Don’t let the damp win – let fragrance in!
As much as we love curling up with a cup of masala chai or coffee during the monsoon, let’s be honest — the rainy season brings more than just nostalgia and relief, the unwanted moisture, dampness, and that all-too-familiar musty smell in almost every corner of our homes. Be it your shoes, kitchen, wardrobe, or just the overall vibe, freshness seems to take retirement the moment the rain starts pouring.
But worry not! Here are some smart, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly tips to make your home smell just as fresh during the monsoon as it does in spring.
It's undeniable that the air outside is humid, but stale indoor air is even more worse. Keep the windows open during drier periods of the day — at least for an hour — to allow fresh air circulation. If it’s raining heavily throughout the day, open upper window panes or use exhaust fans to keep the air moving.
Pro Tip: Place a small fan facing outward near a window to push out musty air.
The black beauty, activated charcoal can be a game-changer for humid homes. It absorbs excess moisture and neutralizes indoor odours naturally. Keep the charcoal pouches or bowls in corners of your wardrobe, shoe racks, and kitchen shelves.
You can also use baking soda or coffee grounds in small open jars to get similar deodorizing effects.
From lavender to lemongrass, a few drops of essential oils can instantly change your home atmosphere. Use diffusers, mix them with water in spray bottles, or add them to water before mopping.
DIY Room Spray: Mix 1 cup water + 1 tsp alcohol + 10 drops essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake and spray everywhere!
Greenery inside the room performs double duty! Plants like jasmine, lavender, mint, and basil not only purify the air but also provide a light and natural fragrance.
Planning to keep wet laundry indoors due to heavy rainfall? That’s the perfect recipe for a damp disaster. If you have to, hang clothes in a single room with fan and ventilation, or use a drying rack with dehumidifier.
Do not avoid piling damp clothes.
Use antibacterial floor cleaners with a fresh scent for mopping. A few drops of eucalyptus or citrus oil can also do wonder. Change curtains and cushion covers more often and opt for quick-drying fabrics. Whenever, the sun is out, keep your mattresses and pillows out!
Use dry flowers, peels, cloves, cinnamon, and essential oils to prepare fragrant potpourri bowls for your living room. For wardrobes, keep scented sachets or even old socks filled with lavender or baking soda. They’re cheap and chemical-free!
Don’t let this monsoon steal your home’s vibe. With a few mindful habits and tricks, you can turn your house into a fresh-smelling haven, despite heavy rainfall outside.
So go ahead and welcome the monsoon with a smile, not a sniffle!
