How to Prevent Your Shoes From Dry Rotting
If you are like me and you are addicted to buying shoes, you will struggle with keeping them from dry rotting, I have too many and since we have four real seasons (in my country we basically only have Summer all year long) I don’t get to wear many of them for years, unfortunately, they disintegrate and I have to end up trashing them. In 2020 I decided to put many of them on an open shelf, I knew that was a bad idea but I did it anyway to have more visibility and actually remember to wear them instead of sticking to wearing sneakers all the time but the magnitude of the disaster after doing that goes beyond words, so is time to take precautions and I wanted to share them with you.
The Know How
There is no surefire way to prevent shoes from dry rotting, but there are a few things you can do to help preserve them for a long time. First, make sure your shoes are aired out regularly. Not only will this help them keep their shape, but it will also reduce the amount of moisture in the air. Second, don’t store your shoes in a damp environment. Dry storage can also cause shoes to dry out and rot. Finally, if you do end up having to repair a dry-rotted shoe, use a moisture-proofing sealant to help protect the leather from further moisture damage.
Shoes can deteriorate quickly if they’re left in a damp or wet place. Make sure to store your shoes in a dry place, and put them in a shoebox if possible. This will help preserve the shoes and prevent them from dry rotting.
How do I keep my shoes from getting moldy?
One of the biggest problems with shoes is that they can easily become dry and brittle, which makes them susceptible to mold and decay. Here are some tips on how to keep your shoes from becoming a disaster area:
1. Keep them clean. Make sure to clean your shoes regularly using a mild soap and water mixture. If you have sweaty feet, be sure to clean them after wearing them in hot weather or during workouts.
2. Air them out regularly. Shoe trees or racks can help air out your shoes and keep them from becoming too moist. Just be sure not to leave them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can also damage the leather.
3. Preserve their shape. Don’t wear shoes that are completely worn out or have holes in the soles – these will only make your shoes more susceptible to dry rot and mold growth. Try to replace your shoes every few years, or when they start showing signs of deterioration.
What is Dry Rotting Of Shoe?
Dry rot is a fungus that affects wood, leather, and other materials such as shoes. The fungus causes the wood to decay from the inside out, resulting in a black rot or fungal growth on the outside surface of the material. Shoes are particularly susceptible to dry rot because they are made of organic materials and have a high moisture content. Shoes that are prone to dry rot should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
How do you prevent hydrolysis in shoes?
It’s important to remember that leather boots are made to be worn in outside conditions, so keeping your boots moving in the open air is the best method to avoid hydrolysis. The soles of your leather boots will stay undamaged because Hydrolysis will not have the necessary circumstances to wreak havoc.
Should shoe trees be left in?
It is a good idea to install shoe trees in your shoes after you have worn them for a long period. It’s best to leave them there for at least 24 hours. It would be ideal to have shoe trees for various types of footwear.
How long does it take for shoes to disintegrate?
25–40 years old. Leather shoes might take up to a quarter-century to disintegrate.
Sources:
https://theshoeshub.com/guide-how-to-keep-shoes-from-dry-rotting-and-preserve-for-a-long-time/
https://stuffsure.com/how-to-preserve-shoes/