Can Water Shoes Go in the Dryer?

Table of Contents

How do you even wash water shoes?

Introduction

If you’ve returned from a long beach trip and can’t seem to figure out how to clean and dry your water shoes, then this article is just for you! In this article, you’ll find out the answers to the following questions:

  • Can you wash water shoes?
  • How do you wash water shoes?
  • Can water shoes go in the dryer?
  • How else can you dry water shoes?

Can you wash water shoes?

You can not only wash water shoes but it is very much recommended! Water shoes get wet often, that’s kind of the whole point. This moisture and the heat generated from your feet together create a paradise for bacteria, fungi and viruses. Not to mention the waters you swim or walk in, be it the ocean, a lake or even a simple puddle, contain millions of microbes that are just waiting to make your water shoe their home!

 

If you go long enough without washing your water shoes, they can start to smell pretty bad. This stench can be difficult to get out and it might just mean that you’ll have to throw out your water shoes. Plus, wearing dirty water shoes over and over again can increase your chances of contracting a fungal, viral or bacterial infection like athlete’s foot, staph infections and even HPV! So if you want what’s best for your water shoes and your feet, make sure to wash your water shoes after every use.

How do you wash water shoes?

Alright, we’ve established that water shoes should be washed, but how do you get around to doing that? Just follow these quick and easy steps to get clean and fresh water shoes!

  • The first step to cleaning your water shoes is to rinse them thoroughly with a hose to get all the larger particles like dirt, sand and other gunk off them.
  • Next, you should soak your shoes in a container filled with warm water mixed with some detergent or wetsuit cleaner if you have that.
  • After a while, rub the cleaner you have into the insides of your water shoes and let it sit in the container again for a while.
  • Afterwards, soak your water shoes in another container filled with clean water and get all the product out. Finally, take the hose again and rinse your water shoes with pressurized water to finish off the cleaning process.

Can water shoes go in the dryer?

Now that we know how to wash water shoes, let’s look at another equally important aspect of their maintenance. Drying them. You can put some regular shoes in the dryer to dry them, but can water shoes go in the dryer? The simple answer is, no. Putting water shoes in the dryer is not a good idea.

 

The thing is, water shoes have a rubber sole and a stretchy mesh upper. These parts are of utmost importance in a water shoe and they can get ruined if you put them in a dryer that can heat and stretch them out.

How else can you dry water shoes?

So if you can’t toss your water shoes in the dryer to dry them out, what else can you do? You certainly can’t keep them wet as that would reverse all the good you did by cleaning them. Thankfully, there is a simple way of drying water shoes.

As soon as you’re done washing your water shoes, stuff some dry rags in them to soak up all the water inside. Then take those rags out and dry the outsides of the shoes. Once you’ve done this, get separate dry rags or newspapers and stuff them inside your water shoes. Finally, put your water shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry!

Quick Tip: Avoid keeping your water shoes in direct sunlight to make sure they don’t get disfigured by the heat.

Final Thoughts

Drying your water shoes is almost as important as cleaning them.Water shoes are incredibly versatile shoes that can do a lot of stuff, but can water shoes go in the dryer? Well, no. Water shoes are not meant to go in the dryer, but they can be dried using other methods that are sure to work just as good!

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Jenny Schmidt

Jenny Schmidt

As an avid swimmer and kayak lover for decades, I know how important it is to get the right shoes to keep your feet healthy.
I'll let you in on some secrets only a few know...

About Me

As an avid swimmer and kayak lover for decades, I know how important it is to get the right shoes to keep your feet healthy.
I’ll let you in on some secrets only a few know…

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