Downpour Down Under: Experts share tips on dealing with rain-soaked clothes
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We might be well in the middle of a classic January summer at the moment, but recent reports of La Niña weather patterns are already stirring up our Aussie summer plans
But the rain is not always a bad thing, folks!
For example, playing with the grandkids out in the rain can be terrific fun, for both you and them. Substantial evidence also suggests that being out there in a wet environment actually strengthens young immune systems. And as long as they are appropriately dressed and supervised, it's the perfect recipe for a fun day of puddle jumping, an activity that brings out the kid in all of us.
But what about your clothes? Having to wait for them to dry when the weather is wet can be a real pain in the bum. Not to worry though, as we at the SDC have you covered!
Here are some tips on dealing with clothes after being caught in the rain.
Credit: PA.
After being drenched in the rain, it is important to know what steps to take to dry your clothes properly. Of course, the very first step is always to remove the clothing as soon as you get home, to avoid the risk of catching a cold.
Corey Simpson, a communications manager for the clothing company Patagonia, says: “Some material may not need any care after being caught in the rain; others, like natural fabrics, may need to be dried.”
Simpson says the priority should go to t-shirts, pants, or jumpers that have absorbed rainwater, and to avoid leaving them in piles over a long period. These clothes may smell and develop mildew, which can ruin the fabric. Instead, immediately wash wet clothes, or at least hang them first to dry.
For articles of clothing with delicate fabrics like wool and silk, bringing them to the dry cleaner may be your best option.
Thick outer clothes such as coats and jackets are usually water-resistant and can take care of themselves after a few good shakes and wipes.
However, the water-resistant coating on these garments does not last forever and is affected by lots of everyday factors such as dirt, smoke, sunscreen, even our skin’s natural oils.
To keep coats and jackets in their top condition, Simpson suggests: “Wash and dry your garment often – this helps remove oils and anything that can hinder the performance of your puffer or raincoat.”
Most rain jackets are made from nylon and polyester, which are machine washable, but he still recommends checking the specific care instructions for the clothing, just to be safe.
After washing, Simpson highlights that proper drying is important in the process as well, or else your coats and jackets may just lose their water-repellent properties.
For raincoats, running them through the dryer on medium heat for at least thirty minutes will do the trick. If the jacket’s care instructions allow, you can also iron your coat. Just make sure to do it on low heat and place a towel above so as to avoid melting the fabric.
Simpson also suggests that if you are unfamiliar with the garment, it’s always best to read and follow the care instructions instead. Or bring them to the dry cleaners.
Even though proper washing and drying can extend the water-resistance of your outerwear, years of frequent use would still wear it down. The good thing is you can always just top them up with an additional waterproof layer.. Simpson recommends Nikwax products that can be used in your washing machine, by hand or as a spray-on.
Credit: Sterling Cleaners.
As they are the most usual victims of being drenched and caught during downpours, our shoes also need a lot of TLC (and waterproofing).
Eugene Cheng, the founder of Sneaker Laundry, a Melbourne-based shoe maintenance service, says the key factor in protecting your shoes is waterproofing them.
Jenny Velakoulis, the owner of Evans Leather Repair, agrees and says that a minimum of three layers of waterproofing coat should be applied to shoes, reapplied twice a year.
However, if you read our advice too late and the rain has already gotten to your shoes, it’s important to know that you should clean them first before drying out.
Take the laces and insoles out of the sneakers and dry them all outside in the sun. Leaving them to dry indoors can get them mouldy, and they may smell bad.
For leather shoes, do the opposite. Dry them somewhere far away from direct sunlight and heat. Leather as a material fades faster when exposed to sunlight, which can lead to cracking. Apply a shoe balm to nourish the leather once dried.
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