How To Dry Wet Leather Boots Quick And Easily

Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Sarah Jaffe

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting colder and wetter, which means it’s time to start thinking about winter boot storage. But where to put them? In a dry place, of course! And since leather boots are such a delicate item, you want to make sure you do everything possible to keep them dry and safe.

Here in this guide, we’re going to teach you why and how to dry wet leather boots the right way. So whether you’ve been caught in a rainstorm or your boots have gotten wet from melting snow, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Why Should We Dry Wet Leather Boots?

There are a few reasons why you might want to dry wet leather boots. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Boots become heavier:

If the boots get wet from rain or snow, they will likely be heavier and more difficult to handle once they are dry.

2. Boots may become stiffer:

In case boots become wet and remain damp, the inside of the boot will start to feel moist and stiff. This can make it difficult to walk in them comfortably or even move their toes freely.

3. Start to smell:

If boots are not dried properly, they can start to develop an unpleasant smell. This is especially true for leather boots since they are made of natural materials.

4. boots may start to rot:

Long-term exposure to moisture can cause boots to rot. This is a significant problem since it could lead to the boots disintegrating and becoming useless.

Different Ways to Dry Wet Leather Boots?

There are many ways to dry wet leather boots and some will work better than others, depending on the condition of the boot. If your boots have been wet for a long period, then they may not be able to dry easily. In those cases, try these important methods.

Method 1. Leave them in a warm, dry area:

This is probably the most practical way to dry wet leather boots. Put them in a shoe cabinet or closet where they can stay relatively dry, even if the temperature is a little chilly. But don’t leave them sitting there forever. Leather boots should only stay in a dry and warm place.

Method 2. Use a hairdryer:

If you have a hair dryer available, you can use it to help dry out your wet leather boots. Just be sure to hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the boots so you don’t end up damaging them with the heat.

Method 3. Drying Them Out with Rice

If you have a couple of days and you’re patient, you can try using rice to help dry out your boots. Simply stuff each boot with a generous amount of rice, and let them sit for 24-48 hours. The rice will help to absorb the moisture from your boots.

Method 4. Drying Them Out with Cat Litter:

Cat litter on hand can also help to dry out your wet leather boots. Simply place your boots in a container and fill it with cat litter. The absorbent nature of the cat litter will help to soak up the moisture from your boots. Let them sit for 24-48 hours before removing them.

Method 5. Use dry cleaning powder on your wet leather boots:

You can use an old toothbrush to apply the powder and gently rub it into the leather. Then use a cloth or rag to wipe off any excess powder. This method is very simple and works well for some types of leather.

Method 6. Hang your boots on a clothesline:

This works well when you live in the country or near a wooded area. All you need to do is hang the boots outside from a line or tree limb. The sunlight will help dry the boots, while any rain will wash away the excess water.

Method 7. Drying Them Out in the Sun:

One of the best ways to dry your boots is to simply set them out in the sun. The warm sun will help to evaporate the water from your boots and have them dry in no time. If you live in a particularly rainy climate, this method may not be feasible.

Method 8. Use a hand-held fan:

When you don’t have access to the sun, or it’s too cold outside to leave your boots out, you can try using a fan to help dry them out. Simply point a fan towards your boots. Blow air onto wet leather boots until they are completely dry. 

Precautions You Should Take Before Drying Out Wet Leather Boots

Following are the precautions that you should take before drying out wet leather boots:

1. Open up a small hole in each boot so the air can circulate inside

2. Do not apply excessive heat as this could damage the boots.

3. If using a fan, make sure it is not blowing directly onto the boot as this could cause the leather to dry out and crack.

4. When using the rice method, make sure to remove the boots from the rice after 24-48 hours so they don’t mildew.

5. Allow the boots to finish drying naturally in sunlight if possible. Excessive heat or fans can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

6. When boots are completely dry, use a blowtorch to carefully remove any stubborn fibers that have resisted normal drying (about 1-2 hours).

7. Tumble boots in a clean, soft cloth to remove any dust/debris.

8. Store boots in a dry place until you are ready to wear them.

Conclusion

Drying out wet leather boots can be a tricky process. You don’t want to damage the leather by applying too much heat, but you also don’t want the boots to mildew. There are a few methods you can use to get them back into shape. But no matter which method you choose, it is important to not over-dry them. The best method is to let them dry naturally in sunlight if possible.

If you need to speed up the process, you can try using a fan or hair dryer, but be careful not to damage the leather. You can also stuff the boots with rice or cat litter to help absorb the moisture. Whatever method you choose, be sure to take precautions so you don’t damage your boots.

Leave them for good enough time and then place them in front of a fan before wearing them again. Knowing the ways to properly dry your wet leather boots will ensure you get maximum comfort every time.

In this article, we have explored different ways to dry out wet leather boots. Follow them to keep your feet comfortable and fashionable. In case you have any other suggestions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments section below.