A short summer shower is enough, and the rain jacket, backpack and hiking boots come home or to the holiday accommodation dripping wet. High heat does speed up drying, but can strain adhesives, coatings and the shape of the equipment. Better: empty first, then let air reach all damp places.
Prepare hiking boots immediately
- Loosen the laces and open the tongue wide.
- Remove the insoles and let them dry separately.
- Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth.
- Fill the shoes loosely with absorbent, unprinted paper.
- Replace damp paper after some time.
Place the shoes on an absorbent surface in a well-ventilated spot. They don’t belong directly on a radiator, in the oven or under a very hot hairdryer. Intense sunlight can also make materials brittle or change colors.
Hang the rain jacket open
Empty pockets, open zippers and hang the jacket on a wide hanger. This allows air to reach the lining, sleeves and hood. If the jacket is only damp, thorough airing is often enough. Washing is only necessary when it is dirty or has an unpleasant smell.
For performance clothing follow the care instructions on the label. Fabric softener is usually not a good idea because it can build up in the fabric and impair function. Use a suitable detergent and select temperature and spin speed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Don't forget the backpack and small items
- Open all compartments completely.
- Remove wet water bottles, maps and clothing.
- Spread the rain cover out separately.
- Wipe metal parts and zippers dry.
- Only pack away when completely dry.
What helps with odors
Odor particularly occurs when damp equipment is left closed. Ventilating and complete drying are therefore more important than perfume sprays or strongly scented home remedies. Washable items should be cleaned according to the care label. For shoes, it helps to air the dry insoles regularly and not to store socks in the shoe.
Check before the next trip
Quickly inspect the sole, seams, zippers and coating. If material is coming loose or the jacket remains leaky despite proper care, a repair or professional reproofing is more sensible than a spontaneous experiment with arbitrary sprays.
Caution
Sources and further information
- die umweltberatung: Wash laundry gently
- Consumer questions: product and textile labeling
- die umweltberatung: Airing and gentle care of textiles
Article image: AI-generated symbolic image.
