| How to Stop Shoes from Banging in the Dryer Oct 10th 2012, 16:00 Listening to the sound of shoes banging around in the dryer can cause you to wonder whether the dryer can sustain the damage or if your shoes are surviving. For shoes that can be washed and then dried in the dryer, there is a better way than simply tossing them in and hoping for the best. Here's how to tame the sneaker thuds and get great results, every time. Using the dryer door - Tie the shoes to the dryer door by the shoelaces. Each variant of this nifty method holds the shoes in place on the dryer door, so that the air from the dryer bombards the shoes without the shoes moving in the actual tumbler. To do this, choose one of the following dryer door variants.
- Simply use the door itself as the weight. Hold the laces over the dryer door on the outside of the door and arrange the shoes to hang in the middle of the inside of the door––shoes are usually best sitting toe facing upward, to give you more lace length but it depends on the type of shoe. Carefully close the door, making sure to keep enough laces hanging on the outside to keep the shoes hanging inside. However, be aware that this method may not work for all shoes, as the laces are not usually that strong (except for shoes like hiking and hunting boots. If the laces are delicate or you're subjecting your shoes to constant drying this way, then the preferred method is to find something else that will remove the weight from the laces.
- Keep the laces in place using a stronger method. Many people use heat-proof suction cups to hold the laces in place; better yet, there are various products available that include a strap with the suction cups (or magnets) customized for drying shoes over the dryer door.
- You might be tempted to use duct tape or a temporary hook. It might work but be aware that the adhesive may cease to work with the application of even low heat and that duct tape will potentially mark the dryer permanently.
- Purchase a sneaker wash bag to minimize the noise. Luckily, the laundry experts have already thought of a way to keep your shoes from crashing around in the dryer and have created a special bag that can be used in the dryer. Be sure you purchase a bag made specifically for electric dryer use––you don't want to add anything to your dryer that could pose a fire hazard. These bags have been specially created for electric dryer use and are relatively inexpensive (available through many large retailers). If you've purchased one, here's what to do: Attach the bag to the dryer door before adding your shoes. Such bags usually come with a strap and suction caps or similar attachment tools; if not, catch one corner of the bag in the door when it is being shut. Once the wet shoes are inside the bag and secured to the dryer door, they'll sit snugly without banging. Use the dryer as usual and you should experience a noise-free drying session.
- Be sure to arrange the bag over the door in such a way that both shoes at sitting flat and not on top of each other, to allow for the best possible air circulation.
- In each case, make adjustments to the laces if you still hear clanging. Depending on how close your shoes are to the door, you may still hear banging if laces allow for the shoes to still move along with the dryer. If you still hear banging, stop the dryer, allow all items to come to a complete stop and then pull the laces tighter, or further outside of the dryer. Secure the laces; close the door and the restart the dryer.
Other alternatives still using the dryer If hanging your shoes by the laces or in a mesh bag isn't working for you, there are still some other solutions for the dryer. - Stuff your shoes inside a pillow case (one for each shoe). Knot the pillow case at the top so that the shoes cannot fall out. This will tend to muffle, rather than completely stop, the noise but it might be enough to spare your nerves.
- Get a drying rack made specifically for the dryer. Drying racks can be bought ready-made––if you need to dry shoes regularly in the dryer, this might be a good buy for you. Fortunately, it can also be used to dry sweaters and delicates, giving it more than one use. Inquire at the retailer who sold you your dryer, as racks usually come as an accessory to the dryer brand. Installation of the rack is dependent on the brand, so read the accompanying instructions for more details.
- Change the doors to the laundry. This might seem like a rather expensive or involved option but laundry noise in a small apartment or in a home where noise travels freely can be a burden on all householders. By attaching more solid doors that can be closed and that completely shut off the laundry, noise can be minimized. A solid door might be the easiest solution of all, as you don't need to fiddle with anything in the dryer and can throw your shoes in and forget about them as they dry.
Alternative drying solutions - no more dryer Save some energy and spare your ears by choosing an alternative method that doesn't involve the dryer. Here are a few suggestions: - Use the hair dryer on the cold setting to blow off the worst of the water and then leave the shoes to air dry in a warm spot (but not near direct heat). This method can be especially useful for children's shoes, which are smaller and won't take as long to dry.
- If the weather's fine, hang the shoes on the clothes line. Tie the laces together and hang over, or use the Velcro tabs to hold the shoes to the line. If neither of these options appeals, hang each shoe on the line inside its own lingerie laundry/dryer bag (you can purchase these from dollar stores and the like).
- Try washing and drying the shoes in sections. If the insoles are the stinkiest part of the shoe/sneaker and you really don't need to wash the entire shoe, consider removing the insoles, washing and then air drying them. If the exterior portion of the shoe is still somewhat offensive, you can either hand wash the shoe and allow to air dry or spray with a sweet smelling fabric spray.
- In all cases, avoid drying shoes in front of direct heat, such as an open fire or hot blowing air. This risks cracking leather or melting other materials used to make shoes––indirect warmth and good ventilation are your best options. Direct sunlight on the clothes line should be fine for most shoes––after all, you wear them in the sun all the time! However, as with all generalizations, note the material of your shoe before presuming it's okay to hang it in the sunshine to dry.
- Before washing and drying your shoes, make sure the shoes are made from the type of material that is able to withstand the rigors of a commercial washer and dryer. In some cases the shoes may be created from delicate materials and could literally fall apart during the process.
- In most cases, it is best to dry shoes on no-heat or very low-heat; the application of heat can melt some shoe materials. Know the materials and read the drying instructions for each specific material (most materials will have care instructions online; check the manufacturer's site first). It's also a good idea to never over-dry shoes in the dryer––let the dryer do just enough to speed up air-drying for the rest of the dry.
- Remove any additional charms or extra pieces on your shoes before washing and drying them.
- If your shoes are extra soiled from mud or grass, pre-treat using a household stain remover.
- In general, your dryer won't be harmed by shoes banging around in it; however, this might not be the best for the shoes in the long run.
- Dryers (and washing machines) are noisy creatures whatever is inside them. You can minimize the general noise made by a dryer or washer by placing kitchen sponges under corners that come in contact with the floor or other surface. This reduces any echoing noises and prevents the dryer or washer from moving.
Edit Warnings - Some shoes are created using flammable material. Make sure your shoes do not contain shoe wax or polish before placing inside a dryer.
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