How to Dry Rubber Rain Boots to Prevent Water Damage Inside [A Complete Guide]


Rubber boots are a popular choice for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting, and also work great for casual rain boots. However, getting them soaked with water or sweat can be uncomfortable and lead to bacteria growth inside the boot. Here are some effective ways to dry your rubber boots.

  • Minor Moisture – If your rubber boots are only slightly damp inside, using paper towels can be an effective way to dry them. Simply stuff the boots with paper towels and leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
  • More Moisture – If the boots are soaked very wet from water or are very sweaty, a boot dryer specifically designed for use with rubber boots is a better option. Boot dryers use gentle, warm air to dry the boots evenly without damaging the rubber material. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a boot dryer to ensure that you use it correctly and safely.

If your rubber boots are very wet inside and you don’t have a boot dryer, stuff the boots with paper towels for 30-60 minutes to soak up as much moisture as possible, then use a fan to finish drying the boots. Sometimes it can be difficult to get the proper angle with a fan, so you may need to occasionally rotate your boots to make sure all parts of the boot get the needed air flow to dry.

If your rubber boots regularly get soaked wet, it is good to invest in a second pair of boots so you can rotate them daily to give the insoles proper time to dry. Buying anti-bacterial insoles can help prevent mold buildup inside the boot. In this article let’s take a closer look at how to properly dry rubber rain boots to decrease the chance of mold and mildew from forming inside the boots.

Best Practices for Drying Rubber Boots
Use a boot dryer designed for use with rubber boots.
Clean boots before drying to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Stuff boots with newspaper or towels to help absorb moisture.
Allow boots to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Use an insole that is resistant to mold growth to prevent odors and bacteria.
Avoid leaving boots in a damp or humid area for extended periods of time, as this can promote mold and bacteria growth.
Avoid storing boots in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause the rubber to deteriorate over time.

How to Dry Rubber Boots on the Inside

Remove Excess Water with Towels

The first step to drying your rubber boots is to remove any excess water. You can do this by shaking the boots or wiping them with a dry cloth. Ensure that you remove as much water as possible to speed up the drying process.

Newspaper or paper towels can be an effective way to dry your rubber boots. Stuff some newspaper or paper towels into the boots and let them sit for several hours or overnight. The paper will absorb the moisture, leaving your boots dry and comfortable.

how-to-dry-rain-boots

This is a good solution if your rubber boots are only slightly wet. For more serious moisture, a boot dryer is needed.

Use a Boot Dryer

For boots that are very wet inside the boot (from water or from sweat), a boot dryer is needed.

A boot dryer is a device that is designed to dry out wet footwear, including rubber rain boots. They are typically made up of a heating element and a fan that circulates warm air inside the boots to remove moisture and dry them out quickly.

Using a boot dryer is a simple process. First, you need to make sure the boots are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Then, insert the boot dryer into the shaft of each boot and turn on the device. The fan will begin circulating warm air inside the boots, which will help to dry them out quickly.

Boot dryers are a great option for drying out wet footwear, as they can effectively remove moisture and prevent mold and bacteria growth. They are especially useful for people who regularly use their boots in wet or humid environments and need to dry them out quickly between uses.

However, it is important to note that not all boot dryers are suitable for use with rubber rain boots. Some dryers use high heat, which can damage the rubber and cause it to crack or deteriorate over time. It is important to choose a boot dryer that is specifically designed for use with rubber rain boots and uses a gentle heat setting.

Additionally, boot dryers are not always necessary for drying rubber rain boots. If the boots are only slightly damp, they can be dried out by simply wiping them down with a dry cloth and allowing them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Use a Fan

If you don’t have a boot dryer, a fan can also be an effective way to dry your rubber boots. Place the boots in a well-ventilated area and point a fan towards them. The air flow will help to evaporate the moisture, leaving your boots dry and comfortable.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get the proper angle with a fan, so you may need to occasionally rotate your boots to make sure all parts of the boot get the needed air flow to dry.

Don’t Use Direct Intense Heat

Using direct heat to dry boots is not a good idea because it can cause damage to the rubber material. High heat can cause the rubber to crack or become brittle, which can shorten the lifespan of the boots.

Direct heat can cause the boots to become misshapen or warped, which can make them uncomfortable to wear and compromise their ability to provide proper protection from the elements. It’s important to allow the boots to air dry naturally or use a boot dryer specifically designed for use with rubber boots to ensure they are dried properly without causing damage.

Direct heat sources such as space heaters, radiators, or open flames should never be used to dry rubber boots. The heat from these sources can cause the rubber to melt or ignite, creating a fire hazard.

Even when using a boot dryer, it’s important to use it in a safe location away from flammable materials and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any risk of fire. Always monitor the boots while they are drying and never leave them unattended. In case of any signs of smoke or burning, immediately turn off the heat source and remove the boots to a safe location.

Can Water Damage Rubber Boots?

Rubber boots are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, which means they are resistant to water and can withstand exposure to moisture without getting damaged. Water itself is unlikely to damage rubber boots, as long as they are properly designed and made from high-quality materials.

However, if water is left inside the boots for extended periods, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold, which can cause unpleasant odors and damage to the boots over time. Repeated exposure to water and moisture can cause the rubber to break down or crack, especially if the boots are not properly dried after each use.

drying-rubber-boots

Therefore, it is important to properly care for and maintain rubber boots after exposure to water. This includes removing any excess water, allowing them to air dry thoroughly, and storing them in a dry and well-ventilated area. It is also recommended to use products specifically designed for cleaning and conditioning rubber boots to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan.

Mold Resistant Anti-Bacterial Insoles

Yes, there are insoles available that are designed to be resistant to mold growth. These insoles are typically made from antimicrobial materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, preventing unpleasant odors and potential damage to the boots over time.

Some manufacturers offer insoles that are specifically designed for use in rubber boots, which can provide additional comfort and support while also protecting against mold and bacteria. Look for insoles made from materials like activated charcoal, which can help absorb moisture and prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms.

When selecting insoles for your rubber boots, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that they are compatible with your boots and offer the desired level of resistance to mold and other microorganisms.

Using insoles that are resistant to mold growth can be a good solution for preventing mold from forming inside rubber boots, especially if you regularly use your boots in wet or humid environments. These insoles can help absorb moisture, inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, and prevent unpleasant odors.

However, it is important to note that simply using mold-resistant insoles may not completely solve the problem of mold growth in rubber boots. It is still important to properly care for and maintain your boots by regularly cleaning and drying them after use to prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria.

Additionally, if you already have mold growth inside your rubber boots, it is recommended to clean and disinfect them thoroughly before using mold-resistant insoles. You can use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to clean the inside of the boots, then allow them to dry completely before inserting the new insoles.

Using mold-resistant insoles can be a good solution for preventing mold growth in rubber boots, but it is important to also take proper care of the boots and address any existing mold growth before using the insoles.

How Does Water Get Inside Rubber Boots?

The shaft opening of rubber rain boots is one of the most common areas for water to enter. This is because the shaft opening is often the least secure part of the boot and is more prone to gaps and spaces where water can seep in.

The shaft opening of rubber rain boots is designed to be wide enough to allow your foot to slip in and out easily. However, this can also mean that water can enter the boot if the opening is not snug enough against your leg.

lace-up-rubber-boots

To prevent water from entering through the shaft opening, there are several measures you can take. One of the most effective ways is to wear rain pants or tuck your pants into the boots to create a seal around the shaft opening. This can help prevent water from seeping in through any gaps or spaces between your leg and the boot.

Another option is to choose rubber rain boots that have adjustable closures, such as buckles, straps or laces. These closures and lace up rubber boots can be tightened to create a snug fit around your leg, further reducing the chance of water getting in.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

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