The short answer
Act Fast to Prevent Damage
The sooner you start drying your shoes, the better their chances of keeping their shape and smell. Remove laces and insoles right away, and take out any removable footbeds. Blot each shoe with a clean towel to soak up standing water, but do not rub hard, which can push water deeper into the material.
Set up a drying space in a room with good airflow. A fan on low speed aimed at the shoes helps, and a dehumidifier can pull moisture from the air and the shoes themselves. If you live in Quincy, a humid day can slow drying, so keep the air moving and check on the shoes every few hours.
Choose the Right Drying Method
Stuff each shoe with dry newspaper, paper towels, or a clean cotton cloth to absorb moisture from the inside. Change the stuffing every few hours as it becomes damp. This method works well for leather, canvas, and most synthetic materials because it draws water out without exposing the shoe to high heat.
For sneakers and washable shoes, you can also use a boot dryer if you have one, set on a low or no-heat cycle. Never place wet shoes on a radiator, near a heater vent, or in direct sunlight. Intense heat can cause leather to crack, glue to loosen, and soles to warp, so slow and steady is safer.
- Remove laces and insoles before drying
- Blot with towels, do not wring or twist
- Stuff shoes with newspaper or cloth
- Use a fan or dehumidifier in the room
- Rotate shoes to dry all sides evenly
- Avoid heat sources like radiators and dryers
Handle Different Materials with Care
Leather shoes need extra attention. After blotting, let them dry at room temperature, and once they are dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple. Suede and nubuck are more delicate, so brush off dirt after drying and use a suede brush to restore the nap. For canvas shoes, you can machine wash them if needed, but air drying is still the sensible choice.
Synthetic materials like mesh and nylon dry faster, but they can hold odors if not dried thoroughly. For any shoe, consider using a disinfecting spray or a light vinegar solution to prevent mildew, but test it on a small area first. If shoes are heavily soiled or have been in floodwater, treat them as contaminated and clean them properly before wearing. Air drying is the right choice for most materials.
When to Call in the Pros
If a large portion of your shoe collection got soaked, or if the water came from a leak, flood, or sewage backup, drying might be part of a bigger cleanup. In those cases, the pros can use structural drying and dehumidification to lower moisture levels in your home, which also helps your shoes dry faster and prevents mold growth.
The pros can also help with content pack-out services, where they carefully remove, dry, and store your belongings, including shoes, until your home is safe. If you have valuable or irreplaceable shoes, professional help may be worth considering. For routine spills or a single wet pair, home drying methods usually work fine.
- Floodwater may require professional cleanup
- Mold can develop quickly on damp shoes
- Valuable shoes may need specialized care
- Dehumidification helps the whole room dry
Prevent Future Soaking
Once your shoes are dry, think about how to keep them from getting soaked again. Use waterproof sprays on leather and suede, and store shoes in a dry, well-ventilated closet. If you live in a rainy area, keep a pair of waterproof boots by the door for wet days, and rotate your shoes so they have time to air out between wears.
Check your home for leaks that could lead to water damage, like a dripping pipe or a roof leak. Fixing these issues early can protect more than just your shoes. If you do find a leak, a local water damage pro can help with leak detection and cleanup, but for everyday shoe care, a little prevention goes a long way.
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Call Now (617) 404-2753Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for shoes to dry?
Drying time depends on the material, how wet the shoes are, and the airflow in your home. Canvas shoes might dry in a day, while leather can take two to three days. Using a fan or dehumidifier speeds up the process, but avoid heat sources.
Can I put wet shoes in the dryer?
Putting wet shoes in a clothes dryer is risky. The tumbling and heat can damage the shape, glue, and materials. Air drying with stuffing is safer. If you have a boot dryer, use it on a low or no-heat setting, but never use high heat.
What if my shoes smell after drying?
Odors often come from bacteria and mildew. After the shoes are dry, sprinkle baking soda inside and let them sit overnight, then shake it out. You can also use a disinfecting spray. If the smell persists, the shoes may need a deeper cleaning or professional treatment.