Start with Walls and Ceilings
Your home's structure is the first place to look for trouble. During the monsoon, high humidity can cause moisture to get trapped in walls, leading to that distinct earthy smell. Look for visual cues like bubbling or peeling paint, dark patches, or yellowish-brown
stains. These are often signs of a hidden leak in your plumbing or moisture seeping in from outside. Even without visible stains, walls can feel damp to the touch. To combat this, ensure there's adequate ventilation by opening windows when it isn't raining. Wiping down affected areas with a solution of white vinegar and water can help inhibit mould growth.
Inspect Wardrobes and Cupboards
Enclosed, dark spaces like wardrobes are prime breeding grounds for mildew, which imparts a foul smell to your clothes and linens. High humidity means that even clothes that feel dry might retain a small amount of moisture, which gets trapped in a closed cupboard. Make sure not to pack clothes too tightly, as this restricts airflow. Placing moisture absorbers like silica gel packets, charcoal, or even camphor balls can be very effective. It's also a good practice to leave wardrobe doors ajar for a few hours on dry days to allow air to circulate.
Examine Carpets, Rugs, and Upholstery
Fabrics are like sponges for moisture and odours. Carpets, rugs, sofas, and curtains can all trap dampness from the air, developing a musty smell over time. If a room smells off but you can't find the source, it's often the textiles. Get close and sniff them to pinpoint the culprit. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets and upholstery, let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the odours, and then vacuum it up thoroughly. When the sun makes an appearance, take the opportunity to air out rugs and cushions outdoors, as sunlight is a natural disinfectant.
Don't Overlook Wooden Furniture
Wood can absorb moisture from the air, causing it to swell and release a heavy, musty odour. This is especially true for furniture placed against walls, where air circulation is poor. Check behind large wooden pieces like beds and cabinets for any signs of dampness on the wall or the furniture itself. Regularly wipe down wooden surfaces with a dry, clean cloth. Applying a coat of wax or polish before the monsoon can create a protective barrier against moisture. This simple step helps maintain your furniture and prevents it from contributing to the damp smell in your home.
Check Bathrooms and Kitchen Sinks
Bathrooms and kitchens are naturally high-humidity zones. During the monsoon, this problem is amplified. A persistent musty smell in these areas could point to a slow leak under the sink or poor drainage. Check the pipes and cabinets beneath your sinks for any dampness or water stains. Ensure your exhaust fans are clean and functioning properly to pull steam and moist air out of the room. After showers or cooking, wipe down wet surfaces and don't leave damp towels or sponges lying around, as they can quickly develop mildew.
Airing Out Shoes and Bags
Leather goods, shoes, and canvas bags are particularly susceptible to mould and mildew when exposed to damp conditions. Coming in from the rain and putting wet shoes directly into a closed rack is a recipe for a musty smell. Always ensure shoes and bags are completely dry before storing them. If they get wet, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb internal moisture and let them air dry in a well-ventilated space. Using charcoal pouches or silica gel packets in shoe racks and storage boxes can also help manage moisture.
