No season in India is anticipated with as much excitement as the rainy season. The onset of the
monsoon rains in India is greeted with a mixture of emotions – relief, happiness, nostalgia, and
even anxiety. This anxiety is usually related to maintaining health and safety during this season
and also the well being of our homes and families. Every season brings with it some level of
health and safety concerns. The rains, particularly, also affect our homes and the furniture and
furnishings within due to the excessive moisture in the air. However, if managed properly this
need not put a dampener on you enjoying this beautiful season.
Here are a few ways to moisture-proof your home:
Seal all cracks and crevices in your home.
Whether you live in a standalone home or an
apartment, the walls can develop cracks over time, especially due to the intense heat of the
summer which precedes the rains. Filling these up and covering them with a coat of water-
sealant and weather-proof paint will do wonders for keeping moisture out of your walls and
home.
Ensure good drainage.
Clean and fix drain pipes in and around your home which will ensure
unrestricted drainage of water from windows, balconies and roofs. Also make sure broken or
cracked window panes and shades are fixed so that water doesn’t get in from there.
Repaint wooden and metal fixtures.
Doors, windows and other wooden and metal fixtures in
and around the home should be fixed if necessary and given a fresh coat of paint before the
rains begin. This protects them from swelling or rusting due to the excess moisture in the air.
Check all electrical wires and connections.
Exposure of open wires and switches to moisture
is dangerous as they cause electric shocks and short-circuits. Get your electrician to close
unnecessary points and fix dangly wires. Ensure you repair any damaged cords, wires or
switches.
Arrange for a pest control service.
Wooden furniture and finishes tend to get musty, moldy
and infected by termites or fungus. Pest control can protect them from this damage.
Additionally, you can also put camphor balls and neem leaves in cupboards and shelves to
protect your valuables from dampness.
Ventilate your home.
Excess humidity in the air not only affects your furniture but also your
health making you prone to chills and other monsoon-related illnesses. A dehumidifier or
ventilator can reduce the moisture and keep your home humidity-free, thus, promoting a healthy
environment, all around.
Use light and airy fabrics for furnishings.
Put away all heavy curtains and covers. During the
monsoon it is best to use light and translucent materials like cotton and lace which absorb less
moisture, dry quickly and let in more light. So use curtains, and sofa and cushion covers made of lighter materials and fabrics. They also serve to lighten the room during darker phases of the
season when sunlight is minimal.
Place rugs and doormats.
Use easy-drying door mats and rugs where people can dry their
feet and footwear before entering the home. This keeps away excess moisture and germs from
your home.
The rains bring a sense of vitality to everything around us. It energises us and provides us with
nature’s bounty. If we manage the little things before the monsoon season sets in we can set
aside our worries and truly enjoy this bountiful season where nature literally rains down
blessings on us.
