Home care tips for monsoon

Don’t let rain wreak disruption and chaos at your abode; be proactive and adopt these hacks to keep your house safe and dry when it’s raining cats and dogs outside

Shristi Nangalia

Monsoon joys can soon turn into dreadful blues when uninvited rainwater creeps in through the windows and doors, when clogged drains overflow and jam your sink, when pesky moss covers your carpets, when wooden furniture swells up due to heavy moisture and more. Stay ahead in your maintenance game and prepare your homes with the help of easy care tips and ideas mentioned below. They go a long way in making sure you enjoy your tea and fries in peace… even during very heavy rain.

Step-up the waterproofing

Checking for cracks, fissures and crevices in the exterior walls, interior walls, balconies, terrace and roof can help you determine the damage-control procedure you will need to take up. Depending upon the nature and location of crack, treat the areas with polyurethane, cement, thermoplastic or any PVC waterproofing solution available locally. Finally, apply a couple of coats of waterproofing paint or sealant spray to create an impermeable setup that can easily withstand heavy rains and terminate water seepage. If possible, avoid taking up any renovation during the season to avoid delays due to prolonged drying of materials, transportation hassles and labour unavailability.

Protect wooden surfaces

Wood, bamboo, cane or engineered wood furniture, storage units, floor planks, wall panels and other exposed wood surfaces require extra care during the monsoon seasons. Moisture penetration can prompt swelling of wood, leading to distortion and damage. To avoid that, wipe and clean all wooden surfaces and apply varnish or sealant polish to protect the beauty and utility of the piece for a long time.

Cover and seal all windows and doors

Driving rain can gush into our homes through windows and balconies. Customise and install awnings, canopies or shades to prevent the same. Improperly installed windows, balcony doors and entry doors can lead flowing water inside. Use silicone caulks or rubber sealants for making all the openings air-and water-tight. Do not forget to check for gaps in the AC openings, skylights and vents too.

Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect

Humidity and dampness provides hospitable environment to moss, insects and flies. Regular disinfection of internal surfaces like kitchen platforms, tables, shelves, walls, floors, etc. can let you have a home that smells fresh and stays crisp clean. You can buy readymade disinfectant sprays or solutions from the market or make an organic mixture with 25 per cent vinegar and 75 per cent water at home. Add your favourite essential oil…. And voila! Your home is now infection-free and pleasantly fragrant.

Put heavy carpets and curtains away

Chances of spoiling fancy rugs, carpets and drapes during the rainy season are pretty high. It is best to roll and wrap them up with cling film or plastic coverings and store in a dry place till the season passes to protect them from mold and mildew. Go for water-resistant or lighter fabrics that are easier to clean and dry for the time being.

Keep sneaky pests at bay

Place camphor or naphthalene balls or silica gel sachets in drawers, kitchen shelves and cupboards to keep unwelcomed dampness and pests away. You can try natural alternatives like neem leaves or cloves to stop silverfish and bedbugs from making themselves comfortable in your cupboards’ nooks and corners.

Unclog drains and pipes

Clogged internal and external pipes are not just breading grounds for pests, harmful micro-organisms and bad odour, but can create unexpected overflow of drain inlets into roofs, bathrooms and sinks. Hire a plumber to unclog all the kitchen, bath and rainwater pipes to avoid water stagnancy and overspill.

Secure electrical systems

All the electrical outlets and wires including lighting, appliances, doorbells and alarms should be sealed properly to tailor a shock-free connection all around the house. Deploy electricians to thoroughly check for exposed wires and loose connections. Let them fix all open wires and check for water seepage in the generator room, inverter unit, MCB, etc.