Can Shoes Go in the Dryer: Quick Guide When Drying Your Shoes

ByCarson Last Updated:

As confirmed with American Home Shield, putting shoes in the dryer may damage your shoes. However, if you can’t avoid it, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, always read the care label before using your dryer. Make sure you remove your clothing before placing it in the dryer. This will help reduce drying time and avoid any possible damage caused by heat.

Tips to Properly Put Shoes in the Dryer

Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

There are a few simple steps that you need to follow when cleaning your shoes. First, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as they will have detailed guidelines on cleaning and caring for your boots correctly.

When cleaning them, place them in a single layer and do not fold or crease them – this will help avoid tearing or holes. Finally, before putting them into the dryer, check if there are any tears or holes – if so, don’t put them through the cycle!

Understand How Materials Respond

When drying clothes, there are a few essential things to remember. First, never dry synthetic materials in the dryer, as they will shrink and become brittle. Instead, put them into the low heat setting on your machine or air-dry them.

For leather and suede shoes, you should treat them differently – either by washing them with a gentle detergent first and then drying at low temperatures or putting them into the dryer on a delicate cycle for a short period.

What to Do When You Are Unsure

If you need clarification on whether shoes can go in the dryer, it’s best to avoid putting them through the machine altogether. Some shoes, especially those made of leather or canvas, may be damaged by the heat and tumbling of a dryer. Some shoes, particularly those made of wool or other natural fibers, may shrink in the dryer.

There is also a risk that shoes could catch fire in the dryer, especially if they contain metal components or other materials that can create a spark.

Instead of placing them in the dryer immediately, please put them in a clothes bag and freeze them for a few hours before putting them into the dryer. If they still need to dry correctly, take your shoes back to where you bought them and have them checked by a professional.

Don’t Let the Shoes Bang Around in the Dryer

According to many experts, putting shoes in the dryer is not advisable. The heat from the machine can cause them to stretch and lose their shape while also damaging the leather or fabric. 

If you have to put your shoes in the dryer, ensure they are only loaded on one side and rotated every few minutes. Alternatively, you can try a drying rack that gently air-dries your footwear without having any adverse effects.

Fill your Machine and Shoes with Towels

Drying your shoes can be a tedious task, but it is essential to do it to keep them in good condition. Here are four easy tips that will make the process easier:

  • If your shoes are made of leather, dry them on low heat in the dryer.
  • Non-leather shoes can go into the dryer but first, remove the liner.
  • For fabric-type shoes, fill a machine with tennis balls and put the shoes inside. Make sure to turn off the engine when you’re done, and take out all tennis balls before putting your clothes in the dryer.

Others

One of the most common mistakes people make when drying clothes is forgetting some basics. Here are four tips to help you avoid these problems:

  • Always place your shoes in the dryer’s drum in a low or delicate setting. This will prevent them from getting too hot and possibly ruining them.
  • Remove all the labels and any tags before putting them in the dryer – this way, they’ll be easier to identify while drying, and there won’t be any confusion about who’s which!
  • Do not overload your machine – if you do, it can cause damage to your clothes and shoes due to excess heat build-up inside the machine. Overloading also wastes energy, so try to go for shorter cycles instead whenever possible (to save power).

Types of Shoes You Can Put in a Dryer

Canvas

Canvas is a versatile and easy-to-use drying rack used to dry any shoes. Here are three helpful ways to use canvas:

  • You can dry sandals, boots, or anything with straps by putting them on the rack and setting it in direct sunlight or on a radiator.
  • If you have more than one pair of shoes to dry, spread them out on the canvas, so they don’t touch each other and put the rack in a low heat setting for several hours.
  • To speed up the drying process, place your shoes upside down on one another (so the seams are facing down) and rotate them every few hours so all parts of the shoe get air circulation.”

Cotton

It is generally safe to dry cotton shoes in a dryer as long as you follow a few precautions:

  • Use a low heat setting: Use the low or medium heat setting on your dryer to avoid overheating the shoes, which can cause them to shrink or become misshapen.
  • Avoid overloading the dryer: Place only a few shoes simultaneously to allow them to tumble freely and dry evenly. Overloading the dryer can cause the shoes to become distorted or wrinkled.
  • Remove any metal components: If your cotton shoes have any metal components, such as shoelaces with metal aglets or eyelets, remove them before drying them to prevent them from creating a spark or causing damage to the dryer.
  • Check the shoes frequently: Check them frequently while drying to ensure that they are not becoming too hot or misshapen. Remove the shoes and allow them to cool before drying them.

Polyester/Nylon

You can do a few things to keep your polyester or nylon shoes in good condition. One way is to dry them in the washer and dryer – this will help them last longer. Another tip is to put your shoes on a hanger before putting them into the dryer; this will help them retain their shape. Unfortunately, drying your sneakers does not damage them; it just makes them less comfortable when you wear them!

Types of Shoes You Cannot Put in a Dryer

Suede

Suede is a beautiful material used to make shoes, bags, and other accessories. However, it is essential to take care of it as suede is very delicate. To avoid damage, air dry your shoes instead of putting them in the dryer. Also, remember to remove all the creases before drying them – this will help reduce wrinkles. Never put suede shoes in the washing machine as it can damage them.

Leather

Leather is a durable material that can last many years if properly cared for. However, leather is a natural material easily damaged by heat and tumbling. The heat and tumbling of a dryer can cause leather shoes to become a stiff, crack, or shrink. When leather shoes shrink in the dryer, they will become too small or misshapen. 

If your leather shoes are wet and you need to dry them quickly, it is generally better to air dry them by placing them in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. You can also use a hairdryer to dry your leather shoes if necessary, but be sure to use a low heat setting and keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating the shoes.

Sequins/Sparkles/Delicates

There are a few things you should know when it comes to shoes with sequins, sparkles, and delicate shoes. Firstly, they shouldn’t be put in the dryer as this will cause them to come off. Secondly, leave shoes with solid colors or prints alone – they won’t suffer from heat damage like those with colorful or print designs will. And finally, if you do have to dry your shoes in the dryer, use a low heat setting and air-dry them for best results.