If you notice small ink spots on leather shoes once they’re dry, buff them out with a cotton pad dipped in isopropyl alcohol (just don’t use it on the soles). [2] X Research source Newspaper is safe to use on any shoe type or material. It will also prevent an odor from forming by absorbing bacteria. [3] X Research source

Direct sunlight will dry your shoes quickly, but may cause the color and material to fade faster than with normal wear and tear. If you want to clean your shoes while they’re already wet, wipe away dirt or mud with a damp cloth or an old toothbrush with a bit of dish soap. [5] X Research source

The wetter your shoes, the longer they’ll take to dry. The drying time is also affected by the material, humidity, and how much paper you stuff in them. Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to one of your last rounds of newspaper to give your shoes a fresh, clean scent. [10] X Research source Once the shoes are dry, you’re ready to replace the insoles and laces so you can hit the pavement!

Use the fan on any type of shoe or material, especially leather, suede, or other materials that can’t go in the dryer. If you want to clean up your shoes while they’re already wet, remove mud or dirt with a damp cloth or a small brush and dish soap.

Set up the fan in a space where the noise and breeze won’t bother you and lay a towel underneath it to catch water that drips from your shoes. [13] X Research source If you don’t have a fan, lay your shoes in front of the vent on your refrigerator (usually found beneath the fridge door). During cooling cycles, the vent blows warm, dry air. [14] X Research source

If there is no label or it’s faded away, assume the shoes are not dryer-safe and use a different method to dry them. [21] X Research source Any fabric shoe (like cotton, canvas, polyester, or nylon) are safe for the dryer unless they have hard or gel heels, soles, or decorations. Suede, foam, gel, leather, lace, or shoes with glued-on decorations (like appliques, gemstones, rhinestones, or glitter) should never be machine dried. Do not put high-quality running shoes in the dryer. The heat can damage the gels, foams, and adhesives in the shoes. [22] X Research source

Remove any gel or foam inserts, as these materials can’t go in the dryer. Optionally, use a damp cloth or a small cleaning brush with dish soap to clean any mud or dirt off your shoes since they’re already wet.

To cut the drying time even more, empty your dryer’s lint trap before you put the shoes inside. [26] X Research source

Close the door over the laces so the double knot hangs outside the dryer. The laces will suspend the shoes and stop them from banging around. If your dryer has a stationary drying rack, simply put the rack in the dryer and place your shoes on top. Select the appropriate setting for stationary drying. If you don’t have a dryer rack and your shoes don’t have laces, put them in a mesh laundry bag and place them in the dryer like regular clothes.

If the shoes are still damp, run them for another 20 minutes and check them again.

Use rice safely on any type of shoe or material, especially large boots, suede, leather, or anything that’s unsafe to go in the dryer. [30] X Research source If you like, take a moment to clean up your shoes while they’re already wet. Rub away dirt and mud with a damp cloth or an old toothbrush with some dish soap.

Alternatively, use fresh cat litter instead of rice. [32] X Research source

If the rice grains look bigger or feel damp but the shoes are still wet, the rice may be saturated. Dump the rice and fill the box again with fresh, dry grains.

Some boot dryers force hot air to circulate through your boots, while others simply heat up the towers to dry them through convection.