Assess if the Sneakers Are Dryer-Safe

Not all sneakers are suitable for the dryer. Check the shoe’s label or tag to see if the manufacturer recommends machine drying. If the tags don’t provide care instructions, inspect the sneakers closely:

• Sneakers made of leather, suede, or canvas are typically not dryer-safe. The heat can cause these materials to shrink, warp, or crack. Air drying is best.
• Mesh sneakers and those made of synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester are usually fine in the dryer on a low heat setting.
• Rubber soles may be able to withstand the dryer, but adhesives holding the sole to the upper could melt. Tread carefully.

If in doubt, skip the dryer to avoid damaging your sneakers.

Remove Laces and Inserts

Before placing sneakers in the dryer, remove all laces and any removable inserts or insoles. Laces can get tangled or jam the dryer; inserts can misshape or melt. Taking them out prevents problems.

Turn Sneakers Upside Down

Flip your sneakers over so the soles face up in the dryer. This allows air to better circulate within the shoe, helping them dry faster and more evenly. Upside down placement also reduces the risk of damage to the exterior material.

Use Low Heat

High temperatures can warp, shrink, or melt sneaker materials. A low heat setting – usually around medium – is safest for drying shoes without heat damage. Check the care tag for the manufacturer’s recommended temperature if available.

For extra protection, set the dryer to air fluff or no heat. It will take longer to dry sneakers this way, but eliminates risks from heat exposure.

Add Dryer Balls

Dryer balls help separate sneakers in the drum so air circulates inside them. Wool or rubber dryer balls are ideal. They also help soften fabrics and cut down on static cling in clothes, so sneakers will be comfy right out of the dryer.

Check Dryness Frequently

Monitor sneakers in the dryer and check their progress every 20 minutes or so. Once they feel dry on the surface, remove and allow to finish air drying. Leaving shoes in the dryer to tumble after fully dried can damage materials.

Stuff Shoes While Cooling

After drying in the dryer, let sneakers cool completely before wearing. While cooling, loosely stuff the toes with spare socks, rags, or paper towels to help them hold their shape. Avoid wearing hot sneakers right after drying.

Freshen Between Washes

To freshen sneakers between washes, put them in the dryer with dryer sheets or essential oils for 15 minutes on air fluff. The heat releases odors and moistures while fragrances make them smell clean!

Dryer Drying Tips for the Best Results

Following these simple tips helps ensure your sneakers dry properly in the machine without damage:

• Only dryer-safe shoes should go in the dryer. Check labels and materials first.
• Remove laces and inserts before drying. This prevents tangling and melting.
• Flip and turn sneakers upside down in the dryer so air circulates inside.
• Use the lowest heat setting possible, preferably air fluff if available.
• Add dryer balls to separate shoes and evenly distribute hot air.
• Frequently check sneakers for dryness and don’t over-dry.
• Stuff toes while cooling to help retain shape.
• Freshen between washes with a short air fluff cycle with dryer sheets.

With the proper care and precautions, machine drying is a quick and convenient way to dry wet sneakers while avoiding heat damage. Follow these guidelines for safely drying your shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drying Sneakers in the Dryer

Can you put any sneakers in the dryer?

No, not all sneakers are safe to put in the dryer. You should only dry sneakers made of durable synthetics like nylon or polyester on low heat. Avoid drying leather, suede, or canvas sneakers as the heat can damage them.

How long should you dry sneakers in the dryer?

Check sneakers every 20 minutes while drying. Remove them once the exterior feels dry, even if the inside still feels damp. Let them air dry fully after machine drying to avoid over-drying. Most sneakers take 40-60 minutes to dry sufficiently in the dryer.

Should sneakers be air dried or dried in the dryer?

Air drying is safest for all shoe types, but machine drying on low heat is okay for synthetics. Air drying avoids any risk of heat damage but takes much longer. The dryer quickly dries sneakers made of durable materials.

Will the dryer shrink my sneakers?

High heat can shrink sneakers by drying out leather and fabrics. Always use the coolest setting possible. Some natural shrinkage can occur in materials like canvas from any drying method. Avoid putting non-dryer-safe shoes in the dryer.

How can I dry my sneakers fast without a dryer?

Stuff damp shoes with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture faster. Set them in a warm, breezy spot to air dry. Place a fan nearby to speed up drying. Avoid direct heat like radiators which could damage shoes.

Key Takeaways on Drying Sneakers in the Dryer

• Check if sneakers are dryer-safe based on materials and labels before machine drying.
• Use only low heat settings to avoid heat damage to shoes.
• Remove laces and inserts first for safe drying.
• Turn and flip sneakers upside down in the dryer for better air circulation.
• Monitor closely and don’t over-dry shoes past feeling dry on exterior.
• Allow to fully air dry out of dryer before wearing again.

With proper precautions, drying wet sneakers in the dryer is an effective approach. Follow these guidelines to safely dry your shoes without causing harm from heat exposure. Air drying is best for delicate materials like leather and suede.