If you’re a passionate snowboarder, you probably know that taking care of your equipment is of utmost importance. One of the most critical aspects of caring for your snowboarding equipment is making sure your boots stay dry and fresh. However, this can be an arduous task for many riders, especially those who have just started.
The question is, what’s the secret to keeping your snowboard boots fresh and dry? Should you use water, or should you avoid it altogether? Do you need a dryer or dehumidifier? Don’t worry; we have all the answers for you.
H2O or Not H2O?
When it comes to keeping your snowboard boots dry and fresh, the general rule is to keep them as dry as possible. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid using water entirely on your boots. If you’ve been riding for an extended period, your boots are bound to get wet with snow or sweat. Besides, you may need to clean your boots using water to remove dirt and debris.
The key is to ensure that your boots dry completely after every use. That said, soaking your boots in water is never a good idea. Leather boots, in particular, tend to absorb water, and if they don’t dry completely, they may start to smell or even grow mold.
So, if you need to use water to clean your snowboard boots, make sure you dry them completely afterward. One of the best ways to do this is to wipe them down and hang them upside down to let excess water drain out. You may also put them in front of a fan or heater to aid the drying process.
Do you need a Dryer or Dehumidifier?
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to ensure your snowboard boots stay fresh and dry, investing in a dryer or dehumidifier may be a good idea. Here’s everything you need to know.
Dryers
Snowboard boot dryers come in different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they use heat to dry your boots. A dryer is an excellent choice if you live in a cold and humid environment and your boots take a long time to dry out fully. It’s also handy if you need your boots to dry quickly between riding sessions.
Dryers usually come with a built-in fan that circulates warm air inside your boots. Some models come with adjustable heating settings, which allow you to choose the level of heat you want to use. They also come with different sized nozzles, making them compatible with most snowboard boots.
However, you should be careful when choosing a dryer. Some dryers use high temperatures that may damage your boots, especially if they’re made from synthetic materials. You should be looking for dryers that use low temperatures or have adjustable temperature settings.
In addition, while dryers get the job done quickly, they may not provide deep drying, which is essential for removing all of the moisture content from your boots. That’s where dehumidifiers come in.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture content from your boots and the surrounding air. They’re an excellent choice if you live in a humid environment, and your boots take an extended period to dry out fully. Dehumidifiers work slowly but efficiently, leaving your boots fresh and dry.
There are two main types of dehumidifiers that you can use to keep your boots fresh and dry:
Electric dehumidifiers
Electric dehumidifiers use electricity to remove moisture from the air. They usually come with a water tank that you empty periodically. They’re ideal for small spaces such as closets, but not the best for large spaces with high humidity levels.
Desiccant dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers use special salts to absorb moisture from the air. They work well in cold and damp spaces and are ideal for drying boots. They’re also highly portable and don’t require electricity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your snowboard boots fresh and dry is essential if you want them to last for long. The best way to do this is to wipe them down and hang them upside down to let excess water drain out. Investing in a dryer or dehumidifier can also make your life easier, but you should be careful when choosing one.
Remember, taking good care of your snowboarding gear is the key to enjoying the slopes more. Follow the tips outlined in this article, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying snowboarding without any issues.
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