Dry rot is a common issue for shoes, especially leather ones. The problem with dry rot is that it makes the shoe more fragile and prone to breaking. Ultimately, this can cause your shoes to fall apart and become unusable.
There are several ways to prevent dry rot from occurring in the first place or to stop it from progressing once it has started. With a little care, you can keep your shoes in good condition for years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep shoes from dry rotting. We will also give you some tips on preventing dry rot from ruining your favorite pair of shoes. So keep reading to know more!
Summary: Finding the perfect shoes can sometimes be difficult, and even more so when they start to dry out. To keep your shoes from rotting or deteriorating, invest in shoes of higher quality, store them in a dry environment, use a shoe tree, clean and condition leather shoes regularly, and apply an anti-rust protectant for added protection.
Clean insoles with vinegar as this helps protect against rotting, use silica gel packs to help absorb moisture and humidity in enclosed spaces and lastly apply a waterproofing spray or shoe protector on all fabrics or suede can also help prevent dry rot.
What Is Dry Rot In Shoes?
Dry rot is a common problem with shoes, especially leather shoes. This occurs when the natural fibers in the shoe break down, and the shoes become brittle and cracked. This is often a result of the shoes being exposed to moisture for an extended period.
Ten Common Reasons That Causes Dry Rot In Shoes:
There are a few things that can cause dry rot in shoes. Here are the seven most common reasons:
1. Improper Storage:
If you do not store your shoes in a dry place, they can easily develop dry rot. This is because moisture will cause the fibers in the shoes to break down and decay.
2. Improper Cleaning:
If you do not clean your shoes properly, they can become wet and develop dry rot. This is because dirt and dust can act as a barrier between the shoe and the air, which will cause the shoe to become wet and then decay.
3. Exposure to Water:
If your shoes are constantly exposed to water, they can easily develop dry rot. This is because the water will cause the materials in your shoes to become soft and deteriorate over time. To help prevent this, make sure you avoid walking in puddles and wet areas and keep your shoes as dry as possible. If they get wet, air them out and dry them thoroughly before wearing them again.
4. Weather Conditions:
The weather can also play a role in whether or not your shoes develop dry rot. For example, if you live in a humid climate, your shoes are more likely to decay due to the high levels of moisture in the air. In contrast, if you live in a dry climate, your shoes are more likely to develop dry rot due to the lack of moisture in the air.
5. Age of the Shoes:
The older your shoes are, the more likely they develop dry rot. This is because the materials in the shoes will start to break down over time, which will leave them susceptible to moisture and decay.
6. Poor Construction:
If your shoes are poorly constructed, they are more likely to develop dry rot. This is because the materials in the shoes will not be as strong and will be more prone to water damage. Make sure you buy shoes from a reputable brand that uses high-quality materials.
7. Use of Chemicals:
If you use harsh chemicals on your shoes, they can easily develop dry rot. This is because the chemicals can weaken the materials in the shoes and make them more susceptible to moisture and decay.
8. Wearing the Shoes in Unsuitable Conditions:
If you wear your shoes in unsuitable conditions, they can easily develop dry rot. For example, wearing your shoes while hiking or running can become wet and develop dry rot. This is because the shoes are not meant to be exposed to moisture for an extended period.
9. Not Enough Air:
If your shoes do not have enough air, they can easily develop dry rot. This is because the lack of air will cause the materials in the shoes to become wet and decay. To help prevent this, make sure you air out your shoes regularly and do not store them in a closed space.
10. Improper Shoe Fit:
If your shoes are not the right size or do not fit properly, they can easily develop dry rot. This is because the shoes will not be as comfortable and will rub against your feet, which will cause the materials to break down over time.
10 Ways on How to Keep Shoes From Dry Rotting
1. Invest in High-Quality Shoes:
This is the most important thing to prevent your shoes from dry rotting. Make sure to invest in high-quality shoes from a reputable brand. Shoes made from high-quality materials will last longer and are less likely to rot.
2. Store Shoes in a Dry Environment:
Store your shoes in a dry environment and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or a damp area. Leather is a natural material and will absorb moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew formation, and the shoes will eventually rot.
3. Use a Shoe Tree:
A shoe tree helps to maintain the shoe’s shape, and it also absorbs moisture. Be sure to purchase a wooden shoe tree because it is more absorbent than plastic. If you don’t have a shoe tree, you can stuff the shoes with newspapers or tissue paper.
4. Clean and Condition Leather Shoes:
Leather shoes should be cleaned and conditioned regularly to keep them looking new. There are many different types of leather conditioners available on the market, so be sure to select one compatible with your type of leather.
5. Buy Corrosion Resistant Metal Hardware:
One way to help keep your shoes from dry rotting is to use corrosion-resistant metal hardware. Using metal hardware will help keep water and moisture out of your shoes, which will help prevent the development of dry rot.
6. Apply Metal Hardware Plating:
Another way to protect your shoes from dry rotting is to apply metal hardware plating. This will help to create a barrier between the shoes and the environment, preventing water and moisture from penetrating the material.
7. Apply Anti-Rust Protectant:
It’s good to apply an anti-rust protectant to metal shoes regularly. This will help to keep them from corroding and developing rust. Several different products can do this, so take your pick and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Clean Insoles with Vinegar:
If your shoes start to smell bad, it’s probably because of the fungus growing on the insole. To clean the insole, soak it in vinegar for a few hours. The vinegar will kill the fungus and stop the smell from coming back.
9. Use Silica Gel Packs:
Silica gel packs can help absorb moisture and prevent it from building up in your shoes. These packs can be purchased at most drugstores or department stores. Just be sure to place them in your shoes when you’re not wearing them, and they’ll help keep them in good condition.
10. Use a Shoe Protector:
Several products on the market will help protect your shoes from drying out and rotting. One example is a water and stain protector that can be sprayed on shoes’ uppers before you wear them. This will create a barrier against moisture and dirt, damaging leather or fabric. If your shoes already show signs of dry rot, you can use a shoe repair kit to patch up the damage and restore the protection.
Some Helpful Tips for How to Keep Shoes From Dry Rotting
- Keep your shoes in a cool, dry place.
- 2Apply a leather conditioner to your shoes every few months.
- If your shoes start to look dry or faded, apply a coat of shoe polish.
- Rotating your shoes will help to keep them from drying out and rotting.
- Stuffing your shoes with newspaper can help to keep them from drying out.
- Buying a shoe tree will also help keep your shoes in good condition.
- If your shoes start to smell, use a shoe deodorizer to remove the smell.
- Cleaning your shoes regularly will also help prevent them from rotting.
Things You Can Do To Help Stop The Spread Of Dry Rot:
1. Regularly Clean Your Shoes:
It’s important to clean your shoes regularly, both inside and out. This will help eliminate any dirt, dust, or other debris that can cause your shoes to dry rot.
2. Keep Them in a Dry Place:
It’s also important to keep your shoes in a dry place. If they’re constantly wet, it will be more difficult for them to dry out, creating an environment where the fungus can grow. Make sure to store your shoes in a place where they can get some air circulation, like inside a closet or on a shoe rack.
3. Place Shoes on a Shoe Rack:
If possible, try to place your shoes on a shoe rack. This will help them to air out and dry properly. If you don’t have a shoe rack, try to place them where they will get some airflow. Shoes that are constantly exposed to moisture are more likely to rot. By placing your shoes on a shoe rack or in an area with good airflow, you can help prevent this from happening.
4. Regularly Inspect Your Shoes:
It’s also important to regularly inspect your shoes for any signs of rot. If you catch the rot early, it will be easier to treat. If you leave the rot untreated, it could spread and damage the entire shoe. If you notice any abnormal discoloration, swelling, or bad odor coming from your shoes, then it’s time to take action. Bring your shoes to a professional to get them properly treated.
5. Clean and Dry Shoes After Use:
Make sure to clean and dry your shoes after each use. This will help prevent the growth of fungus and keep your shoes in good condition. Wipe down the outside of the shoe with a cloth and let them air dry.
It’s also a good idea to sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoe to help absorb any moisture. In addition, baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help get rid of any bad smells.
6. Polish Them Regularly:
Polishing your shoes regularly will help protect them from moisture and keep them looking good. In addition, a good coat of polish will help to seal the leather and will create a barrier against the elements. Make sure to use a high-quality polish that is designed for shoes.
7. Don’t Store Shoes in a Plastic Shoe Box:
If possible, try to avoid storing your shoes in a plastic shoebox. This will create a moist environment and will make it difficult for the shoes to dry out. If you have to store your shoes in a plastic shoebox, make sure to leave them open so that they can get some air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Shoes Dry Rotting in My Closet?
There are a few reasons why your shoes might be dry rotting in your closet. First, shoes that are not worn often can start to dry rot because of the lack of air circulation.
If you live in a humid climate, your shoes might also start to rot because of the moisture in the air. And finally, if your shoes are stored in a too dark location, they might start to rot because of the lack of light.
How Can I Prevent My Shoes From Dry Rotting?
You can do a few things to help prevent your shoes from dry rotting. First, keep them in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them. Exposure to moisture and high temperatures can speed up the deterioration process. You should also avoid leaving them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather or materials to fade and crack.
In addition, if you tend to wear the same pair of shoes every day, make sure to give them a chance to air out and dry completely between wears. And finally, if your shoes do start to show signs of dry rot, don’t hesitate to bring them in for repair or replacement.
How Can I Ensure That My Shoes Are Protected From Dry Rot?
There are a couple of things that you can do to protect your shoes from dry rotting. First, make sure that you allow your shoes to air out and dry completely after wearing them. If they are not allowed to dry properly, moisture can become trapped inside the shoe and cause the material to rot.
Additionally, you can apply a coat of waterproofing sealant to your shoes to protect them from the elements. By doing this, you will help to keep the material from becoming brittle and dry. If you follow these tips, your shoes should be able to last for a long time without succumbing to the effects of dry rot.
Conclusion
Shoes are a necessary part of every man and woman’s wardrobe, but they can also be one of the most expensive. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your shoes to get the most wear out of them and avoid having to replace them prematurely. One way to do this is by keeping them from drying rotting. Here are a few tips on how to do that:
First, make sure you have a good pair of shoe trees. Shoe trees help maintain the shape of your shoes and keep them from drying out. If you don’t have any, it’s worth investing in a good pair because they’ll last for years. We hope this blog post on how to keep shoes from dry rotting has been helpful. If you have any questions regarding this topic, then feel free to comment below!
