Drying shoes with newspaper is a highly effective and widely used method to absorb moisture and accelerate the drying process, leveraging the paper's natural absorbency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Shoes with Newspaper
This simple technique can save your shoes from water damage and unpleasant odors.
What You'll Need
- Wet shoes
- Plenty of old, black-and-white newspaper
The Process
Follow these steps for best results:
- Prepare Your Shoes: First, remove the insoles from your shoes and unlace them completely. This allows better airflow and direct access to the interior of the shoe for drying. If there's any visible mud or debris, gently wipe it off the exterior.
- Ball Up Newspaper: Crumple several sheets of newspaper into tight, firm balls. The more surface area the newspaper has, the more moisture it can absorb.
- Stuff the Shoes: Stuff the balled-up newspaper firmly into the shoes, making sure to push it all the way to the toe area. Fill the shoe cavity completely but without stretching the shoe out of shape. The newspaper acts like a sponge, drawing moisture out of the shoe's lining and material.
- Place in a Dry Area: Once stuffed, find a dry place to keep your shoes overnight. A well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat, is ideal. Good airflow around the shoes will help dissipate the absorbed moisture.
- Replace if Needed: If your shoes are very wet, you may want to replace the newspaper after a few hours. The initial newspaper will quickly become saturated. Swapping it out for fresh, dry newspaper will significantly speed up the drying process.
- Allow Overnight Drying: Leave the shoes with the fresh newspaper for several hours, ideally overnight. In the morning, remove the newspaper and check the dryness. For exceptionally wet shoes, a second round of newspaper might be necessary.
Why Newspaper Works So Well
Newspaper is composed of highly porous cellulose fibers, making it excellent at absorbing liquids. The loose structure of the paper allows it to wick moisture away from the shoe's interior. The ink, usually soy-based in modern newspapers, generally doesn't transfer easily once dry, but it's still best to use plain newsprint.
Best Practices and Tips for Optimal Drying
To maximize the effectiveness of this method and protect your shoes, consider these additional tips:
- Choose the Right Newspaper: Always opt for traditional black-and-white newsprint. Avoid glossy magazines, colored advertisements, or heavily dyed paper, as their inks can easily transfer to your shoes, especially lighter-colored ones.
- Enhance Airflow: Place your shoes in a position that maximizes air circulation around them. You can stand them on their sides, hang them by their laces, or place them on a rack.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never place wet shoes directly on heaters, near open flames, or in direct, intense sunlight. High heat can damage shoe materials, causing leather to crack, synthetic materials to melt, and adhesives to weaken, leading to permanent damage.
- Consider Shoe Material: While generally safe, be slightly cautious with very light-colored or delicate materials, as there's a minimal risk of ink transfer. For these, you might place a paper towel layer between the shoe and the newspaper.
Pros and Cons of Using Newspaper
| Pros of Newspaper Drying | Cons of Newspaper Drying |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effective: Uses readily available materials. | Ink Transfer Risk: Minimal, but possible on light-colored shoes. |
| Eco-Friendly: Repurposes old newspapers. | Not for All Materials: Can be less ideal for delicate fabrics. |
| Gentle on Shoes: Prevents damage from harsh heat. | Time-Consuming: Requires several hours or overnight for best results. |
| Highly Absorbent: Effectively wicks away moisture. | Messy: Can leave small paper bits or ink residue. |
| Convenient: Can be done anywhere without special equipment. |
Alternatives to Newspaper
While newspaper is excellent, other methods can also dry shoes effectively:
- Towels: For minor dampness, stuffing shoes with clean, dry towels can work similarly to newspaper.
- Desiccant Packs: Silica gel packets or dedicated shoe dehumidifiers are highly effective but less common to have readily available.
- Dedicated Shoe Dryers: Electric shoe dryers circulate warm air through shoes, offering a faster and more controlled drying process.
- Rice: For extremely wet shoes (e.g., completely submerged), submerging them in a container of uncooked rice can draw out moisture, similar to drying electronics. However, rice dust can get into shoe crevices.
For a broader understanding of various shoe care practices, including drying, you can consult reliable resources like this guide on how to dry shoes safely.
