Ankita Shukla
We`ve had enough of the scorching Sun already and it`s finally that time of the year when the rain gods are smiling, quite stingily though; still a respite is a respite till it lasts and we better value it. Okay, so we`ve surely got a breather in the form of the drizzling drops and I know all of you`ve got your umbrellas and raincoats out as well, not to forget the special things all of us are doing as part of our hair and skin care routine this monsoon.
But how about our home sweet home? Hold it right there, how could you forget that?? Aren`t we supposed to be doing something special for the place that we call ‘home’. Your home doesn`t deserve to be neglected guys and girls. Let`s go through a checklist of what all we ought to do this monsoon to keep it lovely and lively.
Ensure your home is weatherproof
Though we are amid monsoon already, here`s hoping that your house is not giving you nightmares of a leaking ceiling. It is sensible to ensure that the place in which you live in is weather proof and liveable all twelve months, for we aren`t fortunate enough to have different homes for different seasons!
Pre-monsoon renovation
The foremost gyaan for monsoon home care would be the fact that any kind of major renovation work at home should be done either before the monsoons or after it.
Take precautions
Make sure that you take special care of all your important documents this monsoon.
Water can prove to be a menace for books etc. Hence, keep your important papers in a waterproof zip-lock case or box.
It is a good idea to stock up foodstuff and other necessities beforehand as you can’t wait for the rain to play hide and seek. In a worst case scenario, the rain can pour down for days together and thanks to the waterlogged streets you may not be able to venture out of your house for some time. So, think logically.
Do not let water accumulate in your surroundings. This leads to breeding of insects. If there are any pots or vessels filled with water, make sure they are covered and kept clean.
Add vibrancy
As you feel the rain droplets fall on your face and pamper you, don`t forget that your home needs a little pampering too. So, it is time to add colourful vibrancy with a play of different hues to add warmth to your abode.
Won`t it be great, if on a cold rainy day, you return to a place which is done up in bright colours that add life to your house? Go ahead and decorate your place in bright colours to liven up the mood. The monsoon calls for lively warm colours such as yellows and oranges to brighten up your rooms. Go for a change of colour especially if your walls are white or beige, for these shades are difficult to maintain during a muddy monsoon.
Also ensure that the water drains on your roof are working well; otherwise water may stagnate on the roof and start seeping through the ceiling and walls, spoiling the oranges and the yellows.
Go green
All you greenery lovers, it`s time to rejoice as monsoons are the best time to flaunt your green pride (plants). So take all your plants out in the rain so that they get washed and watered naturally. To fill in the vacuum caused by their absence, place some beautiful wood or plastic ferns in the living room.
Upholstery care
Since a house is also a lot about the upholstery it boasts of, roll away your expensive Persian carpet for the monsoon and instead invest in a bright, multi-coloured machine made acrylic washable carpet. The advantage being the fact that these are light carpets and will dry faster than the Persian ones. If you can’t lay your hands at one of these, then go for a readily available bamboo or a coir mat.
Remember to keep a good waterproof doormat in front of your house so that people can reduce the amount of mud that they might unintentionally bring in.
Just in case you`ve got leather sofas at your place, pay attention- There are two problems you are going to face during the monsoon. First, that the leather might get moist due to the rain; second, you might get fungus on it if they are not in use due to high humidity. If leather gets wet, let it dry at room temperature. To avoid fungus, just use that piece of leather furniture everyday and clean it with a soft cloth once in a while.
Coming to the drapes, monsoon means a rather dim sky so lace curtains of sheer drapes are ideal for the season, as they allow sufficient amount of light to enter the room.
Wardrobe maintenance
Worried about your wardrobe and the fungus settling in it? Here’s what you’ve got to do to get rid of that abominating smell- keep silica gel sachets (available at general stores) in your wardrobe to combat the moisture. If possible install a low-voltage bulb inside the cupboard to do away with the moisture. To disinfect your cupboard make use of camphor balls, neem leaves etc.
Gadget care
Be extra careful with your electrical gadgets. Put silicon pouches (easily available at electrical shops) and keep them near your gadgets to prevent them from getting moist and to reduce the danger of electrocution.
And last but not the least; keep your home as dry as possible. One way to do this is to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner. If you don`t have either of those, take advantage of the sunny days during the monsoon - open the windows, let the sunlight in and air the room to get rid of moisture and enjoy the beauty of the rain while it lasts!
