Rain-Proof Your Wardrobe: The Monsoon Care Guide You Need

Monsoon is here, and so is the damp feeling that it comes with. Whether it’s stepping out for a coffee with friends or a walk around the city, there’s always the possibility that your outfit can get wet. How you take care of it afterwards is essential. We understand the frustration, and that’s why we have created this go-to guide. We’ll discuss how to dry, clean and store your treasured wardrobe pieces this monsoon so that your gear lasts you years.

1. Never Dry Shoes in Direct Heat

Your footwear gets the worst of it during monsoons. They get wet and it isn’t even easy to dry them. While it’s tempting to blast your wet shoes with a hairdryer or leave them on a heater, that is not the way to go.

Direct heat warps soles, which leave the material cracking over time. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth to absorb moisture, and let them air-dry in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. Woodland's footwear is built with durable materials, but even the toughest soles last longer with the right drying method.

Pro tip: Leave the house with a pair of regular flip-flops and pack your shoes in your waterproof travel backpack. You can always change once you reach your destination with shoes that are dry and in pristine condition.

2. Clean Before You Store, Not After

The urge to just take off your shoes and race to your couch to unwind is something we can all relate to. However, this rush can shorten the lifespan of your shoes. Mud and water left on shoes overnight are what cause that musty monsoon smell and early material breakdown.

Keep a brush and a wipe handy where you store your footwear. Start with dry brushing and then gently wipe your footwear down with a damp cloth right after you're home. Allow it to fully dry overnight and only then put it away. This one habit alone will help you prevent most of the fungus and odour issues, people associate with monsoon shoes.

3. Rotate, Don't Repeat

If you are someone who has a solid collection of footwear, now is the time to be proud of yourself. One of the biggest mistakes people make during monsoon is trying to repeat the same footwear every day. Instead, pick a few pieces like slip-on sneakers from your collection that are easy to maintain and add them to your monsoon rotation.

Wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row during monsoon is asking for trouble - they simply don't get enough time to fully dry out. Keep at least two pairs in rotation. It's the easiest way to extend the life of your footwear without changing anything else about your routine.

4. Store Clothes with Airflow in Mind

Ever experienced that funny smell in the air anytime you opened your wardrobe during monsoon? If yes, it’s because your clothes or footwear were not stored properly. Packed, airtight closets are a breeding ground for monsoon mustiness.

Avoid storing damp clothes or shoes even if they look dry; trapped moisture is invisible until it isn't. Something that’s even slightly damp before storage will smell within days and can even cause fungus. Use silica gel packets or a few neem leaves tucked into your wardrobe. For shoes, either keep them in a well-ventilated wardrobe without plastic bags or use breathable dust bags.

5. Treat Leather and Suede with Extra Care

Leather products aren’t the best choice for the pouring season. Still, the urge to just dress up in it is always there regardless of the season. So, if you are a rebel and choose to dress up in a Woodland leather jacket or boots – all you need to do is be more mindful of their aftercare.

First things first, always apply a water-repellent conditioner before the season starts, not after the damage shows. Wipe it down as soon as possible after exposure and gently dry brush to get rid of the dirt for your shoes. A little proactive care will go a long way toward making your leather pieces last well beyond a single rainy season.

Rain or no rain, don’t let any moment be dull. Be monsoon-ready and kickstart your everyday adventure with the latest collection from the Woodland online shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I dry my shoes properly after they get wet in the rain?

Stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth to absorb moisture, then air-dry in a ventilated space away from direct heat or sunlight. Avoid hairdryers or heaters, which can loosen the glue and crack materials.

Q2. How can I stop my shoes from smelling during monsoon?

Follow two simple habits. Clean and fully dry your shoes immediately after wearing them, rather than letting mud or moisture sit overnight. Rotating between at least two pairs also helps prevent the buildup that causes odour. Use dustbags for your footwear while storing.

Q3. Is it bad to wear the same shoes every day in monsoon?

Yes, shoes need time to fully dry between wears. Wearing the same pair daily during monsoon traps moisture inside, leading to faster damage and unpleasant odour.

Q4. How do I take care of leather shoes during monsoon?

Wipe leather footwear immediately after rain exposure and apply a water-repellent conditioner proactively before the season begins, rather than only treating it after damage occurs.

Q5. How should I store clothes to prevent dampness and smell in monsoon?

Use silica gel packets or neem leaves in your wardrobe, ensure clothes are completely dry before storing, and avoid overpacking closets so air can circulate properly