If you own rubber boots, you know they are waterproof shoes that keep your feet from getting wet. Drying them is essential to prevent musty odors, discomfort, and diseases from bacteria. But can you put rubber boots in the dryer?
The answer is yes. However, natural rubber boots don’t like temperature changes, so air drying might be better. If you own a pair made with synthetic rubber, putting it in a boot dryer is the fastest way to remove excess moisture.
Below, we’ll answer if it is safe to put rubber boots in dry in more detail. This article will also teach you other ways to dry boots made with rubber.
Can You Put Rubber Boots in the Dryer?
Yes, you can use a boot dryer to remove moisture from the rubber boot. This is the quickest and most convenient drying process.
All you need to do is leave the wet boots in the dryer. Expect your footwear to be completely dry after several minutes to a few hours.
However, you must consider the exact materials used in the boots. Natural rubber can get damaged from temperature changes. The glue holding the sole can also melt under intense heat from boot dryers. In contrast, synthetic rubber boots are better at enduring high heat. It is generally safe to place them in the boot dryer.
Besides the boot material, you must also carefully choose the boot dryer you intend to use. Check if it can effectively handle wet shoes made with rubber. Note that some types of dryers only work with certain materials.
How To Dry Rubber Boots Without a Dryer?
Besides boot dryers, there are other ways to drying boots made with rubber. Most of these methods do not introduce heat to your wet shoes, which prevents unnecessary damage. Make sure your boots are completely clean before using any drying methods below.
Place the Boots in the Sun for a Few Hours
Air drying is one of the most effective ways to dry your boots.
Simply place your rubber boots in the sun for a few hours. The heat will remove excess moisture and dry the boots completely. It can also eliminate bacteria that may be growing inside the footwear.
However, avoid leaving the boots under direct sunlight for too long. Extreme heat from the sun can cause the rubber material to warp and crack.
If it is particularly sunny, consider putting the rubber boots in a shaded area within your home. This location still promotes air drying without damaging the boot material.
Pat the Boots with a Towel
You can use towels to remove moisture from extremely wet boots.
First, pat the exterior of the rubber shoes with a clean towel until they aren’t dripping wet and the cloth is soaked with water.
Now, put another absorbent towel inside the rubber boot. Make sure the other end of the cloth is outside. Use it to wrap the entire boot.
Repeat the same thing with the other rubber boot.
Then, place the footwear in a well-ventilated area to dry. Leave them alone for at least six to eight hours or overnight. Expect the towel to absorb excess moisture from the boots within this period because of its absorbent nature.
Stuff Newspaper Inside the Boots
If you still have newspapers lying somewhere in your home, it’s time to make use of them. They can effectively soak up moisture and humidity inside your boots.
To use stacks of newspaper, crumple them into a ball. Then, simply stuff the paper inside your boot.
Wait overnight before removing old newspapers from your footwear. Allow the rubber boots to air dry for a few minutes prior to wearing them.
Avoid using glossy newspapers or magazine pages because they may leave ink on your shoes.
Use Rice
Similar to towels and newspapers, rice or grain is an excellent absorber of moisture. It can effectively make your wet boots dry.
Fill your socks or any plastic bag with uncooked rice. Make sure to tie the container tightly to prevent rice from spilling all over.
Leave the socks or plastic that contain the rice inside the rubber boots for several hours or overnight. After this period, take out the rice. Shake off excess grains from the footwear.
Finally, let the boots air dry completely before using them again.
Turn On the Fans
If you don’t want to exert too much effort in drying your rubber boots, you can use the fan drying process.
All you need to do is place the boots in front of an electric fan =. You can hang it on the grill cover using an S-shaped hook. Or simply lay the shoes on top of a chair.
Make sure to remove obstructions near the fan because they can reduce its drying power.
The last step is to turn on the fan to its lowest or highest setting, depending on how fast you want the boots to dry. If you choose the lowest fan speed, leave the rubber boots to dry overnight. You’ll find them fully dry in the morning.
Use Shoe Inserts
Using shoe inserts is another effective way of drying your boots. This is also among the cheapest methods because you likely already own one.
Place the shoe inserts or insoles inside the rubber boots. Expect them to absorb extra moisture and humidity within several hours.
However, note that shoe inserts work slower than rice or crumpled newspapers. The upside is they don’t leave any mess.
Remember to air dry the boots after removing the insoles.
Consider a Hair Dryer
Want to use your wet rubber boots right away but don’t have a boot dryer? Consider using a hairdryer.
Start this method by removing the insoles from the boots. Leave them in a well-ventilated location to air dry.
Next, plug in your hairdryer and switch to its lowest warm temperature. Place it inside the boots and move in a back-and-forth motion.
Avoid blowing air in one area of your rubber shoes for a long time. If you do, you risk damaging or burning the material. You must also leave space between the dryer and boots to prevent direct heat contact.
After a few minutes, turn off the dryer and feel the boots to ensure they are completely dry. Unplug the hairdryer and store them in a secure location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will drying rubber boots in the dryer damage them?
It depends on the type of dryer you use.
Most boot dryers can work with different boot materials, including rubber. They are relatively safe to use, especially if you follow specific manufacturer instructions. However, some models can cause damage and warping to natural rubber boots. Air drying might be the safest drying method for natural materials.
Besides a boot dryer, a hairdryer is a popular appliance for drying rubber boots. It is safe, as long as you don’t blow hot air in one area for extended periods.
How long does it take to dry rubber boots on a boot dryer?
The drying period of rubber boots can vary based on different factors. These include the drying method used, the amount of moisture in the shoes, and current weather conditions.
If you use a boot dryer, expect your footwear to be fully dry within several minutes or a few hours. But if you choose to air dry the shoes, the drying time changes depending on the existing weather. Leaving the boots outside on a sunny day can remove excess moisture within eight hours or less. Cloudy or rainy weather means slower drying because of the lack of excessive heat.
Which drying method is best for rubber boots?
Air drying is the best way to remove moisture from rubber boots. Unlike dryers, this method doesn’t subject them to high heat, which can potentially damage the shoes. It also costs practically nothing since you don’t need to buy the drying device or other items, such as rice and fans.
Conclusion
Rubber boots protect your feet from getting wet during rainy weather. Cleaning and drying them is essential to keep them in excellent condition.
You can put rubber boots in the dryer if you need to use them as soon as possible. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to prevent unnecessary damage. If you don’t need to wear the boots right away, try the other drying methods above because they are safer.
Do you have other questions about drying rubber boots? Feel free to send your message to our contact page!