Hurricane Season Garment Care in Houston

Houstonians know the drill: June through November, Atlantic hurricane season brings the threat of tropical storms, heavy flooding, and damaging winds. While homeowners stockpile water and generators, many forget about protecting their wardrobe — often one of the most valuable collections in the home.

River Oaks Cleaners has served Houston for over 35 years, through multiple major storms including Harvey in 2017. We've seen firsthand how storm damage affects clothing and what it takes to restore it. Here's how to protect and care for your wardrobe this hurricane season.

Before a Storm: Prepare Your Wardrobe

When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens Houston, take these steps to protect your most valuable garments:

• Move formal and delicate garments upward. Keep suits, gowns, and wool items on high shelves or in a second-floor closet to minimize flood exposure.
• Use sealed garment bags. Heavy-duty, zip-sealed plastic garment bags protect against water intrusion and wind-blown debris.
• Photograph valuable items. For insurance purposes, document high-value clothing — designer suits, wedding dresses, luxury coats — before storing them.
• Bring clean clothes in for storage. Clean garments resist mold and pests better than soiled ones. Consider dropping off fine garments for professional cleaning before a major storm hits.

After a Storm: What to Do First

If flooding or wind damage has affected your clothing, act within 24–48 hours to prevent permanent damage:

• Do not let wet clothes sit. Mold begins forming on wet fabric within 24–48 hours in Houston's humidity. Remove wet items from closets and separate them immediately.
• Do not put flooded clothes in a sealed bag. This accelerates mold growth. Hang or lay flat in a dry, ventilated area until you can bring them to a cleaner.
• Rinse with clean water if flood-contaminated. Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and debris. Rinse contaminated garments thoroughly before professional cleaning.
• Call us as soon as possible. Flood-damaged garments need professional solvent cleaning to fully remove contaminants and odors that household washing cannot eliminate.

What Professional Dry Cleaning Can Restore After a Storm

• Mildew-odored clothing
• Flood-contaminated garments (with proper solvent cleaning)
• Storm debris stains — mud, grime, oil
• Water-damaged delicates and formal wear
• Musty suits and coats from power-outage closets
• Vintage or heirloom items affected by humidity

Items to Prioritize After a Storm

If you have limited time or resources, prioritize these high-value items for professional cleaning first:

1. Wedding dress or heirloom formal gowns
2. Designer suits and blazers
3. Military uniforms and dress uniforms
4. Vintage or irreplaceable garments
5. Leather and suede items (most susceptible to mold and water damage)

Year-Round Wardrobe Protection Tips for Houston's Climate

Houston's heat and humidity create garment care challenges even on sunny days. Year-round tips from our 35 years of experience:

• Clean garments before long-term storage — oils and residues attract insects and accelerate fabric breakdown.
• Use cedar blocks or sachets in closets to repel moths.
• Avoid plastic dry cleaning bags for long-term storage — use breathable cotton garment bags.
• Keep closets air-conditioned and dehumidified — Houston's 90%+ humidity in summer can damage stored garments.

Pickup & Delivery Available Throughout Houston

After a storm, driving across the city is the last thing you want to do. River Oaks Cleaners offers free pickup and delivery throughout Greater Houston — from The Heights and Midtown to Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, and beyond. We'll come to you.

Questions? Contact River Oaks Cleaners

If you've experienced storm damage or have questions about protecting your wardrobe, we're here to help. Call or visit riveroakscleaners.com to schedule a pickup or get a consultation from our 35-year team of garment care experts.

River Oaks Cleaners — Houston's trusted dry cleaner since 1989. Serving Houston through storm and sunshine.