Wet shoes and limited time… Tossing them in the dryer is a solution, but do you really need that THUD THUD THUD in your life? This is a mini guide on how to dry shoes in dryer without noise.
Is drying shoes in the dryer dangerous? It won’t do you any harm, but it can damage both your shoes and your dryer. And that thud… It’s annoying.
The good news? You can absolutely dry shoes in the dryer without noise, damage, or hassle.
Here you will read about proven methods to dry shoes quietly in the dryer without doing damage.
Skip to:
- Why the noise?
- Step-by-step: How to dry shoes in dryer without noise
- Shoes in the dryer – top tips
- Don’t do this
- FAQs
Why the noise?
You can probably guess most of these points.
When you put shoes directly in the dryer, they tumble freely. Each time they hit the metal drum, they make a loud banging sound. This happens because:
👉 Shoes are heavy and rigid. Unlike clothing, they don’t absorb the shock of rotation.
👉 The dryer’s rotation is constant. The shoes keep falling and slamming against the walls of the drum.
👉 Imbalance amplifies the noise. If the shoes are different weights (like wet running shoes), the rhythm of the tumbles can make the sound worse.
Over time, this not only drives you insane – it can:
⚠️ Scratch or dent the inside of your dryer.
⚠️ Weaken your shoes’ adhesives and shape.
⚠️ Shorten the lifespan of both your shoes and your appliance.
So, drying shoes in the dryer without noise is not just about peace and quiet – it’s also about protecting your stuff.
Step-by-step: How to dry shoes in dryer without noise
Here’s the part you came for – the practical, easy-to-follow methods.
💡 The classic towel trick (simple and effective)
This is the easiest and fastest way to minimize noise.
What you’ll need
- 2-3 large bath towels
- Optional: A small laundry bag or pillowcase
Steps
1. Remove laces and insoles. This allows airflow and faster drying.
2. Wrap each shoe in a towel. Make sure the towel covers the entire surface so it acts as a sound cushion.
3. Add another towel or two to the dryer. These help absorb moisture and balance the load.
4. Run the dryer on low heat or air-dry mode. High heat can warp rubber soles or melt adhesives.
Why it works
The towels absorb both moisture and impact, preventing the shoes from clunking around. It’s simple, safe, and usually cuts the noise by 80-90%.
Pro tip – throw a few dryer balls or soft items in with the towels to keep air circulating and drying even.
💡 Hang the shoes in the dryer (zero tumble method)
This method is a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts.
What you’ll need:
- Use a built-in drying rack (if it has one), or purchase one here.
- Shoelaces
Steps (if your dryer has a drying rack):
1. Remove the rack and place it inside the dryer.
2. Put your shoes on the rack, soles facing down.
3. Close the door and start the cycle – the shoes stay stationary, and only warm air circulates.
Steps (if your dryer doesn’t have a rack):
1. Tie the shoelaces together tightly.
2. Hang the shoes by the laces so they hang inside the dryer door when it’s closed, with the body of the shoes inside and the laces outside.
3. Close the door on the laces (but not too tight). The shoes will hang and dry in place.
Why it works
The shoes don’t tumble – so no banging, no noise, no damage. You just get warm air circulating through them. The bonus is this also helps them maintain their shape better.
💡 Use a mesh laundry bag (safe for all shoe types)
If you’re drying lightweight or delicate shoes, use a mesh laundry bag (like the kind used for lingerie or sportswear).
What you’ll need:
- Mesh laundry bag. You can order one from Amazon below…
Sneaker Dryer Bag – simple and effective; this shoe net fits simply on your dryer door for any time you want to dry shoes quickly and noiselessly.
- Towels or soft fabrics
Steps:
1. Place your shoes inside the bag.
2. Add a towel or two inside the dryer for balance.
3. Run on low or no heat.
Why it works
The bag reduces direct impact, catching the shoes before they slam into the drum. It’s especially useful for sneakers, slip-ons, and canvas shoes.
Pro tip – Avoid this method for heavy boots or shoes with metal hardware – they can still cause damage even through the bag.
💡Stuff shoes with drying aids (pre-dry hack)
Here’s a clever move: partially dry your shoes before putting them in the dryer.
What you’ll need:
- Newspaper, microfiber cloths, or paper towels
- Optional: Silica gel packs
Steps:
1. Remove the insoles.
2. Stuff the shoes tightly with absorbent material.
3. Leave them for 30-60 minutes.
4. Then, use any of the dryer methods above.
Why it works
Removing excess moisture before using the dryer shortens the drying time and reduces noise because the shoes are lighter.
Warning – never leave newspaper in your shoes for hours – the ink can transfer onto light-colored shoes.
💡The pillowcase suspension method
If you’re up for a true DIY hack, this one’s gold.
What you’ll need:
- A sturdy pillowcase
- Shoelaces or string
- Towels
Steps:
1. Place your shoes inside a pillowcase and tie it closed.
2. Leave a small loop of the pillowcase opening untied.
3. Thread the laces through that loop and tie them together outside the dryer door.
4. Hang the shoes so they’re suspended in the middle of the dryer.
5. Add towels inside the drum for airflow and sound absorption.
Why it works
The shoes stay suspended and don’t tumble, and the pillowcase muffles any movement. It’s practically silent.
Shoes in the dryer – top tips
✅ Always use low or no heat
High temperatures can melt glue, warp soles, or shrink fabric. Use air-dry or delicate settings – it might take a bit longer, but your shoes will last much longer.
✅ Don’t overload the dryer
If you dry multiple pairs at once, they’ll bounce off each other and create more noise. Stick to one pair per load.
✅ Remove insoles and laces
They can be dried separately or even air-dried faster. It also prevents tangling or fabric burn.
✅ Avoid leather shoes in the dryer
Leather should never go in a dryer. It cracks, shrinks, and loses its finish. Instead, air-dry leather shoes naturally with paper stuffed inside to retain shape.
✅ Clean before you dry
Drying dirty shoes can bake in stains or odors. Always wipe or rinse off dirt first.
✅ Add a dryer sheet for freshness
A single dryer sheet tossed in with your shoes (especially if wrapped in towels) can neutralize that ‘wet sneaker’ smell.
Don’t do this
Even with hacks, people often make a few avoidable mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
❌ Using high heat – this melts adhesives and ruins shoes.
❌ Skipping towels – this leads to louder bangs and risk of damage.
❌ Leaving metal eyelets exposed – they can scratch the drum.
❌ Drying too long – over-drying makes materials brittle.
❌ Not checking halfway through – shoes might already be dry sooner than you think.
Pro tip – set a timer for 15–20 minutes and check progress midway. Most shoes don’t need a full cycle.
FAQs
As we often do, let’s wrap this up with some frequently asked questions on the matter – that is how to dry shoes in dryer without noise…
Can you safely put all types of shoes in the dryer?
No. Avoid putting leather, suede, or foam-based shoes in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can crack leather, shrink suede, and warp foam soles. Always check the care label first. Fabric and canvas shoes, as well as most athletic sneakers, are generally safe when dried on low or air-fluff settings.
How long should you dry shoes in the dryer?
It depends on how wet they are and your dryer’s settings. On low heat or air-dry, most shoes take about 20-40 minutes. Always check halfway through – over-drying can make materials brittle or damage glue.
What’s the quietest way to dry shoes?
The pillowcase suspension method or the drying-rack method are the quietest. Both prevent the shoes from tumbling, eliminating that loud banging. Adding towels also absorbs extra sound.
Is it OK to use high heat for faster drying?
Avoid high heat at all costs. It can melt adhesives, shrink fabrics, and deform rubber soles. The safe setting is low heat or ‘air fluff’. If you need faster drying, towel-dry first or pre-dry with newspaper before using the dryer.
Can I dry shoes with clothes in the same load?
Not recommended. Shoes can knock around and damage delicate fabrics. If you must combine, only add towels or other sturdy items that won’t be affected by impact.
How can I prevent shoes from smelling after drying?
Before drying, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odors. After drying, insert dryer sheets or deodorizing inserts to keep them fresh. Clean shoes thoroughly before drying – heat can ‘bake in’ dirt and odor.
What’s the best way to dry shoes without a dryer?
Air-drying works great. Remove insoles, stuff shoes with newspaper or microfiber cloths, and place them near a fan or vent. Flip occasionally for even drying. For a faster option, use a portable shoe dryer that circulates warm air silently.
Does drying shoes in the dryer ruin them?
Not if done correctly. Using low heat, wrapping in towels, or hanging prevents damage. Problems arise only when shoes are exposed to high heat or tumble freely. Follow the hacks in this article, and your shoes will be perfectly safe.
Should I leave the insoles in?
No. Remove insoles before drying. They can retain moisture longer and might lose their shape or cushioning. Dry them separately by air or with a fan for best results.
