After the brutal heat of the summer, the monsoon’s are a relief!
While the rains bring down the mercury, one must be careful of the germs and
water borne illnesses that arise from water stagnation and moisture in the air.
Mentioned below are some preventive measures you
can take to make sure your house is well protected, clean, and dry during the
monsoon.
Pre Monsoon Examination - Clean the pipes so
there are no blockages and smooth drainage of rain water is possible. Call an
expert to repair any cracks or damaged tiles to avoid seepage.
Cupboards – Wardrobes become damp in the
monsoons. The air moisture can be absorbed by putting dried neem leaves,
cloves, camphor, silica gel sachets, and/or commercially available moisture
absorption sachets in the cupboards, drawers or wooden desks.
Ventilation – Try and get as much cross
ventilation and sunlight as possible. This will help to take away some of the
moisture from the air and remove the damp smell. Excessive moisture in the air
can damage wall hangings, furniture and carpets. Dehumidifiers can also be
used.
Home Cleaning – Regular home cleaning is a must.
Use a safe floor detergent to mop the floors. A detergent with citronella would
be good for the monsoons. Oil can be used to prevent wooden doors and windows
from absorbing moisture and swelling up. Apply wax to the hardwood floors to
protect it from excess moisture. Vacuum carpets, upholstery and curtains at
least once a week. Dusting of furniture, especially wooden furniture is
essential to prevent moisture build up. Get pest control done once a month in
the monsoons. Light a small piece of camphor in every room and keep the doors
and windows shut for 15 minutes every evening.
Garden / Plant Care – Trim hedges and tall plants / trees. The monsoons
are known for gory winds, trimmed plants will create fewer chances of branches
flying off. Also, when the sun shines it will allow sunlight to penetrate
better. Rainfall causes easy growth of some unnecessary plants in the soil like
that of weeds, which need to be pulled out frequently. These weeds can tamper
with the nourishment of your useful plants. Prevent water stagnation in your
garden or in the plates kept below indoor plants. These are breeding grounds
for insects.
