Shoes and boots are your heaviest work items and are too expensive to replace. Although expensive, are you one of those people who threw all their shoes in a closet in a big pile? Knowing how to properly store your shoes will help make them flexible, and portable for years to come, saving you money.
There are different methods of storing shoes, but certain factors are necessary. The most important thing is that they are beautiful, clean, and dry. So, keep reading this article and let’s see how to Store Shoes Long Term.
1. Shoe storage methods
Gravity, humidity, and dryness can affect shoes. Over time, shoes naturally studded on the folds become irreversible deformations of the structural elements. Also, as the material ages, they get harder. Older shoes with curved leather insoles and wrinkled toes were usually stored too long without being shaped or filled.
For short-term storage of the shoes, you need a little help from the shoe tree or toss them around while you place them on the shelf. Whenever you take your shoes off, store them neatly. If you leave your shoes in a pile on the ground, they will lose their shape.
2. How to store shoes
How to Store Shoes Long Term depends on how you store the shoes you wear most often. Special construction is needed to take the load off your feet for a week or more, and wooden shoe horns and stretchers are a nice option to help keep the shoe in shape.
However, you must use the correct size to avoid pulling the shoes. Adjustable versions allow you to customize the fit before storage. Allow the shoe to sit for at least 24 hours after wear before installing a wooden or plastic shoe frame so that residual moisture can evaporate. Otherwise, the inserts can trap moisture inside the shoe and cause wear.
3. Use acid-free tissue:
Using the acid-free tissue is also helpful to keep the moisture level of the shoe and it also helps to preventing the shoe from deteriorating. The time we using paper for medium to long-term storage, choose an acid-free tissue all over the newspaper or newsprint.
While paper cannot take the weight of shoes, heavy leather, or felt shoes, unbuttoned muslin is a great option. Just like paper, muslin removes residual moisture and also prevents metal buckets and fine sheen from scratching.
Papers can also be used, but are suitable for short-term storage. When storing the shoes for a long time, it is recommended to use non-belted muslin, as it removes residual moisture and prevents fine scratches and metal buckles.
4. Best way to store shoes:
Before storing the shoes, clean them thoroughly and apply a leather conditioner to the leather sole and upper. Pad the shoe with enough material to level the toes and heel, but not enough to stretch these areas. Wrap the filled shoes with a piece of muslin or acid-free paper before placing the shoes in the stored containers.
5. How to store shoes to prevent mold, dust and stain:
One of the most important aspects of storing your shoes is where you store them. Special shoe storage options range from range to personal boxes and cabinets, but the optimal storage solution depends on how long the shoe is left open.
For shoes that you wear repeatedly, an open storage space allows wet leather or fabric to breathe, which will keep the shoes cool. For long-term storage, these solutions do not provide adequate support for the shoes.
- Shoe storage boxes
Shoe boxes protect your shoes from dust, sunlight, and extreme temperatures which can make leather shoes flexible. Wrapping old shoes and shoes after stuffing and wrapping will help preserve the quality of leather, cork, and other organic materials.
Plastic boxes are another option, but make sure the shoes are clean and dry before storing them to prevent mold growth. Another option is to replace the original shoe boxes with photo storage boxes. One thing you should always keep in mind that the shoe storage box must always remain acid-free.
- Shoe shelves and cabinets
For shoes you wear regularly, a rack or cabinet with an open front allows air to circulate around the shoe, preventing dust from collecting on the scented material. Staying with the front open will also help you organize your shoes and shoes.
Consider placing your shoe rack in a convenient location, such as a garage, hallway, or hallway, where family members can quickly put their shoes back on where they are on the way.
By putting a closet or shelf in the most convenient location possible, family members have no excuse to put their shoes back in their place and in a safe place.
An organized entryway or hallway really helps keep your shoes in good shape. If your hallway requires some updating, take inspiration from our redesigned hallway bench or our DIY hallway tutorial.
- Shoe tree
Trees and perforated panels that keep your shoes off the ground are great for keeping the closet clean. But as one tucks into a shoe and distorts its figure, it can drag leather and fabric over time, these comfy items are not designed for long-term storage.
Save the trees for sneakers, ballet flats, and other casual shoes that you use frequently. To maintain the shape of your shoes, change the way your shoes hang or the way you keep them in your pocket.
6. Store shoes in suitable climate:
Temperature-controlled storage is ideal for shoes, as extreme temperatures and humidity make the leather delicate, weaken the fabric, and loosen up due to the grip. Shoes left in the attic or basement too long can get worse in one to two seasons of abuse.
7. Acid-free rolled carton for storage:
Keep the shape of long winter boots with rolls of acid-free cardboard after cushioning your feet with muslin or paper. This step prevents the ankle crease material from loosening as the shoes move to the edge.
8. Store lightweight shoes in silica bags:
Summer shoes are light and often contain delicate materials. Espadrille and cork soles do not tolerate changes in humidity, so add a sachet of silica gel to your storage container to help keep moisture away. Store brightly colored shoes out of direct sunlight, which can cause them to become white.
To prevent mold from forming, place a bunch of silica gel in your shoe storage containers to help remove moisture. Lightweight shoes made of delicate materials such as; sneakers, summer boots, and cork soles are not very resistant to mold. Therefore, silica gel packaging should always be stored in storage containers.
9. Find a suitable storage space:
Choose a high-quality moisture-resistant block. In this way, you, first of all, prevent the accumulation of moisture. Storage containers are designed for a variety of purposes. Buy a storage container that meets your needs.
10. Don’t wrap shoes in plastic:
Shoes should breathe well even when in-store. Wrapping leather and suede in plastic risks molding the shoe and ultimately leads to shoe discoloration. Instead of wrapping yourself in plastic, wrap your shoes in acid-free clothing.
11. Don’t store wet shoes:
Do not place shoes in shoe boxes or storage containers when they are wet. Wet shoes are easily covered with mold during storage; This gives a very unpleasant smell to the shoes. Keep shoes dry and ventilated so that they dry completely before storing them.
12. Maintain proper humidity:
High humidity and low temperatures promote mold growth. Under these conditions, the leather becomes brittle, the fabric of the shoe weakens and the adhesive that holds the shoe comes off. Likewise, rough handling of the shoes also makes them unstable.
13. Use a shoe tree to store shoes:
To prevent wrinkles and creases, and to make sure the shoe is wearable, as well as to prevent mildew. Other factors that contribute to mold growth are severity, drought, and humidity, as well as the age of the material.
- What to look for when storing shoes?
Careful from pets- Rodents will chew on cardboard boxes and shoes so that nest material can be found. Look for signs of rodents, such as feces and chew marks, on the shoe boxes in your closet or storage. Store shoes in plastic containers with lids to keep rodents and insects out of your shoes.
Careful from mold – Mold can ruin a good pair of shoes and spread like wildfire. Place bags of silica gel inside the shoes before storing them.
Careful from over-heat – Excessive heat can dry out and deteriorate shoes, making them brittle, discolored, and unnecessary. Keep your shoes out of the garage and attic and use the temperature-controlled storage option for long-term storage of your shoes.
Final Words
Don’t forget to Clean shoes thoroughly before storing them. Shoes, stored with dirt, dust, and other residues, significantly affect the durability of the shoes, especially in suede and leather shoes. They are also an excellent base for mold growth. To avoid these problems, clean suede, and leather shoes by wiping them with a soft, scratch-resistant brush to remove dirt, dust, and stains. The stain can also be removed with a special cleaner or leather cleaner.
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