How to Keep Your Home Odour-Free During the Monsoon Season

The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the oppressive heat of summer, nourishing the earth and cooling the air. However, it also introduces a number of problems for homeowners. Excess humidity, lack of sunlight, and damp interiors provide the perfect breeding ground for unpleasant odours caused by mould, mildew and bacterial growth. This can result in a persistent musty smell that not only makes living uncomfortable but may also pose risks to health.

Maintaining a fresh-smelling home during the monsoon is both an aesthetic and hygienic necessity. If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of mold smell in house or keep away the musty monsoon smell, this article on How to Keep Your Home Odour-Free During the Monsoon Season offers scientific solutions tailored for the season.

Why Monsoon Odours Occur

During the monsoon, atmospheric humidity often exceeds 80 percent, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. In such high-moisture environments, walls, furniture, clothing, and carpets retain water and take longer to dry. As a result, mould and mildew begin to form. According to (A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.) These organisms release microscopic spores into the air and produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the chemical source of that musty smell often noticed in enclosed or damp areas.

Enclosed spaces such as wardrobes, bathrooms, shoe racks and kitchen cupboards are particularly vulnerable. Limited airflow and poor light exacerbate the problem, making it essential to tackle odours from multiple fronts.

Key Sources of Indoor Odours During Monsoon

Understanding the root causes helps in applying targeted solutions. Common sources of bad odours during the monsoon include:

• Damp walls due to seepage or rain infiltration
• Wet carpets and curtains that take longer to dry
• Unwashed clothes and linens left unattended
• Poorly ventilated areas such as basements, bathrooms and utility spaces
• Clogged drains and stagnant water
• Footwear that remains damp inside closed shoe cabinets

10 Proven Ways to Keep Your Home Odour-Free

1. Ventilate Your Space

Ventilation is the cornerstone of odour control. Airflow reduces moisture accumulation and inhibits mould formation. Enhanced airflow is the foundational part of effective home odour removal for those struggling with how to get rid of musty smell in apartment settings.

• Open windows during dry intervals to allow fresh air inside.
• Use ceiling or pedestal fans to circulate air throughout the house.
• Install exhaust fans in moisture-heavy areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms.
• Avoid keeping windows permanently closed, even during rainy spells, unless absolutely necessary.

Also Read: 11 Tips To Remove Musty Smells From Your Home

2. Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are one of the most effective tools for managing indoor humidity during the monsoon .

• Portable electric dehumidifiers work well for bedrooms, living areas and basements.
• Natural dehumidifiers for home, like bamboo charcoal bags and rock salt, can be just as effective as electric ones in smaller spaces.
• Rechargeable silica gel dehumidifiers are suitable for wardrobes, drawers and shoe racks.
• Maintain the device by cleaning its filter and emptying the water container regularly.

These options are especially useful when figuring out how to get rid of musty smell in apartment corners or wardrobes.

3. Embrace Natural Moisture Absorbers

Natural absorbents can help reduce both humidity and bad smells in a safe and chemical-free way.

• Activated charcoal absorbs moisture and neutralises odours. Place small bags in cupboards, under beds and inside wardrobes.
• Baking soda works well in refrigerators, under kitchen sinks and in shoe racks.
• White vinegar in open bowls or spray bottles (diluted with water) can neutralise smells on fabric and hard surfaces.

4. Keep Your Home Clean and Dry

Regular cleaning plays a vital role in preventing the build-up of bacteria and fungi. Along with regular home cleaning, monsoon home odour solutions help eliminate sources of humidity and bacteria.

• Mop floors daily with water mixed with a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil.
• Clean drains and bathroom floors thoroughly to prevent unpleasant smells.
• Avoid leaving food waste or wet dishes overnight.
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly, especially if pets are present

The above following steps help in understanding how to remove musty smell from home for maintaining a fresh and healthy indoor environment during the monsoon

5. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils provide a pleasant, natural aroma while also offering anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

• Diffuse oils such as lavender, lemon, peppermint or eucalyptus in living areas.
• Add a few drops to mop water or fabric fresheners.
• Use oil-soaked cotton balls inside drawers or shoe cabinets.

Must Read: Monsoon Tips For Home: Make Your Home Monsoon Ready

6. Dry Clothes Effectively

Monsoon often forces people to dry clothes indoors, which contributes to unpleasant odours. For more practical solutions, check out this monsoon try these indoor clothes drying ideas to keep your laundry fresh and prevent moisture-related odours indoors.

• Avoid leaving wet clothes in the laundry basket for extended periods.
• Use clothes drying stand placed near windows or under ceiling fans.
• Ensure garments are fully dry before storing them in cupboards.
• Iron clothes after drying to remove any residual dampness.

7. Let the Sunshine In

Whenever sunlight is available, make the most of it. One of the best monsoon odour control tips is letting sunlight into your apartment.

• Place cushions, pillows and mattresses in direct sunlight to kill germs and remove moisture.
• Air out books, shoes and clothes under the sun at least once a week.
• Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and highly effective in reducing musty smells.

8. Maintain Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most susceptible areas during monsoon due to constant exposure to water and food waste.

• Use lemon or vinegar-based cleaners for countertops and sinks.
• Empty the dustbin daily and clean it with disinfectant.
• Avoid storing damp utensils in closed cabinets.
• Regularly check for food spoilage in the fridge and pantry.

9. Clean and Freshen Wardrobes

Closets and wardrobes are dark and enclosed spaces where odours can linger.

• Some of the rarely known natural dehumidifiers for home are camphor, lavender sachets or neem.
• Air out your wardrobe once a week and keep the doors open during sunny days.
• Use moth repellents and silica gel to manage moisture and prevent mould.

Also Read: How To Get Rid of Black Mould From Your Home?

10. Address Structural Issues

Sometimes odours stem from larger issues like leaks and seepage.

• Seal any cracks or holes in the roof, walls and windows before the rainy season starts.
• Apply waterproof paint or coatings to external walls.
• Check for plumbing leaks and repair them promptly.

In addition to controlling moisture and odours, it’s equally important to address potential leak sources—these 5 clever tips to prevent plumbing issues in home can help you safeguard against hidden water damage during the monsoon.

Conclusion

Following these monsoon odour control tips ensures you’ll not only improve your home’s air quality but also know exactly how to remove musty smell from home environments before it becomes a serious problem.

The monsoon season, though refreshing and rejuvenating, demands additional attention to indoor hygiene and air quality. An odour-free home is not just more pleasant to live in; it is also healthier and more comfortable. By addressing the root causes of moisture and odour, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of the rainy season without compromising on freshness and cleanliness.

The techniques discussed above offer a combination of traditional wisdom and modern science to help maintain an odour-free indoor environment. From improving airflow to using natural deodorisers and ensuring prompt cleaning, each measure contributes to a more breathable and hygienic home. Preparing in advance and staying consistent with these practices ensures that the monsoon is a time of joy, not discomfort.

FAQs Related To Monsoon Home Odour Solutions

1. Why Does My Home Smell Musty Only During The Monsoon

The high humidity of the monsoon prevents proper evaporation, which allows mould, mildew and bacteria to thrive. These organisms emit chemicals that result in a musty odour.

2. Are Air Fresheners A Good Solution For Monsoon Smells

Air fresheners can temporarily mask bad smells but do not eliminate their cause. For lasting results, it is better to reduce humidity, clean regularly and use natural odour absorbers.

3. How Often Should I Clean Carpets And Upholstery During The Monsoon

Ideally, carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed at least twice a week. If they become wet, dry them thoroughly using fans or place them in sunlight when possible.

4. Can Indoor Plants Increase Humidity During The Rainy Season?

Yes. While indoor plants improve air quality, overwatering can increase humidity. Ensure proper drainage and avoid watering plants more than necessary.

5. What Are The Health Risks Of Indoor Mould Exposure?

Prolonged exposure to mould spores can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritations, especially in children, the elderly and people with asthma.

References

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2022). A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home. [online] Available at: https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home