Essential monsoon cleaning hacks for home care

With the monsoon season’s arrival, ensuring your home stays fresh and dry becomes essential to combat dampness and mold. Discovering effective monsoon cleaning hacks can significantly transform your living space. Whether it’s maintaining clean air vents or utilising practical dehumidifying methods, these straightforward practices promise a healthier and more comfortable home environment throughout the rainy season.

See also: How to create monsoon-friendly outdoor space?

Frequent floor disinfection

During the rainy season, it’s important to clean your floors more often, especially in high-traffic areas. Use a disinfectant solution to remove mold and mildew spores that thrive in damp conditions.

Using effective doormats

Using a sturdy doormat at your main entrance can help prevent mud and moisture from dirtying your floors. Opt for weather-resistant materials like rubber or coir for durability.

Step-by-step process

1. Choose the right doormat: Select a sturdy doormat made of rubber or coir, which can withstand wet conditions without deteriorating.
2. Place at entrance: Position the doormat outside your main entrance to capture dirt and moisture before it enters your home.
3. Use an additional mat: Consider placing an absorbent mat just inside the doorway to further prevent dirt from spreading indoors.

Managing humidity 

During the monsoon season, high humidity can lead to mould and mildew growth. Consider using dehumidifiers to control moisture, especially in areas like basements and bathrooms. Also, improve air circulation by opening windows and using fans whenever possible to reduce dampness indoors. These steps help maintain a drier and healthier environment during the rainy season.

Removing musty odours

During the monsoon, dampness can cause musty odours in your home. To tackle this, sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture, leaving it for an hour before vacuuming thoroughly. You can also naturally absorb odours by placing bowls of vinegar or activated charcoal in different rooms. For example, place a bowl of vinegar in the kitchen to absorb cooking smells or use activated charcoal in the bathroom to eliminate damp odors. These methods help keep your home smelling fresh during the rainy season.

Checking for leaks

During the rainy season, check for leaks around windows, doors, pipes, and faucets in your home. Even a small leak can become a big problem when it rains heavily. Fix any leaks you find right away to stop water damage and prevent mould from growing. For instance, inspect window seals after a heavy rain to ensure no water is seeping through, and check under sinks for any dripping pipes that could cause issues. Regular checks like this help protect your home from water damage during the rainy season.

Protecting clothes

High humidity can affect clothes stored in closets. Use moisture absorbers to prevent musty smells and mould. Keep closet doors slightly open when not using them to improve air circulation. For example, place silica gel packs or activated charcoal in your wardrobe to absorb moisture and prevent clothes from smelling damp. These steps help keep your clothes fresh and dry during rainy weather.

Keeping food fresh

Use sealed containers for storing food to prevent moisture and spoilage. Wipe shelves and countertops regularly with a disinfectant to remove mold and bacteria. For instance, store cereal in airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid it getting soggy, and clean kitchen surfaces with a disinfectant spray to prevent mould buildup. These practices help maintain food quality and cleanliness during humid weather.

Managing waste

Stagnant water and overflowing trash cans can attract pests. Use strong garbage bags in your bins and empty them regularly to avoid bad smells and insects. For example, line your kitchen bin with a sturdy bag to prevent leaks and take out the trash often to keep pests away. These steps help keep your home clean and pest-free during wet weather.

Managing wet shoes 

Designate an area near your door for wet shoes. Place a tray or washable mat to catch water and mud. You might also want to use disinfectant wipes or sprays on shoes before putting them away. For example, keep a mat by the front door to catch rain and dirt from shoes, and use disinfectant spray to keep them clean. These steps help keep your entryway clean and dry during wet days.

Improving indoor air quality

Allergens such as pollen and mould spores can increase indoors. Using an air purifier with HEPA filters can help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy triggers. For example, place an air purifier in your living room to filter out pollen and mould spores, which can make breathing easier for allergy sufferers. These steps can help create a healthier indoor environment during the rainy season.

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