Rainy days! You either welcome the refreshing change in the weather or dread the wet mess, but at least stormy days are an excuse to break out your fashionable, trusty rain gear — like a flowing raincoat, reliable waterproof boots, or your favorite patterned umbrella. But with all that wet weather comes the need for extra care. Mud, dirt, and moisture can do a number on your rain clothes if not properly cleaned and maintained, and you don’t want to find yourself caught in a downpour with soggy boots or a leaky jacket.
Want to keep your rainy day fits looking great and functioning like new? Let’s dive into some easy and effective ways to clean and care for your rain gear!
Related: How to Maintain Designer Clothes
How to Clean and Care for Your Raincoat
Your raincoat is your first line of defense against wet weather, so keeping it in good condition will save you the hassle of suffering through soggy underclothes. Here are some step-by-step instructions for cleaning raincoats:
- Check the Label: Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Many raincoats are made with special materials like Gore-Tex or other waterproof fabrics, which require specific cleaning methods, such as professional dry cleaning.
- Remove Dirt and Debris: After every use, shake off excess water and remove dirt from your coat with a damp cloth or soft brush.
- Hand Wash or Machine Wash: If machine washing is allowed, use cold water on a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage waterproof coatings or alter your coat’s shape. If your coat’s care instructions allow for hand washing, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Gently scrub the coat with a soft cloth or your hands, focusing on dirty areas. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove soap, then hang it up to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric to protect its water-repellent coating.
- Drying: Never put your raincoat in a dryer unless the label says it’s safe. High temps and tumbling action can cause pilling, shrinking, and deformations to many common coat fabrics. Instead, hang your jacket to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat sources or heavy sunlight.
- Storage: Avoid folding your raincoat for long periods as this can crease and damage the fabric’s protective layers. Instead of folding your coat and storing it in a bin, box, or drawer, find a place to hang it up when not in use.
Read More: How to Clean and Store Your Ski Jacket After Ski Season
How to Clean Rain Boots
Waterproof boots are a lifesaver during rain and mud season, but they require regular maintenance to stay durable and functional (and to avoid any unpleasant odors). Here’s how to clean rain to keep them in top shape:
- Brush Off Dirt and Mud: After each wear, remove mud and debris with a soft brush or damp cloth. It’s best to clean boots as soon as possible before dirt or other damaging materials set in.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Different materials need different cleaning methods. For leather boots, make sure to use a trusted leather cleaner, while rubber boots can be cleaned with just mild soap and water. Make sure to rinse the outsides of rubber boots thoroughly after cleaning.
- Air Dry: Stuff your boots with wadded paper towel or a clean, dry rag to help them retain their shape while drying. Keep them away from direct heat, which can crack or warp the material.
- Condition and Protect: For leather boots, use a leather conditioner regularly to keep them supple, functional, and looking fashionable.
- Don’t Forget the Insoles: Insoles should be hand washed to avoid waterlogging them or promoting bacteria growth. You can wash them by rubbing them down with a slightly damp, soapy cloth. Then, use a sponge to soak up excess water inside the material. Let them air dry away from heat to reduce any lingering moisture or unpleasant smells.
Related: How to Defeat Clothing Odors
How to Clean an Umbrella
Your umbrella may not need as much cleaning as your coat or boots, but proper care will help it last through the seasons. Here are the maintenance tips Mary Poppins herself would give for exceptional umbrella maintenance:
- Rinse and Wipe: After heavy use or exposure to dirty water, open your umbrella and rinse it off with cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently wipe it down with a cloth afterwards, making sure to get into the folds of the fabric.
- Dry Completely: Always open your umbrella to dry after a rainy day. Leaving it folded while wet can cause mildew to form and lead to less-than-desirable odors.
- Repair Small Issues: If your umbrella’s ribs become bent or misaligned, gently straighten them by hand. Check for small tears in the fabric and patch them on the underside with waterproof tape if needed.
- Storage: Keep your umbrella in a cool, dry place when not in use, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods to prevent fading.
Additional Care Tips for Your Rain Gear
- Allow Time to Dry: Don’t put away rain gear that’s still damp in cramped spaces like closets or drawers (and definitely don’t throw them in a heap). Always give your items space to air dry fully before storing.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: For all your rain gear, avoid harsh cleaning products or bleach, as they can damage waterproof coatings and fabric. Be wary of aftermarket water-resistant sprays, as these can contain toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” that can be harmful to your health.
- Inspect Regularly: Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in boots, worn-out seams in coats, or loose parts in umbrellas, and address them immediately to avoid further deterioration.
Survive the Rainy Season with Professional Cleaning
Keeping your rain gear clean and well-maintained will allow you to make the most of any stormy day. With the right care routine, your raincoat, boots, and umbrella will be ready to shield you from whatever mother nature decides to throw your way.
For those items that need extra attention — like wool coats, delicate fabrics, or high-end jackets — Dependable Cleaners offers expert care you can rely on. With 24-hour self-serve kiosks, same day services, waterproofing treatments, and environmentally friendly dry cleaning, we’ll have you ready to brave any coming storm. And if the storm is already here, our free pickup & delivery services will take care of your cleaning needs while you wait from the comfort of your home.
To experience the Dependable difference in dry cleaning, find a location today, or give us a call at 303-777-2673
