Every time we return home in rainy or snowy weather, we are faced with the temptation to quickly dry our wet boots. The most obvious and seemingly simple way is to place them on a hot radiator or use a hair dryer. However, this habit is the main reason why quality shoes loses its appearance and functionality in just one season. Proper drying is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is a matter of the durability of the product and the health of your feet.
Destruction of materials and loss of shape
The main danger of aggressive drying is the sudden temperature change. When you put wet steam on a battery, uneven heating occurs. Natural leather contains natural fats, which give it elasticity. When exposed to intense heat, these fats evaporate and the material becomes brittle. As a result, cracks appear on the surface that cannot be eliminated with cream or wax.
In addition, synthetic elements also suffer:
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Shoe glue dries out and loses its adhesive properties, which is why the sole begins to peel off.
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Membrane fabrics (such as Gore-Tex) may melt and the micropores will no longer drain moisture.
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The inner heels become deformed and the shoes begin to chafe.
An ideal environment for bacteria
Paradoxically, improper drying may not completely remove moisture, but only create a greenhouse effect inside the shoe. If the top layer dries quickly and the inner filling remains moist and warm, this creates ideal conditions for reproduction fungus and bacteria.
It is the vital activity of microorganisms that causes persistent bad smellwhich is extremely difficult to get rid of. In the long term, wearing such shoes can lead to dermatological foot problems. The correct drying process should be gradual and ensure air circulation so that moisture leaves all layers of insulation, without giving pathogenic flora a single chance.
How to save your favorite couple
To extend the life of your boots or sneakers, you need to avoid sources of direct heat. There are several safe methods that work much more efficiently than batteries. The most affordable of them is to use plain paper or newspapers, which are tightly packed inside and changed as they get wet. The paper perfectly absorbs excess moisture from the inside, while maintaining the shape of the product.
For those who want to speed up the process without harming the materials, there are special electric dryers with ultraviolet. They heat up to a safe temperature and additionally disinfect the inner surface. It is also important to always remove the insoles and dry them separately, as this is where the most condensation accumulates.
Proper shoe care takes time and patience, but this is the only strategy that allows you to maintain the appearance and protective properties of your products for several years. Ignoring drying rules inevitably leads to new expenses for the purchase of another pair.
Taking care of things always pays off in their long service life and wearing comfort.
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