No, you should not sun your shoes to dry them. The heat from the sun can fade the colors and potentially damage the materials.
Why Sunning Shoes is a Bad Idea
While the sun's UV rays can act as a natural disinfectant, the potential damage outweighs the benefits for most shoes. Here's a breakdown:
- Fading Colors: Direct sunlight is notorious for fading colors in fabrics and materials. Your shoes are no exception. Expect vibrant colors to dull significantly over time with repeated sun exposure.
- Material Damage: The intense heat can warp or crack certain materials, especially leather, rubber, and synthetic fabrics. This can lead to a loss of shape and structural integrity.
- Adhesive Breakdown: Many shoes are held together with adhesives. Excessive heat can weaken these adhesives, potentially causing soles to separate or other parts to come undone.
- Uneven Drying: Sun drying can lead to uneven drying, which may cause the shoes to become misshapen.
Better Alternatives for Drying Shoes
Instead of sunning your shoes, consider these safer methods:
- Air Drying in a Shaded Area: This is the most gentle and recommended method. Find a well-ventilated space indoors or outdoors that is out of direct sunlight.
- Using a Fan: Place your shoes near a fan to circulate air and speed up the drying process.
- Placing Near a Refrigerator Vent: The warm air coming from a refrigerator vent can help dry your shoes without the damaging effects of direct sunlight.
- Using a Shoe Dryer: Shoe dryers are specifically designed to dry shoes safely and efficiently.
Quick Tips for Drying Shoes
- Remove Insoles and Laces: Removing the insoles and laces will allow air to circulate more freely inside the shoes.
- Stuff with Paper: Stuffing the shoes with paper towels or newspaper will help absorb moisture from the inside. Change the paper periodically as it becomes damp.
- Avoid Direct Heat: Keep shoes away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, as these can also cause damage.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shoes dry properly without risking damage from the sun's harsh rays.