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Monsoon home care is critical because, during this season, both we and our homes need to stay waterproof. The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the blistering summer heat, no doubt. But it also marks the onset of fungi, mould, dampness, and unwanted moisture intrusion through deceptively invisible seepage points.
Rainwater can damage your home, strong gusty winds can be disruptive, and high humidity can threaten your home’s construction and electrical wiring if you’re not cautious or adequately prepared. Damp walls can damage costly paintwork, and furniture may start to smell. The risk of electrical short circuits can also become significantly higher.
It’s time to stay alert and invest in home maintenance during monsoon season. Ideally, the groundwork should begin before the rains arrive, so your home remains safe, dry, and waterproof throughout the season.
At Gharpedia, we have prepared a handy checklist to help you get monsoon-ready before the rain hits hard. Let’s dive in and learn more about monsoon home care.
The Checklist to Make Home Monsoon Ready
Monsoon home care can be broadly divided into two major phases: exterior care and interior care. We will discuss both in the form of easy-to-follow checklists. Let’s start with the outdoor home maintenance checklist for the monsoon.
1. Inspect and Repair the Roof
The roof is your primary shield during stormy winds and heavy rain. During the monsoon season, your home’s roof endures constant downpours, strong winds, and sometimes even hailstorms. Any leaks or cracks in the roof can allow rainwater to seep into your home, something you want to avoid.
To prevent this, conduct a thorough roof inspection for monsoon and carry out necessary repairs with the help of an expert mason. Do not forget to use sealants to patch up any cracks and ensure complete waterproofing for monsoon mayhem. Roof inspection and waterproofing are critical steps in monsoon home care.
2. Seal The Gaps and Cracks on The Walls If Any
If the exterior walls of your house show signs of cracks or any slits, you must address them before the monsoon knocks on your door. Repairing these cracks and gaps is necessary, and inspecting doors and windows with equal diligence is also a crucial part of maintaining a home during the monsoon season. If you find any breakages or holes in these areas, repair them using the best possible methods. While some minor issues can be addressed with DIY fixes, others may require the expertise of a professional for optimal results.
While checking for cracks, holes, and gaps in the walls, check your windows, too. Water often intrudes from small holes in doors and windows. Proper waterproofing solutions can make a big difference in keeping moisture out during the monsoon.
3. Check The Durability of Doors and Windows
If your house’s doors and windows show any signs of wear and tear before the monsoon, repair them on a priority basis because this is a crucial point in your monsoon home care checklist that cannot wait. Gusty winds and heavy rainfall can easily damage weak or poorly maintained fixtures. You can install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, or make them well-operating and fully sealed. Keeping them dent-free and water-resistant will help protect your home from the harsh effects of the monsoon season.
4. Check Your Drainage System
An unclogged drain helps channel rainwater effectively, while a clogged drain creates the opposite. During the dry season, drains do not demand much attention, but as part of emergency monsoon home care, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly before the rains begin. It will help you avoid messy and damaging waterlogging. Do not forget the old saying: “A stitch in time saves nine.”
5. Trim The Trees and Shrubs in Your Lawn
Before the monsoon begins, be sure to trim any trees and bushes around your house. This proactive garden maintenance will help prevent broken branches from damaging your windows or those of your neighbours during heavy winds and storms. Also, keep your lawn tidy by trimming overgrown shrubs, as dense foliage often becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a hiding spot for snakes.
Once the outdoor maintenance checklist is complete, it’s time to shift your focus to the indoors and make your home monsoon-proof from the inside out.
6. Check the Electric Lines
Water and electricity are a deadly combination that can pose life-threatening hazards. During the monsoon, it’s crucial to keep these two elements far apart. The best way to ensure electrical safety in rainy season at home is by sealing all possible water entry points, especially near electric wiring and the distribution box.
Also, check if the earthing lines, insulation of all electrical gadgets, and MCBs (miniature circuit breakers) are functioning well. Skipping this step would leave our monsoon home care checklist incomplete and put your safety at risk.
7. Pest Control Before Monsoon Advent
Pesky pests are not just unpleasant; they can also trigger several health hazards. The monsoon is their prime breeding season, and they prefer untidy, damp, and cluttered environments. Therefore, you need to make your house pest-repellent before the monsoon arrives.
Unlike some other monsoon home care tasks, this is not a DIY job. It’s best to hire a professional pest control service to complete the job with a customised plan and expertise.
8. Wash and Store Heavy Rugs and Carpets Before Monsoon Strikes
Fungal attacks and mould growth can infest heavy rugs and carpets during the monsoon season due to high humidity levels in the air. Sometimes, the moisture in the air exceeds the control capacity of air purifiers. Fungi and mould in rugs and carpets can release allergens in indoor air, potentially causing respiratory problems, especially in kids, seniors, and pets. It is always safe to wash and box heavy upholstery pieces, carpets, and dhurries before the monsoon impacts your home.
9. Take Care of Your Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture needs special care during monsoon, as it is sensitive to moisture. The contact between wood and humidity can lead to fungal growth, stickiness, and damage to the finish. To avoid this, clean the furniture almost daily with a soft, dry cloth.
Applying wax polish before the monsoon begins can help protect the wood from dampness and humidity. Also, try to keep the floor as moisture-free as possible. This helps preserve the shine and longevity of your woody furniture through the rainy season.
10. Keep Your Kitchen Monsoon Ready
Whether it’s raining outside or a stormy night, the kitchen remains one of the most active spaces in any home. During the monsoon, maintaining a clean and functional kitchen is essential to ensure health and hygiene.
You may follow the following suggestions to keep your kitchen monsoon-safe.
- Store the spices and condiments in airtight containers.
- Keep utensils clean. Pack away unused or rarely used utensils in the pantry or storage cabinets.
- Always maintain good ventilation in the kitchen.
- Use an air dehumidifier to control excess moisture.
- Use insect repellents regularly; opt for organic or food-safe products in the kitchen.
- Service your water filter and clean your water storage tank in advance. Waterborne diseases are common during the monsoon, so taking preventive measures is essential for staying healthy.
11. Take Care of the Hygienic Environment Inside the House
Good hygiene is a vital factor in preventing infections during the monsoon season and is an essential part of your monsoon home care checklist. Regular home interior care during monsoon help Keep the house clean and dry. Use disinfectants to mop floors regularly. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce indoor humidity, and fix any leaks quickly to avoid dampness. Check mosquito nets on windows—they must be sturdy and not torn. Use mosquito repellents and window screens to protect your home from mosquitoes and other insect bites. Also, make sure to empty stagnant water from containers in the garden or elsewhere, as these are common breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Finally, make it a habit to wash your hands frequently. Keep bathrooms dry; this is a key aspect of maintaining a healthy home environment during the monsoon. A clean and hygienic home is your best defence against seasonal illnesses.
Final Thought
The monsoon offers natural relief from the summer heat, but it also throws several challenges at you. Keeping your home monsoon-ready is a key step in ensuring safety and comfort during the rainy season. The monsoon home care tips shared here will keep your home secure, dry, and comfortable, ensuring a stress-free lifestyle regardless of the weather outside. A little care and meticulous investment in monsoon home care can go a long way in giving peace of mind, no matter how challenging the external conditions may be.
Also Read: Monsoon Care Tips for Furniture & Furnishings
FAQs on Home Care Essential Before the Monsoon
1. How Do You Prepare for the Monsoon?
Preparing your home for the monsoon involves both repair and reorganising. Key steps are sealing cracks and dents in walls and around windows, cleaning and unclogging drains, trimming trees and garden plants, and making the home interior ready to withstand the effects of heavy rain, humidity, and pests.
2. How Do I Stop Rainwater from Coming into My House?
Installing weatherstripping, applying caulk, using rain guards, and performing regular maintenance are effective ways to prevent rainwater intrusion into a home’s interior.
3. What is the Best Time to Do Waterproofing of Your Home?
The best time to waterproof your home is either during construction or just before the onset of the rainy season. It is also important to act immediately after noticing any signs of water damage. Addressing issues such as leaks or dampness promptly is crucial to avoid further damage.
4. Can Houseplants help lower Humidity Levels?
Yes, certain indoor plants absorb excess moisture from the air, thereby reducing indoor humidity. However, be cautious not to overwater them, as this can damage the plants and counteract their benefits.
Here’s a video to sum up all the points mentioned above:
References
Paolo Carrer, Marco Maroni, Daniela Alcini, Domenico Cavallo (2000) in Allergens in indoor air: environmental assessment and health effects in Science of The Total Environment, Volume 270, Issues 1–3, 10 April 2001, Pages 33-42, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00791-9 [Online] Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969700007919