How to Care for Your Rain Gear

Anyone living in the South knows that springtime means one thing and one thing only: unpredictable weather. Forget daily weather forecasts, you’re tracking your city’s weather by the hour. Between the freezing cold mornings and the hot and humid afternoons, we can always expect rain.

If you’ve found yourself wondering just how to care for your rain jacket and rain boots after getting soaked in an afternoon storm, you’re not alone. Check out the tips below for taking care of your rain gear year-round.

Rain boots

While constant rain can be a bummer, it gives everyone the opportunity to break out their cutest rain boots. As fashionable as they are, many people find rain boots tough to care for. To clean and care for your boots, follow these steps:

Use dish soap to wipe away mud.

Rain boots are designed to repel water, and while they tend to do a good job keeping socks dry, they also often attract all kinds of mud and dirt. To keep your boots shiny, use a washcloth and a mixture of water and dish soap to spot clean any mud from the exterior and bottom of your boots.

Use newspaper to dry the inside.

If you (or your kiddos) jumped in a puddle that was just a little too deep and have found yourself with boots that are wet on the inside, it will be important to dry them out before you store them. To dry the inside your boots, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry out somewhere airy.

Use vinegar and water to keep them smelling fresh.

If your boots have started to smell mildewy, use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water, and spray directly into the boot to eliminate the odor. After spraying your boots, stuff them with newspaper and allow them to dry fully before slipping them on again.

Rain Jackets

Rain jackets allow for outdoor lovers to participate in their favorite activities in inclement weather, kids to splash in puddles in their yard, and business professionals to make it to work without getting soaked. Rain jackets are typically durable and able to last for at least several years as long as they’re cared for properly. To clean and care for your rain jacket, follow these steps:

Store it dry.

After wearing your rain jacket, hang it to dry in an airy, dry room instead of folding it away or leaving it in a damp garage. When stored wet, rain jackets can develop a musty smell or even grow mold.

Don’t over-wash it.

Rain jackets should be washed one to two times per season, depending on their use. Over-washing a rain jacket can deteriorate the hydrophobic fabric and make it prone to soaking in water instead of repelling it. Between washes, spot-clean your jacket with water and a washcloth.

Use the dryer.

Many people skip the dryer when washing rain gear because they’re unsure if it’s safe to dry. Drying rain jackets on low heat is good for the protective fabric and can help them last longer.

Don’t dry it in the sun.

While it’s important to dry your rain jacket, be sure you don’t dry it by laying or hanging it in the sun as this can cause the fabric to deteriorate.

Try to enjoy this squishy, soggy spring — after all, it means summer is just around the corner!