Last updated on August 18th, 2021
The soft pitter-patter of raindrops on windows and the smell of damp soil is enough to give us all goosebumps at the thought of the rainy season. But this beautiful season can also bring with it unsightly seepage on walls and damp smells!
How about we make sure our homes and gardens are well-prepared for the monsoons so that we can enjoy that steaming cup of coffee watching the rain from the safety of our beautiful (rain-proof!) home?
1. Rain-proof your terrace and exteriors
During monsoons, your terrace and exteriors are directly exposed to harsh rains. Check them for cracks or damage and have them fixed immediately. Using water-proof paints on exterior walls also helps arrest the seepage of water. If you have a terrace, make sure rainwater isn’t collecting anywhere and draining smoothly. You could consider trimming any trees closeby, to keep falling leaves at bay.
Wood tends to swell up in rains and may prevent doors and windows from closing properly. Inspect them for gaps and cracks and get them repaired immediately. You may also want to repaint rusty metal doors and windows to protect them from further damage.
2. Check the drainage
While having clogged drains isn’t a good idea in any season, monsoon makes them especially tricky. Make sure you have the drainage system in your house checked and have blockages fixed to prevent any kind of waterlogging. If you notice storm-water drains outside your home blocked by silt and other debris, it might be a good idea to report it to the concerned civic authorities and have it rectified.
3. Recheck appliances and electrical wiring around the house
If you have loose or unattended wiring around the house, have it fixed without delay to prevent any mishaps involving electricity and rains. When exposed to moisture, electrical sockets, plugs, fuses, etc. have a high chance of malfunctioning. This is a good time to have all your electric sockets and equipment fixed. Last but not least, do not operate any equipment that uses electricity in the rain or near wet surfaces.
4. Protect your wooden furniture
Wooden things don’t react very well to exposure to humidity and moisture. If they do come in contact with water, consider giving them a coat of varnish or lacquer to make sure they don’t swell up during rains. Move your furniture away from damp walls and use a dry cloth to clean them. If you experience too much rain, it might be a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier to keep dampness in check during these months.
5. Keep your home well-ventilated
It’s important to keep your home well ventilated during these months. Keep doors and windows open to let sunlight in and prevent mildew and musty smells from taking hold of your interiors. Towards this, also make sure you do not leave wet clothes unattended for long periods of time. What can also help, is mixing lemongrass oil and water and using it in a vaporizer during these months. You could also try using vinegar as an air freshener spray around the home to prevent mildew. Try other home remedies like leaving baking soda and rock salt around the house, as they are powerful deodorants. If you’ve been considering pest control, now might be the time to do it. Last but not least, mop floors with a strong anti-bacterial solution to keep germs in check and use a dry mop on alternate days to keep moisture at bay.
6. Relocate your plants
If you happen to have a lot of plants inside the house (which is a fabulous idea in other seasons by the way), they can add to the already high moisture content in your house during monsoons. Also, your plants might not be getting the amount of natural light they need because of the constantly overcast skies. Move them out for the duration of monsoons. Trust us, they won’t mind!
Let’s enjoy the rain, everyone!
