Home décor tips: Mumbai interior designers on easy tips to protect your home during monsoon

After a hot summer, the rains certainly come as a much-needed relief. However, the effects of the rain on our homes can't be ignored, especially if they are old or in need of repairs. It is also the reason why city experts say that people shouldn't ignore their home interiors during the monsoons. While pre-monsoon repairs help avoid leakages, the fact that wooden furniture and flooring expands if it is exposed to moisture means that maintenance is very important during this time.

"Although, water is a boon to life, an excess of it during monsoons can be extremely detrimental to your home. Walls can weaken if the cracks are not sealed and water will leak through them, not discounting it can lead to fungus and lots of allergies and breathing issues," highlights Reshma Chhabria, founder and creative head of interior design brand, HIIH.

Along with dampness, the monsoon also brings with it the warm and humid environment, and Misbah Kapadia, city-based interior designer and founder of Design Konstruct, says that is a problem. She explains, "It is ideal for insects and other creatures to grow. Some of these insects can ruin the furniture, walls and spread various diseases. Apart from fungus, Kapadia says the fact that the air inside the home becomes very moist as compared to others season means an increase in the growth of mold. While a proper check prior to monsoon is essential, both the interior designers say there are other ways to take care of the house now that the monsoons are underway.

Make cracks and gaps disappear
Even though it is necessary to look at every part of the home during the season, Chhabria says one must pay special attention to walls and windows. She explains, "If there are cracks in the walls, they need to be sealed off. If the lining of your windows is gone, or if there are gaps, they need to be filled." There is more than just the frame to look at when one talks about maintenance of windows. If people have the option of packing away heavy drapes, says the city-based interior designer, they should opt for lighter fabrics.

Chhabria reminds that it is not only walls and windows but also furniture and upholstery which needs one's attention during the season because the latter can get a foul odour if it is consistently left moist. "Allow fresh air and sunlight to enter the house whenever you can. It clears up residual mugginess and helps the furniture breathe and stay dry," she suggests.

Check wiring and floor rugs, carpets
Kapadia not only iterates the need to check ceilings and walls for damage but also to make proper arrangements for wooden furniture so that they aren't damaged by water. She also suggests paying attention to two more aspects of house maintenance during the season. The city interior designer explains, "Examine the electrical wiring as we all know water and electricity never really go hand in hand, especially during monsoon season. So, it is essential we get our wiring checked before it's too late." While taking care of upholstery is important, those who have rugs and carpets on their floors should also clean them regularly. "Always keep the rugs and carpets clean because they tend to collect the dust that sits on them," she adds.

Just like Chhabria, Kapadia says ventilation is also very important during the monsoon throughout the day. "You should keep the windows and doors of your house open as and when possible. Moreover, a well-ventilated house has a very low chance of wall damage from condensation," she shares. Last but not the least, one shouldn't forget about doors because moisture poses to be a big challenge for wooden doors during this season, and they can be treated and maintained like other furniture.

Reshma Chhabria and Misbah Kapadia easy tips to take care of your home during the monsoon

Keep things away from moisture as much as possible
It helps to pull your sofas, beds, wardrobes or cupboards six inches away from the walls in order to prevent damage during the rainy season.

Keep the windows open when the rain stops
While the rains bring with it pleasant weather, it is ideal to keep your windows open when the rain stops to let every bit of sunlight get in. It will help to keep the rooms humidity-free.

Invest in de-humidifiers
If you wish to and live in a place where the monsoons bring in consistent rain, de-humidifiers can be a great investment when it comes to keeping the temperature and dampness in control. It can help your furniture last longer.

Avoid wet cloths to clean
While many people may opt to clean their furniture with wet cloths, it is not advisable. Instead, people can use dry cloths to clean and avoid moisture at the same time. If that doesn't help, using a mild disinfectant instead of water should do the trick.

Clean dust on wooden furniture regularly
Dust should not be left uncleaned during the monsoon as it has tendency to stick to wooden items. Applying a coat of lacquer or varnish depending on the polish at least once in two years to fill the pores and increase its longevity as it prevents the wood from swelling.

Add water absorbent mats around the house
Adding water absorbent mats around the house can help during the season to soak all the water that comes in when we enter the house.

Vacuuming rugs and carpets
Since keeping the dust from the rugs and carpets is important, vacuuming them along with your sofas regularly is a must.

Storing clothes
Store clothes with silica gel, naphthalene balls or natural alternatives to prevent insect infestation.

Clean drains and water pipers
Clean all the rooftop drains and rainwater pipes and keep them free of obstruction to avoid any water accumulation on the roof.

Pay attention to kitchen and bathroom
Both these areas need special attention. Cleaning and disinfecting them simultaneously is also very essential.

Keep footwear away from moisture
Avoid keeping the shoes in cabinets where they can trap moisture that leads to them being damaged.

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