What Comes After a Storm of Swords
Sally Anscombe Getty Images
British weather is famously unpredictable — one minute, we're basking in the sun, and the next, we're running for cover. But the wind and rain can't bring us down! With a few nifty tricks from our experts at the GHI, your home, hair and clothes will be looking wonderful again in no time.
Keeping off the rain
Investing in a good raincoat is so worth it to stay dry and protected in the rain. Even when it seems like the nice weather will hold, having a reliable waterproof coat to hand is always a good idea.
To look stylish and weather the storm, this waterproof mac from Next is lightweight enough that you could keep it in your bag for emergencies. If you're looking to invest in something more elegant, this hooded trench coat from Petit Bateau (£159) might be for you.
Jasmina007 Getty Images
Protecting yourself
It might also be time to replace that five-year-old umbrella that turns inside-out at the slightest bit of breeze. Investing in a windproof umbrella will not only keep you dry, it will also ensure that you're not fighting against mother nature as she tries to blow it away from you.
StormDefender City Umbrella
StormDefender collarandcuffslondon.com
£24.50
Fixing your make-up
If the rain has your mascara running, then it's probably best to start opting for waterproof products! The best-rated waterproof mascara, as tested by the GHI beauty experts, is the Revlon Volamazing Mascara Waterproof (£8.99) for defined, clump-free lashes that will survive the storms.
As for eyeliner, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Crème Color (£18) was rated the best. Also try out a setting spray to hold make-up in place. Our winner was Caudalie's Beauty Elixir (£12 for 30ml). Not only will this keep your makeup looking fresh, it also doubles as a relaxing pillow spray!
De-frizzing your hair
Do you spend ages making your hair look great, only for it to double in size the second you step out into the rain? The GHI beauty experts found that Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame (£17.10) was the best anti-frizz product to keep hair until control.
Removing mud stains
Even if you take your shoes off at the door, somehow mud manages to get everywhere on a rainy day. Here's how to remove the mess from your home.
Most upholstery fabrics
Allow the mud to dry, then remove as much as possible by brushing or vacuuming the affected area.
Carpets
Apply Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, blot with lightly dampened paper towels and repeat as necessary until the stain has been removed. Rinse with clear water and blot dry.
Fabric
For cotton, most stains will come out by machine washing at 40°C with a biological detergent. For more stubborn stains, try a biological pre-soaking product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, then wash the item as normal. If it's silk and wool that's machine washable, try rubbing a little washing-up liquid into the affected area before washing as normal. If this doesn't work, spot-treat with Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils Mud, Grass & Make-Up according to the manufacturer's instructions, then wash as normal.
Last resort: soak the item in an oxygen-based, colour-safe bleach. Check the care label first and follow the product instructions.
GHI Tip: Act fast, particularly with delicate fabrics, or you may have a permanent reminder of that wet and windy walk
www.alastairhumphreys.com Getty Images
Must-have stain removers
Dri Pak Bicarbonate of Soda x2
White Spirit Solvent 750ml
Grass and mud stain remover
Grease and oil stain remover
Carpet Stain Remover, 650ml
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
SIGN UP
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
What Comes After a Storm of Swords
Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656978/remove-mud-stains/