Heavy rains have been observed in Delhi-NCR since the morning. Despite the use of umbrellas and raincoats, shoes remain wet due to intense precipitation. During the monsoon season, the condition of footwear is a major concern, as it can become completely soaked with water and dirt from the roads. The problem is exacerbated if one needs to wear the same shoes the next morning for office visits, college, or important errands.
If wet shoes are left in a room overnight, dampness and an unpleasant odor can develop inside them. Many people try to speed up the drying process by using strong sunlight, heaters, or blowers. However, excessive heat can damage the material, glue, and shape of the shoe. If you encounter the problem of drying wet shoes during the rain, there are methods that can dry them in just one night.
Ways to dry shoes after the rain:
The first step should be to remove excess moisture from the shoes immediately upon returning home, avoiding immediate placement in a hot spot or near a heater. The shoes can be gently squeezed to release water, but they must not be twisted or wrung out, as this can damage the shape and seams. If possible, insoles and shoelaces should be removed to ensure better air circulation inside the shoes and speed up drying.
Old newspaper sheets can be a very useful drying agent. Cut the newspaper into small pieces and tightly fill the shoes with them. Newspaper helps absorb moisture and also maintains the original shape of the shoe. If the shoes are very wet, the damp newspaper should be replaced with dry paper after a few hours, which will significantly accelerate the reduction of internal humidity.
Instead of waiting for sunny weather during the rain, it is recommended to place the shoes in a dry and well-ventilated area in front of a running fan. Constant air movement promotes the gradual evaporation of moisture from inside and outside the shoes. It is important not to dry wet shoes in a closed closet or a damp place, as insufficient air circulation will slow down drying and cause odors.
If you need to leave early in the morning and the shoes are still slightly damp, you can use a hairdryer. In this case, you should avoid using the hottest setting. The hairdryer should be kept at a distance from the shoes, constantly moving the airflow over different parts. Continuous airflow is more important than intense heat to avoid damaging the fabric or glue of the shoe.
Silica gel packets, if available at home, can assist in drying; they can be placed inside the shoes for some time, as they effectively absorb moisture. Another method is to wrap a small amount of salt in cloth and place it inside the shoes, then remove it after some time to reduce moisture.
What to avoid when drying shoes
When trying to quickly dry shoes, do not expose them to direct exposure to strong sunlight, heaters, or blowers. Excessive heat can lead to deformation of the shoe's shape, fading of color, and weakening of the glue. Therefore, the optimal way to dry wet shoes in rainy weather is to first remove excess water, then use newspaper to absorb internal moisture, and finally utilize the help of a fan or natural air movement, which will allow the shoes to dry without excessive heating.
