Yes, putting shoes in a dryer can potentially damage both the shoes and the dryer itself. Dryers are designed to handle fabrics and soft materials like clothes, towels, and bedding, which can tumble around freely during the drying process. However, shoes can cause several issues when placed in a dryer:
Damage to the dryer drum: The hard and rigid surfaces of shoes can bang against the dryer drum during the drying cycle, causing dents, scratches, or other damage to the interior of the appliance.
Noise and imbalance: The irregular shape and weight distribution of shoes can create an imbalance inside the dryer, leading to excessive noise, vibration, and potential damage to the dryer's mechanisms.
Shoe damage: The high heat of the dryer can cause shoes to warp, shrink, or melt, especially if they are made of delicate materials like certain types of plastic or rubber.
Fire hazard: If the shoes have any metal parts like eyelets or embellishments, they can potentially create sparks during the drying process, posing a fire hazard.
To avoid damaging your shoes or your dryer, it's best to air-dry shoes by placing them in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. If your shoes are particularly wet, you can stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture and speed up the drying process. Additionally, be sure to clean the lint trap in your dryer regularly to prevent any potential clogs or issues caused by debris from previous drying cycles.