If you need to wash your tennis shoes, you can put them in the dryer if you want to speed up the drying process. You should remember a few things to keep your shoes looking and feeling the best. Depending on what materials your shoes are made of will determine the drying process. Putting them in the dryer isn’t your best option if they are made with leather.
THE CARE LABEL
Read the care label carefully and follow the washing instructions as closely as possible. Check your water temperature, and don’t scrub the outside too vigorously. Some shoes are fine to put in the washing machine, but ensure you use the right settings.
REMOVE AS MUCH DIRT AND DEBRIS AS POSSIBLE
Before you wash your tennis shoes, get rid of as much dirt and debris as possible. Flush out the inside of the shoes and wipe down the outside. If you are putting them in your washer, removing all the debris pieces will ensure your drain isn’t clogged as your shoes go through the wash and rinse cycles.
STUFF YOUR SHOES WITH SOCKS AND OTHER DRYER-FRIENDLY FABRIC ITEMS
To ensure your shoes don’t lose shape, stuff them with dryer-friendly fabric items like socks or t-shirts. Stuff them deep into the toes to keep them from shrinking inward. Stuff your shoes after they come out of the washer and leave the stuffing in place until you take them out of the dryer.
MAKE SURE THE LINT TRAP IS CLEAN
Always make sure your lint trap is clean. This reduces the fire risk and keeps lint and fuzz from getting on your shoes while they are cycling in the dryer. Keeping the lint trap clean should become a habit when using your dryer.
USE A DRYER RACK IF YOU HAVE ONE
If you have a dryer rack, use it. This prevents the shoes from being bounced around. The heated air swirls around the shoes allowing them to dry much faster.
PUT A FEW TOWELS OR SWEATS INTO THE DRYER
If you don’t have a dryer rack, put your shoes in the dryer with a few damp towels and sweatshirts. This will keep your shoes from bouncing around too much, and the towels will help to draw out any excess moisture. Your shoes will dry faster, so you want to check on them more often.
USE THE LOWEST HEAT SETTING
Use the lowest possible heat setting to prevent the fabric or rubber materials from getting too hot. If you have a few towels in the dryer, they will offset the heat and pull the moisture from the fabric, so they dry more efficiently.
USE A MESH LAUNDRY BAG
If you want to isolate your shoes, place them in a mesh laundry bag while in the dryer with the towels. It will keep the laces from getting tangled. A bag will also prevent your shoes from getting too banged up.
FINAL TAKE AWAY
If you want to keep your shoes clean and are concerned about the drying process, contact us at Busybees Laundry. We can clean your shoes for you or help you clean them yourself. Shoes require special care. We can help you take care of them.