The Monsoon Shoe Survival Guide: Preventing & Repairing Water Damage in Dhaka Bangladesh

Every year, the monsoon season in Bangladesh brings refreshing rains, but it also brings a major threat to your footwear collection. Stepping into an unexpected puddle or getting caught in a downpour can lead to cracked leather, stiff suede, and—worst of all—persistent, foul odor.

This guide gives you the critical steps to protect your shoes before the rain hits and how to handle water damage after the disaster strikes.

🌧️ The Immediate Threat: Why Wet Shoes Need Fast Action

When shoes get soaked, the immediate danger comes from two things: Moisture and Microbes.

• Leather and Suede: Water pulls out natural oils, causing the material to dry stiff, brittle, and cracked. Suede often develops irreparable water rings.

• Adhesives: Prolonged soaking weakens the glue used to attach the sole to the upper, leading to premature sole separation.

• Odor and Mold: The dark, damp interior of a wet shoe is a perfect breeding ground for mold and odor-causing bacteria, which can be difficult to eliminate entirely with home methods.

Prevention 101: Preparing Your Shoes for the Rainy Season

The best solution is preparation. Before the monsoon starts, take these two vital steps:

1. Waterproofing Treatment is Non-Negotiable

We recommend a professional waterproofing spray service. This creates a microscopic, breathable hydrophobic barrier that physically repels water droplets from the shoe’s surface. It's safe for almost all materials, including canvas and knit, and significantly reduces the absorption rate.

2. Choose Your Rainy Day Warriors Wisely

🆘 Water Damage Recovery: The 3 DON'Ts and 3 DOs

Reserve your most expensive leather shoes and suede pieces for dry days. Opt for durable rubber, PVC, or specific waterproof synthetic trainers during heavy rain days.

❌ DON'T use a hairdryer or direct sun

Causes rapid drying, leading to cracking, shrinking, and weakening of glue.

❌ DON'T use soap or detergent

This can leave residual stains and is ineffective against deep-set bacteria.

❌ DON'T store them in a closet

Locks in the moisture, virtually guaranteeing mold and mildew growth.

✅ DO remove laces and insoles

Helps everything dry evenly and allows you to sanitize the insoles separately.

✅ DO stuff with newspaper

Plain, black-and-white newspaper absorbs moisture rapidly from the inside out. Change the paper every 4–6 hours until dampness is gone.

✅ DO call a professional for deep damage

For severe odor, water stains on suede, or sole separation, professional cleaning includes ozone sanitization and material conditioning that DIY cannot replicate.

The Expert Solution: Post-Monsoon Deep Cleaning

After surviving the season, every shoe needs a refresh. Our post-monsoon service focuses on:

• Deep Sanitization: Eliminating all lingering mold spores and odor-causing bacteria.

• Material Conditioning: Rehydrating leathers and re-napping suedes to restore flexibility and original look.

• Re-Gluing Soles: Professionally addressing any sole separation caused by water-weakened adhesives.

Is your favorite pair suffering from monsoon stress? Schedule a pick up with Royal Shoe Clean for Deep Clean and Waterproofing service today to protect your investment for the rest of the rainy season!