After a long day of gardening work, our boots are prone to getting dirty and require cleaning. Handwashing boots is the most recommended way to clean garden boots. And it is also important to safely dry garden boots after handwashing to maintain their quality and longevity for a long time to come.
In this blog, we will discuss the best way to safely dry garden boots after handwashing, so that you can say goodbye to damp and uncomfortable boots and hello to dry and happy feet.
Remove Excess Water
After handwashing boots, you should begin drying them by removing any excess water that has accumulated on them. Gently shake or pat the boots to eliminate as much moisture as possible. This step will help accelerate the drying time and prevent excessive dampness.
Towel Dry
Once you've removed the excess water, use a clean towel to dry the boots further. Gently rub the towel on the boots' surface, paying attention to the inside and outside areas. This will help absorb more moisture and facilitate a faster drying process.
Air Dry
After towel drying, it's important to allow your garden boots to air dry naturally. Find a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or near an open window, where there is sufficient air circulation. Keep the boots away from direct sunlight, or heat sources such as radiators or heaters, as excessive heat can damage the boots.
Stuff with Newspapers
To expedite the drying process and maintain the shape of your garden boots, consider stuffing them with crumpled newspaper. The newspaper will absorb any remaining moisture from the boots.
It also helps to preserve the boots’ original shape, preventing them from becoming misshapen in the future. If the newspaper becomes too damp, you can remove and replace it.
Fill Boots with Dry Grains
The use of dry grains has the benefit of absorbing excess moisture from your boots as well. Here's how they work.
To begin with, make sure that the boots are thoroughly clean inside and out, then remove the laces and insoles.
Fill a pair of socks with the dry grains. Seal the socks by tying them tightly or using a rubber band, then place them inside the boots.
Make sure to leave the socks in your boots for a few hours or overnight to absorb moisture.
Even after filling boots with grain or newspaper, air drying is an indispensable component of the drying process.
Use a Boot Dryer
For safely drying boots, using a boot dryer is an efficient and professional method. A boot dryer works by gently heating the boot and removing the moisture from the boot through the use of airflow. Simply insert the boots onto the dryer, turn it on and let it do its job.
It is a highly effective method and can dry the boots within a few hours, based on the amount of moisture they contain. Furthermore, some boot dryers provide additional features, such as UV light, which is capable of eliminating bacteria and unpleasant odors.
To get the best results, it is necessary to perform the following steps after completing the above drying procedures.
Rotate and Monitor
To make drying effective, rotate your garden boots periodically during the drying process. This will ensure the boots are evenly dried and prevent any possible damage from occurring, such as mold or mildew growth.
Furthermore, it is important to constantly monitor the boots to ensure that they do not show any signs of dampness or strange odors. If needed, adjust the drying environment accordingly.
Avoid Sunlight Exposure
Sunlight can cause the boots to break down or become brittle, making them less waterproof and durable. Additionally, the sun can cause the colors of the boots to fade, making them look worn and unattractive. Finally, the heat of the sun can cause the boots to warp, losing their original shape.
Summary
Garden boots are a vital accessory for any avid gardener. Designed as a protective barrier, they guard our feet against mud, water, and other outdoor elements. Effectively and safely drying garden boots after handwashing is essential for maintaining their durability and effectiveness.
When drying your gardening boots, make sure that you follow the steps shown above so that the boots stay in good condition and are prepared for the next gardening adventure.
Remember to remove excess water, towel dry, air dry in a well-ventilated area, stuff with newspaper or dry grains, utilize a boot dryer, rotate regularly, and avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Be patient and allow the boots to dry thoroughly so as to prevent any damage to the boots. With these precautions, your garden boots will be clean, dry, and ready to accompany you on many more gardening endeavors in the future.