How to Maintain and Clean Your Home Furnishings in Kerala’s Monsoon Season

The monsoon season in Kerala is nothing short of magical—lush greenery, the rhythmic patter of rain, and the refreshing drop in temperature. However, for homeowners, the heavy rains also bring high humidity, dampness, and mold issues. These conditions can take a toll on your furniture and furnishings if not cared for properly.

Whether you’re living in a modern apartment in Kochi or a traditional home in Calicut, maintaining your furniture during the monsoon is essential for its longevity. Here’s a complete guide to monsoon home maintenance, specifically focusing on cleaning and caring for your home furnishings.

1. Understanding the Effects of Monsoon on Home Furnishings

Kerala’s monsoon season typically lasts from June to September. During this time, the relative humidity rises significantly, often crossing 90%. This high moisture content can lead to:

• Mold and mildew on upholstery and wood
• Swelling and warping of wooden furniture
• Rusting of metal frames and accessories
• Stains and musty odors on fabrics

If not addressed in time, these issues can ruin even the best-quality home furnishings. Therefore, proactive maintenance is key.

2. Furniture Care Tips for Kerala’s Monsoon

Wooden furniture is particularly vulnerable during the rainy season. Here are a few furniture care Kerala-specific tips to preserve their beauty and strength:

a. Use Moisture Absorbers

Humidity is your biggest enemy. Place silica gel packs, activated charcoal, or commercially available dehumidifiers inside drawers, wardrobes, and cabinets. These absorb excess moisture and help prevent mold.

b. Keep Furniture Away from Walls

Ensure there is a gap of at least a few inches between your furniture and the walls. This allows better air circulation and reduces the chances of dampness and fungal growth on wooden surfaces.

c. Apply Protective Coatings

Consider applying a layer of lacquer or polish to wooden surfaces. This acts as a barrier against moisture absorption. If you’re refurbishing your home before the monsoon, opt for water-resistant finishes.

d. Elevate Furniture Legs

In flood-prone areas, or if your home is on the ground floor, use rubber or plastic furniture risers. These prevent water from seeping into wooden legs during heavy downpours or waterlogging.

3. Cleaning Upholstery: Keep it Fresh and Mold-Free

Fabrics and upholstery easily absorb moisture, leading to a musty smell and mold patches. Here’s how you can ensure they stay clean and fresh:

a. Vacuum Frequently

During the monsoon, increase the frequency of vacuuming sofas, curtains, and cushions to at least twice a week. This removes dust and prevents mold spores from settling.

b. Use a Fabric Freshener or Mild Disinfectant

Spray a fabric-safe freshener or a diluted white vinegar solution (1:3 ratio with water) on your upholstery. This neutralizes odors and inhibits fungal growth. Always do a patch test first.

c. Dry Out Cushions and Mattresses

On drier days, take your cushions, pillows, and even mattresses outside for some sun. Just an hour of sunlight can significantly reduce moisture and refresh your furnishings.

d. Professional Cleaning

For persistent damp smells or visible mold, consider professional cleaning upholstery Calicut services, especially if you live in coastal or high-rainfall areas like Kozhikode. They have industrial-grade dryers and anti-fungal treatments that can rejuvenate your soft furnishings.

4. Curtain and Carpet Care

Curtains and carpets are often overlooked during monsoon cleaning, but they’re equally prone to moisture damage.

a. Choose the Right Material

If possible, switch your heavy drapes for lighter, quick-drying materials like cotton or synthetic blends during the monsoon months.

b. Wash and Dry

Clean your curtains and rugs at the beginning of the season and make sure they’re fully dry before hanging. In the case of rugs, regular sun-drying (when possible) and vacuuming will help avoid musty smells.

c. Rotate Rugs

Rotate your carpets every two weeks to allow the flooring beneath to breathe and avoid uneven wear caused by dampness or puddles near doorways.

5. Protecting Leather and Metal Furnishings

While wood and fabric are the most affected, leather and metal furniture also need attention.

a. Leather Furniture

Leather can crack or develop mildew in high humidity. Wipe it regularly with a dry microfiber cloth and condition it using leather-friendly products every 15 days.

b. Metal Parts

Rust can appear on metallic frames, hinges, or handles. Use anti-rust sprays or rub a bit of petroleum jelly to create a moisture barrier. Check for any early signs of rusting and treat them immediately.

6. Improving Indoor Ventilation

Ventilation plays a crucial role in monsoon home maintenance. Here’s how to enhance airflow inside your home:

• Open windows strategically when it’s not raining to allow cross-ventilation.
• Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to expel moisture-laden air.
• Use ceiling or pedestal fans to keep air moving inside rooms.
• Place indoor plants like peace lilies or areca palms, which naturally absorb humidity.

7. Scented Solutions: Combat Musty Odors

A home that smells fresh feels fresher! Here are a few ways to tackle musty monsoon smells:

• Use essential oil diffusers or potpourri with lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil.
• Place cloves or camphor in wardrobes and cabinets—they absorb moisture and emit a pleasant aroma.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to your floor-cleaning water.

8. Prepare a Monsoon Maintenance Kit

Stay ahead by preparing a basic monsoon furniture care kit:

• Microfiber cloths
• Mild disinfectant spray
• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery nozzle
• Moisture absorbers (camphor, silica gel)
• Wood polish and anti-rust spray
• Essential oils or room fresheners

Having this kit ready can make your cleaning routine easier and more efficient.

Conclusion

Kerala’s monsoons bring a unique charm, but they also demand extra attention when it comes to your home furnishings. A little preventive care can go a long way in ensuring that your furniture remains fresh, mold-free, and beautiful throughout the season.

By following these easy steps—from vacuuming your upholstery regularly to using anti-rust sprays and ensuring proper ventilation—you can maintain a clean, comfortable, and cozy home even during the wettest days. Whether you’re deep-cleaning your drapes or scheduling cleaning upholstery Calicut services, the goal remains the same: to keep your home monsoon-ready.

Remember, furniture care Kerala style isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about preserving the investment you’ve made in your home and ensuring a healthy indoor environment for your family.