Types of shoe dryers, tips for choosing the best model

In unfavorable weather conditions typical of Russian latitudes, shoes are constantly under the most negative influence. And no matter how high-quality the boots, shoes or shoes are, moisture leads to their rapid wear, the development of mold and mildew inside, and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. As you know, drying such products on heating devices is strictly prohibited, and they can dry on their own for up to several days. Meanwhile, issues of hygiene, comfort, duration of operation and savings, respectively, directly depend on the correctness of the procedure. A shoe dryer will help solve the problem - a useful device that has already been appreciated by thousands of users. Compact and mobile devices are incredibly easy to use, while possessing a lot of useful properties. To fully enjoy the benefits of the device, it is important to choose the right dryer - for this you will need to understand what types are available and how they work.

What is

The shoe dryer is a brilliant invention of the 20th century, which has been recognized as such by international juries more than once. The device may look different, but almost always it consists of two elements that are placed inside each unit of wet shoes. The basic principle of operation of the dryer is simple: in one way or another, it leads to the evaporation of moisture from the inner surface of boots or shoes, while the products are not deformed, maintaining a presentable appearance. In some cases, drying is performed using heating elements sealed in a plastic case. In some models, the process of drying shoes is carried out using warm air or gas generated by ultraviolet rays. It is possible to heat products using current with increased frequency, as well as infrared radiation.

It is necessary to use the device for drying shoes correctly. If the heaters are internal, they need to be inserted into each shoe in turn, after which the product is connected to power. It will take 2-5 hours for the shoes to dry completely. After completing the process, you must first turn off the device, and only then remove it from your boots.

Be sure to follow the following precautions:

1. You should not put 2 heating elements in one shoe or boot - the shoes can be damaged if exposed to excessive amounts of heat.
2. It is necessary to check the degree of dryness of the products only after the device is turned off from the network.
3. The switched on appliance must not be left unattended or covered with anything. Air access to the dryer is required.
4. Do not remove the heating element from the shoes by the wire.

Regardless of the type of dryer, before using it, you must carefully read the instructions and strictly follow them, taking into account all the nuances of the device’s operation.

Operating principle

Each type of shoe dryer has its own description and instructions for use, but the principle of operation is similar for all devices.

To warm up the heating element, 10–15 minutes are enough, and its maximum temperature should not exceed 60 degrees Celsius. High-quality drying elements are carefully insulated and this eliminates the risk of burns.

It takes at least 2 hours to dry your shoes well. In some cases, boots need to be dried overnight or 24 hours, it all depends on how wet they are.

The operating instructions for the devices indicate that any type of shoes and made of any material can be dried. The dryer saves both after rain and puddles, and after an intense workout in the fitness club.

Varieties

A shoe dryer can look and work differently - it all depends on its purpose and model. Before purchasing, you need to decide how often and for what purpose the product will be used.

By purpose

Depending on the area of ​​use, the following shoe dryers can be distinguished:

1. For athletes. Such devices not only dry, but also warm up sneakers or other types of sports shoes, which is ideal for winter training.
2. For drivers. These dryers are portable models that can be transported. They run on batteries or can be connected to a car battery.
3. For fishermen. The special design of such devices makes it possible to fully dry boots with high tops. Dryers run on propane, so there is no need to connect them to a car battery. One charge of gas lasts for 60 hours.
4. For tourists. Here the emphasis is again on portable models. Their distinctive feature is that they not only dry shoes, but also kill bacteria that multiply on their inner walls.
5. Family. Multifunctionality is important here, since you will have to dry not only shoes for adults, but also children's models. These devices are designed in such a way that some items of clothing can also be treated with warm air.
6. Children's. They provide an attractive, bright design, made in the form of animals, insects, and cartoon characters. Such shoe dryers should operate on the basis of hot air circulation; in this case, children's shoes can be additionally disinfected.

The device is often used not only to evaporate moisture in shoes, but also to dry wet hats or gloves.

For athletes

For drivers

For fishermen

For tourists

Family

Children's

Drying stations

Such devices can be industrial and household. In the first case, they are large cabinets made of galvanized or stainless metal. The products are equipped with thermal regulators and limiters, which ensure safe automatic shutdown of the device and prevent overheating. Industrial units can be used to simultaneously dry a large number of shoes (up to 40 pairs) and work clothes. Air is pumped using a fan; special holes are used to remove excess moisture. Inside the closet there may be shelves, hangers, and hooks. Heated air is used for drying, as well as ultraviolet irradiation to disinfect things.

The second type of drying station comes in the form of a hair dryer (with tube attachments) or in the form of a shelf (stationary or wall-mounted) with horns going up or down. There are also wall-mounted models with hanging plastic flexible hoses. You can find devices with a stand at the bottom to drain excess water from your shoes. There are also simple designs that allow natural drying.

Most often, the home version is a design consisting of a stand and 4 tubes. They can be worn with shoes or gloves. Some models are equipped with removable nozzles, so you can dry children's clothes, hats and even helmets. There are long tubes for high top boots. The temperature in such a station can be adjusted, because shoes made of expensive materials do not always require hot drying. Home fan stations provide cool air and can use ultraviolet rays to disinfect.

Mobile devices

Basically, they are two identical round-shaped bodies, reminiscent of a shoe last. The tabs are connected to each other by a double electrical wire, which turns into a single cord with an electrical plug at the end. Each case has an electric heating element that is placed inside the shoes and dries them. Mobile devices can have different shapes and colors, as well as sizes, but the latter parameter is always compact. The advantage of such products is that they can be taken with you on trips, hikes, and moved around the apartment without any problems.

The shape of the devices may vary depending on the type of footwear for which they will be used. If for summer ballet shoes small inserts are enough, which are usually placed in the toe area, then the boot dryer provides a high shaft.

Rugs and shelves

A relatively new option for shoe dryers is the heated mat. It takes up little space: after use it can be rolled up and hidden. The advantage of the product is the gentle drying of shoes. The procedure will take 4-12 hours, depending on the type and size of shoes.

A special feature of this product is the infrared heating element. It consumes a small amount of electricity and is capable of reaching temperatures of 40 degrees. The dimensions of such a device are different: 50 x 40, 50 x 100, 100 x 200 cm and others. You can place one or several pairs of shoes on the mat. The structure is made of PVC or wear-resistant rubber.

A shelf-style boot dryer is usually a permanent fixture. Most often it is installed in the bathroom. The structure is made of chrome-plated steel, inside of which there is an electric heating element. The maximum operating temperature is 60 degrees. This shelf will comfortably accommodate the whole family’s shoes, as it can have several tiers.

KATRINA

Infrared in the form of a mat

Convenient, multifunctional drying mat. Shoes are dried carefully, without damaging even natural materials, but at the same time effectively: not only the soles, but also the high tops of the boots dry out overnight. This device is also suitable for drying other things, such as hats and gloves, and plant bulbs before storing them for the winter.

+ Pros of KATRINA

1. Compact for storage.
2. You can dry two pairs of adult shoes at the same time.
3. The dryer does not damage shoes and it is impossible to burn yourself with it. Its surface temperature is 40 degrees, which is sufficient for drying, but safe for humans and pets.
4. Energy efficient. The device consumes only 30 kW per hour.
5. Shoes dry in just a few hours.
6. Cheap - it costs only 490 rubles.

— Cons of KATRINA

1. Short cord for power supply.

Types of heating

A shoe dehumidifier has different uses, which are determined by the type of heating it uses. Each option typically has its own characteristics and certain rules of application.

Thermal

Drying takes place using heating elements or hot air. The first option has the following advantages:

• low energy consumption;
• complete safety for shoes and people;
• the ability to destroy pathogenic microorganisms (not all models have this function);
• ease of use;
• compactness and mobility.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of such products, varying in color, shape and size. But for the most part, with intensive use, they will not last for a long time, especially if the quality of the dryer is questionable.

Models with a fan work on the principle of a hair dryer. Such products consist of a stand and tubes through which heated air is supplied. The device can be installed on the floor or screwed to the wall. Both short boots and high-top boots will dry quite quickly, because the shoes are completely blown with hot air from the inside.

You need to be careful when using products that involve thermal heating, as in some cases they can damage your shoes. Due to constant treatment with hot air, the material dries out and may crack. Therefore, during drying, you need to monitor the process and check the condition of the shoes every 30 minutes.

Infrared

Most often, an infrared heating element made of high-tech carbon material is used in mats. Its advantage is absolute safety for both shoes and the environment. You can dry 2-3 pairs of shoes or boots on the mat at the same time. Other benefits include:

• versatility - sometimes the product can be used to dry other things;
• ability to disinfect shoes, eliminate pathogenic organisms;
• resistance to the influence of negative environmental factors;
• energy efficiency - usually the device consumes no more than 30 kW/hour.

This product is extremely mobile, you can take it with you on trips. It simply has no drawbacks, except that the power cord on some models is short.

A mat with an infrared heating element can also be used to warm feet that are frozen in frosty weather.

UV

Such devices can not only remove moisture, but also destroy bacteria and eliminate unpleasant odors. The special shape of the product prevents the shoes from deforming. Treatment with ultraviolet rays is completely harmless to humans, as it is performed locally. Due to double insulation of elements, the risk of short circuit and fire is reduced. The device is characterized by a not very high heating temperature, so neither fur nor skin is damaged. This dryer is suitable for treating not only wet shoes, but also if there is a problem with excessive sweating of the feet.

However, this model has certain disadvantages. Often, a buyer can purchase a fake, in which blue LEDs are installed instead of ultraviolet lamps. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the rather high cost of the device and a limited selection of models.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duLPvtUL2io

Main selection criteria

How to choose the right electric dryer for your shoes? Consider the main principles of finding the optimal device!

Working temperature

The minimum heating limit is 60 degrees. When it is lowered, drying will take a long time. The maximum temperature is up to 70 degrees; if it is exceeded, the shoes will dry out.

Minimum heating temperature - 60 degrees

Important! The optimal heating time for the device is from 10 to 20 minutes.

Material and shape

Electric dryers are made of wear-resistant plastic; for children, hypoallergenic material is used. Holes are necessary for convection of air currents. Metal models emit virtually no odor during operation. Glue residues and cracks indicate the unreliability of the device.

According to the shape of the product there are:

• in the form of animal figures surrounding objects with a heater inside;
• a pipe or several pipes on which you need to put shoes;
• foot-shaped inserts;
• metal hangers;
• shelves for 2-5 pairs;
• mats with rubberized coating;
• UV sterilizers in the form of a lamp.

Advice! To check the quality of the plastic, press it a little. Second-rate material bends and will fall apart if heated.

Heater type

A ceramic heater is used for inexpensive models. The downside of the element is uneven heating, which causes shoes to dry poorly and become deformed.

The aluminum heater has good thermal conductivity and ensures proper heat distribution. The shoes are dried efficiently and retain their shape and appearance.

When purchasing electric dryers, you should also pay attention to their cost and manufacturer brand.

Power supply

To choose the best shoe dryer, you need to pay attention to what power source is installed in the device. Its choice depends entirely on the expected operating conditions. Main options include:

1. Electrical network. Such models are the most common. They are mobile and stationary. Their main advantage is uninterrupted operation and low power consumption. Basically, such products are designed for a power of 12-30 W. As for the disadvantages, we can highlight the inability to work without a constant power source. Low-quality models can quickly fail, especially if the network experiences frequent power surges.
2. Batteries or accumulators. Such dryers are convenient because they can be used during camping or travel. This is the optimal solution for athletes, tourists, and winter skiing enthusiasts. They usually use standard AA batteries. However, there are models with other batteries that can be charged from the network or a car battery, and then used autonomously. But in this case, you will always have to have a set of spare batteries on hand.
3. Propane. Gas-powered products are more often used by fishermen. The charge of one cylinder is enough for 2 days of uninterrupted battery life. Moreover, the functionality does not depend on electrical power sources.

Choosing a shoe dryer is a crucial step. If you choose the wrong product, you can not only lose money, but also hopelessly ruin your shoes or boots.

We treat moisture with improvised means (folk methods)

If you have unwanted or extra candles, oil or paraffin at home, they can be used to effectively treat your shoes.

Paraffin

Paraffin is similar in properties to wax. It combines perfectly with oils, protecting shoes from getting wet and without harming them.

When using paraffin, the glue will retain its qualities.

Castor oil

Almost every girl has a place for castor oil in her cosmetic bag, but it should not be used for products made from too thin leather. But if your boots are made of a fairly rough material, lubricate the entire circumference of the shoes, especially in those places that come into most contact with moisture.

To avoid damaging the thin leather of shoes soaked in castor oil, mix it with rendered animal fat in a one-to-one ratio.

A mixture of turpentine, glycerin, fish oil and beeswax

All ingredients for preparing the product must be in liquid form. As for the wax, you need to melt it on the stove.

Prepare the following ingredients:

• 20 g glycerin;
• 20 g turpentine;
• 40 g fish oil;
• 10 g wax.

These ingredients should be mixed in appropriate quantities. This composition is used to lubricate the upper part of the shoes. The glycerin included in the mixture prevents the skin from deforming and protects it from cracking in severe frosts.

Owners of suede boots should not use this product, because its components stick to the suede, and the shoes become completely ugly. It is not possible to remove fat, wax or oil from suede fibers without consequences.

Additional functions

Manufacturers produce multifunctional models that, in addition to drying shoes, perform other tasks. Additional features may include:

• deodorization - devices not only eliminate pungent odors, but also provide a pleasant aroma; an undoubted advantage is the ability to choose a suitable “deodorant”;
• ionization – necessary if you want to get rid of fungus, mold, bacteria, mildew; the flow of ionic wind helps remove moisture and stabilize a dry environment;
• ozonation - thanks to this function, pathogenic microorganisms die and unpleasant odors are destroyed.

The presence of such capabilities makes the device universal. The best products are equipped with an overheat protection function, automatic temperature control, some of them have a built-in timer, which allows you to set the drying duration.

Why do you need a shoe dryer?

A shoe dryer will solve a number of problems at once: eliminating unpleasant odors, disinfecting, eliminating fungus and bacteria that cause odors, as well as extending the life of shoes. After all, proper care of shoes directly affects their service life. Therefore, before throwing away your shoes, it is better to seek help from special devices. Modern products are so advanced that they can solve even difficult problems with the click of a button.

How to choose a good model

Before choosing a shoe dryer, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Expert recommendations will also be useful in this matter:

1. Preference should be given to metal or ceramic products, but if you choose a plastic case, you need to check whether it has any abrasions or cracks.
2. To make shoes dry faster, you need to pay attention to the presence of holes for air circulation.
3. When choosing a product type based on its operating principle, you must check the warranty. It is better to purchase an ultraviolet dryer at a higher price in a specialized store - this way you can reduce the risk of getting a fake.
4. The dimensions of the product must correspond to the shoe size. If you often have to take the device on hikes or trips, it is better to give preference to mobile options that are light in weight and fold up quickly.
5. An important parameter is the length of the cord. If it is too short, the dryer will be inconvenient to use.
6. Versatility. Many modern models are used for drying not only shoes, but also some items of clothing.
7. Before making a purchase, you must check whether the temperature and heating time actually correspond to the parameters specified in the instructions.

It is better to purchase such devices in specialized stores, where the seller can present a quality certificate. Only in this case can we guarantee that the device actually has built-in ultraviolet diodes, and not simple blue light bulbs. It is impossible to verify this yourself without disassembling the device.

It is better to choose metal products

There must be a hole for air circulation

It is important to have a quality certificate

Versatility

Manufacturers

In the huge list of domestic and foreign companies that specialize in the manufacture of such devices, it’s easy to get confused. Therefore, it is important to preview the ratings of manufacturers. Well-established brands and the features of their products are presented in the table.

Shoe dryers are useful and practical devices that allow you to always keep shoes, sneakers and other models of footwear in order. And so that during operation there are no problems with the functionality of the device, you need to select and use it correctly.

"Shushila"

"Dick"

"Hatch"

Timson

Bradex