Who would want a pair of stinky, musty footwear made to enhance your feet? Dry rotting of footwear is a widespread issue that many people face. Your shoes can crumble and fall apart when you keep them for long periods and do not wear them.
The majority of people wear shoes regularly. However, they are worn frequently, which can degrade their quality. They could dry rot because of the constant use. This issue should be addressed immediately before it worsens or requires more money than needed.
Table of Contents
What Do Dry Shoe Rot and its Meaning Mean?
Dry rot happens when the material of the shoe becomes dry, and it begins to degrade because of the deficiency of moisture. Dry rot on shoes is caused by a fungal fungus called Serpula lacrymans.
One sign of the fungus attacking your shoe is that it has a dusty hue. But, even though the dust isn’t dangerous when breathed in by people suffering from asthma or allergies, the shoes are not secure.
Related: How to Walk Without Creasing Shoe
Why does Shoes Dry Rot Happen?
The moisture or water gets trapped in the shoe. The shoes are made from materials that don’t breathe well, which allows moisture to build up inside the shoe and causes rapid degrading of the fabric.
Due to their porous properties, they are more prone to dry decay, which is why they require particular care. The majority of shoes are made from poor-quality materials. The condition of shoes is not maintained at the rate they should be.
The shoes are stored in areas with a great deal of dampness or humidity, such as in an attic, a bathroom, or a basement. The heat and humidity are attracted to the footwear, which causes the shoes to wear out more quickly than if they were kept in better areas.
Due to their dampness, shoes that aren’t used for a long time may be susceptible to dry rot. Mildew growth in your shoes and dry rot could be caused by cleaning chemicals and shoes that don’t breathe.
Related: How to Remove Grass Stains from Shoe
Tips on How to Keep Shoes from Dry Rotting
It is essential to protect the soles of shoes because they are the only part of your shoe exposed to the most stress. To ensure the sole is protected, ensure that you have an excellent sole protector.
Clean your shoes using an infant wipe after every use, or clean the dirt off with the help of a duster. Cleansing after every usage will ensure that bacteria and dirt are not accumulating. After washing the shoes, fill them with newspapers to soak up any moisture left and make them smell wonderful.
Cleaning your shoes in a machine could result in them becoming more deteriorated. Instead, you should manually use a dry cloth and soapy water to clean your shoes.
Drying your shoe in sunlight may cause the color to fade, can cause yellow bleach stains, and your shoe to dry out. Always apply a repellent that repels water for your footwear. But, before using a water repellent spray, be sure that your shoes are clean. If you don’t own any sprays that repel water, Beeswax can be used. If your shoes appear damp, don’t keep them in storage.
Dry them thoroughly before storing them. To keep your shoes fresh and clean, apply a high-quality moisturizer for shoes. But, avoid creams for shoes that sit on top of the leather and do not absorb.
When you put your shoes on, put them on, and use a shoehorn to prevent the shoes from crashing. Shoehorn ensures that the collar and heel of your shoes are in good shape. Place your footwear in a well-lit and well-ventilated space.
Please place them in a place that provides sufficient air circulation. The most crucial thing is to put on your shoes regularly. If you leave your shoes for a prolonged time, mold will start to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the reason my shoes are in my closet turning brown?
The shoes you put on incorrectly, and they’re drying out inside your closet. Shoes should be stored on the shelves for a minimum of 6 months because the sun’s UV rays will cause damage to the materials they are made of as time passes.
What are the indicators that I’m Wearing Shoes Have Dry Rotted?
Check if the fiber strands appear to protrude from an area of the shoe to determine if they have started to create cracks or holes. If you gently scratch one side with your fingers and slowly move it back down, the fiber will gradually rise and stretch slightly before snapping back to its original position. Shoes of higher quality, like genuine leather, are not subject to this test.
Are shoes able to degrade within the box?
Whatever the cost of the shoes you own, if you don’t appropriately maintain them, they will deteriorate quickly. We strongly recommend against keeping shoes in plastic containers because it can cause the shoes to mold, which causes them to dry out, break apart and then decay.
What causes shoes to rust when left in the sunshine?
However, dry rotting of footwear has nothing to do with actual rotting and is more due to mold damage caused by excessive humidity.
Shoes are prone to dry rot and disintegration, most often due to being kept in a humid climate in which mold develops and causes damage to the leather and other materials used in the making of the shoes.
What’s the most effective way to prevent my shoes from mold?
Ensure to store your shoes in a cool, dry place and ensure that they are dry before placing them in storage. Mold thrives in humid and cold conditions. If you keep your shoes in such conditions, the sole is likely to weaken, and the sole’s stitching and glue will become loose.
Conclusion
Shoes should be kept in a dry area. If, however, you’ve been experiencing difficulty protecting your shoes from dry decay, there are various options to consider. It is recommended to store them in heated areas like fireplaces or radiators is one of the options, and these options should help prevent damage from moisture to your footwear.
Also, you should ensure your footwear is in an area that is well ventilated so that they can breathe properly. Consider investing in genuine leather to get the most effective outcomes. Following a few simple steps will help keep your shoes in good condition. Knowing how to keep your shoes safe from drying out is much cheaper than buying new shoes.
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