While work boots are designed to perform heavy-duty labor and can withstand a lot of tough conditions, they still require regular attention and maintenance to retain their protective qualities in the long term. This is especially true if you usually work in the garden, farm, or like to go hiking in a lot of wet environments.
Work boots are designed to keep your feet comfortable and warm even during cold seasons. However, as soon as you are done with your activity, you should immediately perform precautionary measures to remove the moisture.
Wet boots can lead to the growth of bacteria, nasty odors, and the like. You should learn to dry up your boots immediately to ensure maximum your drying time throughout the evening. This may also ensure you that you will be using comfortable boots the next morning.
While you may think that a quick air-dry overnight will speed up the process, oftentimes this is not effective. You may wonder why your boots are still soaked the next time you wear it. To help you out, here is a quick guide to drying your boots overnight
- Clean Your Boots
Before you dry your boots, you have to remove any dirt or mud on the exterior before it can dry and stain the boots.
The cleaning method may vary depending on the type of boot. For dry boots that are water-proofed, simply wiping off any mud and then drying the exterior of the boot will keep any more moisture from seeping into the boot as the interior dries. For other boots, instead of wiping them, you may wash your boots thoroughly. If possible, treat them properly with sanitizers before allowing them to dry up.
- Remove the Insole
It would be better if the sole can be pulled out. If it is detachable, remove it to ensure that it dries up thoroughly. However, if you can’t pull it out, allow it stick out of the shoe instead. This will let the air to circulate throughout the soles and get amongst hidden corners of the insole.
Moreover, you should involve your kids—if you have any—and teach them how to dry up their own boots. To note, wet boots can cause painful blisters and may make their feet sore. Consequently, this may threaten their health and safety during camping or when engaging in other outdoor activities.
- Take Out the Laces
This may be quite a hassle—however, to ensure that your boots are well-dried, it would be best to take out the laces to both dry the laces themselves and better dry the inside of your boots. Remove the laces or loosen them to supply extra space for air circulation.
- Refrain From Exposing Them To Direct Heat
Some drying methods are regarded as quick fixes. However, while these may be effective, some methods may not be enough to eliminate all of the organisms living in your boot that thrive on moisture. You may need a heater to allow adequate heat absorption. However, bear in mind that boots should not be exposed directly in front or close to direct heat. Overexposure to heat can disintegrate the materials which hold the boots together. This may destroy the exterior of your pair. Instead, look for the warmest corner in your house and keep them there overnight.
Final Thoughts
Boots are incredibly useful, particularly if you are fond of doing a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you plan to visit national parks in the future or prefer camping, bear in mind the essence of knowing how to dry them up properly overnight. Likewise, drying your pair correctly may prevent any tears which could damage its quality.