How to Dry Boots: 8 Quick, Easy and Effective Ways

We love boots. No question about that! But cleaning and drying them after a long, cold day outside can be such a pain. Wet boots are not only uncomfortable to wear, but they can also damage the material and ruin the shape of your footwear.

The good news is that there are several ways you can use to dry your boots quickly and easily. And we’ll share with you eight of the best methods. This way, you can keep your boots for seasons to come.

1. Use a boot dryer: Quick and Effective

A boot dryer is one of the quickest and most effective ways to dry your boots. It’s also the professional way to do it. Boot dryers work by circulating hot air around the boots and evenly drying them out. This prevents moisture build-up, which can cause bacteria and fungal growth, and keeps your boots smelling fresh.

The best boot dryers on the market have multiple settings so you can choose the right temperature for your boots. And some even have a timer so you can set it and forget it. Boot dryers are quick, gentle and safe.

2. Use Uncooked Grains: Chemistry At Its Best

When your phone slips in water and goes off, one of the ways to revive it is by putting it in rice! This method also works for drying out wet boots.

Uncooked rice, quinoa, and barley are absorbent grains that can help draw out moisture from your boots. Just like with the boot dryer, you’ll want to place your boots in a well-ventilated area so they can dry out evenly.

To use uncooked grains to dry your boots:

Place your boots in a large container or bag.
Cover the boots with uncooked grains, making sure each boot is completely covered.
Leave the boots for 24 to 48 hours, or until they’re dry.
Remove the grains and empty them.

3. Use a hairdryer: On The Go Drying

A hairdryer is probably the most convenient way to dry your boots if you’re in a hurry. It’s also a great way to spot-dry your boots if they’re only slightly wet.

To use a hairdryer to dry your boots:

Set the hairdryer to the lowest heat setting.
Hold the hairdryer about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the boot and move it around so that the heat is evenly distributed.
Don’t hold the hairdryer in one spot for too long as this can damage the material.
Dry the inside and outside of the boot.

When done, stuff the boots with newspaper to help them keep their shape.

4. Use Paper Towels: For Slight Moisture

Paper towels and newspapers are great for quickly soaking up moisture and they’re easy to find in any home. They’re also great for spot-drying if your boots are only slightly wet.

To use paper towels to dry your boots:

Place your boots on a dry, absorbent surface like a towel or newspaper.
Cover the wet areas with more towels or newspapers.
Leave the boots for a few hours, or until they’re dry.
Remove the towels and newspapers and dispose of them.

5. Set Them Near a Fire: The Old-School Way

This method might not be the most practical, but it’s definitely the most old-school. If you’re near a fireplace or wood stove, you can set your boots near the heat to dry them out.

To use this method:

Set your boots a few feet away from the fire, making sure they’re not too close as this can damage the material.
Rotate the boots every so often so that they dry evenly.
Leave the boots to dry for a few hours.

When they’re dry, put them on and walk around to help them keep their shape.

6. Use Silica Gel Packs: For A Gentle Drying

Silica gel packs are those little packets that come in shoe boxes and new purses. They’re great for absorbing moisture and they won’t damage your boots like heat can.

To use silica gel packs to dry your boots:

Place the silica gel packs in the bottom of a container or bag.
Place your boots on top of the silica gel packs.
Leave the boots for 24 to 48 hours, or until they’re dry.
Remove the boots and dispose of the silica gel packs.

7. Use a Fan: Circulate The Air

A fan is a great way to circulate air around your boots and help them dry evenly. If you’re using this method, you’ll want to place your boots in a well-ventilated area so the air can circulate around them.

To use a fan to dry your boots:

Place your boots in a well-ventilated area.
Place a fan in front of the boots and turn it on to the low setting.
Leave the boots for a few hours, or until they’re dry.
Turn off the fan and put your boots away.

8. Under the Sun: Gentle Heat For Your Boots

Last but not least, you can always set your boots in the sun to dry. This is a great option if it’s a nice day and you don’t mind letting your boots air out. Just like with the other methods, you’ll want to make sure your boots are in a well-ventilated area so they can dry evenly.

To use the sun to dry your boots:

Place your boots in a well-ventilated area.
Set them in the sun and leave them for a few hours, or until they’re dry.
Bring them inside and put them away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drying Your Boots:

There are a few things you’ll want to avoid when drying your boots to ensure that they don’t get damaged. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Don’t put your boots in the oven or use a space heater to dry them. The heat can damage the material.
Don’t put your boots in the dryer. The tumbling can damage the material and the heat can be too much. read our guide on making a DIY boot dryer
Don’t leave your boots in direct sunlight. The sun can damage the material and cause the color to fade.
Don’t use a hairdryer on high heat. High heat can damage the material.
Don’t leave your boots in a closed car or container. The lack of ventilation will cause the boots to mildew.

Conclusion

There you have it! Eight simple and effective ways to dry your boots. Drying your boots doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a variety of methods you can use depending on your needs. With a little time and patience, your boots will be dry in no time.

Now that you know how to dry your boots, make sure you take care of them so they’ll last for years to come. Clean them regularly with mild soap and water and store them in a cool, dry place.