Come monsoon, not moisture

Sukhmani

After the burning heat of summer, monsoon showers are such a welcome. But like all good things, the monsoon too comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is how to rain proof your home. The weather might be pleasant but do remember that your house needs to be protected. Else, it’s easy to end up with seepage and dampness in your homes.

Here are a few things one can do to keep home clean and free from dampness. Avoid bringing rainwater into the house and place a good absorbent door mat, one outside the door and one inside. Place an ‘umbrella catcher’ at the door itself to trap any dripping water. Make proper arrangements to take off footwear at the entrance itself.

If you have a separate cupboard for shoes, make sure it is cleaned periodically. Shoes have a tendency to absorb a lot of moisture and wearing wet ones can cause fungal infections. Fix in a low voltage bulb inside the shoe cupboard so that the heat emitted from it will absorb moisture.

Stitch in time

Fix any kind of cracks on your walls or roof. Waterproof your roof if possible and make sure the mouth of your rainwater pipes is not blocked with leaves or any kind of debris. Tile joints in bathrooms should be checked and kept sealed. Install ventilators in humid areas of the house to avoid dampness. Make sure there is enough cross-ventilation and fresh air comes in before rains hit your home.

Pests at bay

Termite infestation is a major problem wherever leakage or high humidity exists. Check all damp places to find any termite invasion and call for professional help.

The best option for carpets is to roll them and stack them away for the monsoon season. If you must keep them, ensure regular cleaning as they create a musty smell during rainy season. Expose them to sunlight from time to time.

Vacuum clean your sofas once a week. Change your bed sheets and bed linens weekly and pack away excess cushions and pillows to avoid damp musty odours.

Protect your wooden flooring from moisture and warping by keeping them properly waxed. Check your cupboards for any kind of dampness. Camphor balls or neem leaves and cloves usually keep silverfish at bay.

Regular house cleaning can protect your home from moisture content in the air. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are good options to reduce humidity levels inside your home.

Wooden doors and windows too need attention as they tend to expand due to moisture. Protect them by painting them at regular intervals and use waterproof varnish.

Don’t use heavy curtains; replace them with lighter curtains that are easier to dry.

Unsecured power boxes and exposed wires can cause major problems, so get them all fixed before monsoons hit your home.

Get the exterior walls repainted with water-proof paint to avoid damage.

Go ahead; enjoy the rains without getting caught in them!

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)