The monsoons are here as a breath of fresh air from the scorching heat! As we bid adieu to the sunny weather we also open doors to a bunch of pesky problems!

Moulds, mildew, musty odours, mucky feet! And if you are a cleanliness freak like me then the house is not a pleasant place to be. So, if you are looking to get the house monsoon ready then read on!

Smelly woes :- with humidity and moisture creeping in every nook and corner, the house is bound to develop a distinctive smell. Here are some tips to keep the house smelling fresh.

• If you have wooden cupboards, line them with shelf liners instead of newspapers. Newspapers have a tendency to absorb moisture.
• Place moisture absorbents in the closet. Naphthalene balls and silica gels are the most commonly used products, but since I live with a toddler I prefer to use natural things around the house to avoid any accidents. Here’s the recipe for a homemade eco-friendly, all- natural moisture absorbent, fragrance sachet.

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• In a muslin bag add some rice (it’s a natural moisture absorbent)/ some cloves (they repel bugs) and dried eucalyptus or lemongrass leaves to combat the musty odour and leave the cupboard smelling fragrant.

• Adding drops of essential oils to the steam iron will make sure there’s no damp smell to your clothes. While there’s an array of fragrances to choose from I opt for Citronella to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Care for your goods :- It’s a good idea to store away the leather shoes and bags during the rainy season as they tend to develop moulds and fungus.

• Stuff rolls of toilet paper in the shoes/boots to keep their shape and also to absorb moisture.
• Place them in dust bags before storing them away and add some camphor pods to the dust bags. Camphor pods are the best natural replacements to naphthalene balls.
• Shoe cabinets are an especially problematic area during the wet season. Placing baking soda boxes in the shoe cabinets ensures that there’s no lingering stink. Also, tea bags placed in shoes overnight will also make the stench stay at bay.

Care for the books :- Is there anything better than snuggling up with a cup of tea and your favourite book when its pouring outside? If you are a bibliophile like me then you will surely appreciate this tip. Place some charcoal bits or good old blackboard chalks in the library unit to keep the moisture at bay. Neem leaves placed in the books will make sure that the bugs don’t feast on your favourite pages.

Also read : For the love of SAREES

Home Décor :- Don’t let the gloomy weather outside reflect in your home. Some simple changes in the décor can help uplift the greys that the skies bring.

• Fold away the heavier rugs as they are an open invitation to germs. If you still crave texture in the house opt for chatais. Bright coloured chatais not only add a pop of colour but they are also super easy to clean.
• Swap the dark coloured cushions for bright colours and floral prints. Add hues of green to your home to bring in the nature.

• Dehumidifiers or scented candles not only balance out the smells but also add warmth on a cold wet day.

So, there you have it! Simple tips to get the house ready this monsoon. Stock up on your teas and have a teaful monsoon!

Do tell me if you found these tips helpful and share your ideas with me too. Stay tuned for the upcoming blog on monsoon styling, until next time…

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