For The Drying Process With Your Boots

Step 1: Remove The Dirt

You should first clean the surface of your boot of any dirt, sludge, or other contaminants. If you don't, there's a chance that your boots could end up permanently ruined or discolored. After washing the filth away with soapy water, pat yourself dry. To prevent scratching the leather, use a brush with soft bristles if you choose to use one.

Note: Avoid Chemicals Or Detergents

Boots will become damaged and discolored if you use powerful cleaning agents that contain chemicals or alcohol. Keep things simple by using simple soap and water.

Step 2: Remove The Insoles

If your handmade shoe has detachable insoles, take them out and set them away to dry. Allowing air to enter the insole may speed up drying time and prevent odors from developing. Removing the insoles will also let air flow around parts of the boot that aren't typically ventilated, lowering the likelihood of odor and bacteria buildup.

Optional: Remove The Laces

Some individuals additionally remove the laces before drying, facilitating easier drying of the laces and better airflow throughout the smaller, less exposed portions of the boot. This step is optional if you have a hi-leg boot; pulling them off and putting them back on would add quite a few minutes to the process.

handmade shoe

Drying Your Shoes

Using Newspaper To Dry Your Shoes

Newspaper absorbs moisture naturally, making it an effective way to dry boots without putting the material under stress.

Place a few sheets of newspaper inside the boot after gently balling them up (don't compress them too tight, or they won't absorb as much moisture).

Note: Avoid Heating The Shoes Directly

Although everyone is busy and seeks immediate results, placing your boots next to a fire or heater is a BIG MISTAKE. The boots may dry rapidly with this procedure, but they will also be damaged soon.

 

Last but not least, the custom-made shoe isn't merely composed of cotton. No matter how wet your boots are, always choose a gentle, natural drying procedure since high heat can melt the glue that keeps components together and deform or melt rubber portions like the sole.

Optional: Alternatives to Newspaper 

a)      Fabric Materials

If you believe that newspaper that has been wet and mangled will be more difficult to recycle, you can swap paper for other materials. A bigger piece of fabric, such as a towel, also allows the corners to fit inside the boot while the remaining portion of the cloth is draped over the top to speed up the drying process for all footwear.

b)      Hygroscopic Materials

Someone has undoubtedly advised you to put your phone in a rice bowl if it ever gets wet. Because rice is a hygroscopic substance, moisture from the air is naturally absorbed by it; this is the case. People without access to newspapers have been known to place a pair of socks into uncooked rice before slipping the socks into their shoes to absorb moisture. Because biscuits, like rice, suck moisture, individuals have placed their wet boots in a box or bin full of biscuits. However, this strategy seems wasteful and shameful to use perfectly delicious cookies in a world where a third of the population suffers from food shortages.

custom made shoe

Final Checklist For Drying Footwear

You now have the necessary information to advance your boot drying abilities from competent to expert.

Damp Environment

Don't worry about getting everything ready to dry your boots and leave them in a damp area! Avoid your bathroom and kitchen because they tend to have more moisture in the air. Put your boots in a dry room if you want them to stay dry.

Remember: Your closet for drying clothes does not count as a dry room! Keep your boots clear of this location as it is an exceptionally heated environment and would represent forced drying that might fast harm your boots.

Check For Dryness

Even if you've followed all the necessary procedures, ensure your boots are completely dry before wearing them again. Several foot health problems can be caused by wetness around the foot. 

Remember: Having damp feet poses a health risk in addition to being an annoyance.

We hope this article on “how to dry wet leather shoes?” was helpful for you. If you want to learn more, visit us at Bondeno!