Monsoon brings with it refreshing showers, lush greenery, and a pleasant ambiance. However, it also brings higher humidity levels and excess moisture, which can wreak havoc on your furniture if not properly cared for. To ensure your furniture retains its charm and longevity during the rainy season, follow these essential tips for furniture care:
Smart Tips To Take Care Of Your Furniture This Monsoon
- Cleanliness And Maintenance
Regular cleaning of your furniture is essential to eliminate dirt, dust, or water droplets that might accumulate. Using a dry, clean cloth is recommended to prevent dust from absorbing moisture and causing harm to the wood’s finishing. For wooden furniture, it’s crucial to seal any cracks, joints, or corners using top-notch coatings and sealants.
Always consider the material and specific care requirements when cleaning the furniture. Upholstered pieces made of fabric demand special attention. Here are some valuable tips for cleaning and maintaining the most commonly used materials in Indian furniture.
- Solid Wood Furniture: Start by vacuuming the piece of furniture with a soft brush attachment to get rid of any mould or mildew. After that, polish the surface with a clean, dry cloth and coat it with wax to protect your solid wood furniture.
- Fabric Or Leather Upholstery: Since fabrics are frequently quite prone to stains, it’s critical to control accidents and rotate cushions frequently. Any upholstered furniture’s lifespan will be increased as a result. For the same, you can use easily accessible fabric care solutions.
- Cane And Veneer Furniture: Dust the surfaces and nooks as you would a solid-wood furniture. Use a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using water or any other cleaning agents because they will draw mould and cause harm.
Pro-Tip: Dip a lint-free cloth in soapy water to remove grime from a greasy place. Then wipe it dry after cleaning it with a damp cloth.
- Be Mindful Of The Furniture Placement
During the monsoon season, paying attention to humidity and temperature is crucial when arranging furniture. Ensuring proper ventilation, preferably cross-ventilation, is essential to prevent the accumulation of damp air near furniture. To shield wooden furniture from rain and humidity, it’s advisable to keep it at least six inches away from the walls and avoid direct sunlight exposure. This not only safeguards the furniture but also allows walls to breathe, reducing moisture retention.
For garden chairs with webbed or painted surfaces, it’s best to bring them indoors during the monsoons to avoid chipping and water damage.
- Keep Humidity And Moisture Levels Away
Humidity and moisture in the air are significant factors contributing to the deterioration of wooden furniture. Hence, safeguarding your wooden furniture from dampness is crucial for its longevity.
- During the rainy season, maintaining indoor humidity levels below 50% is vital to prevent musty odours. Utilise a dehumidifier or open windows when it’s not raining to allow proper ventilation and keep the indoors fresh and dry. This helps reduce moisture content, protecting the furniture from potential water damage.
- Avoid exposing wooden furniture to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can lead to texture and durability issues. Similarly, avoid seasoning your furniture during monsoon, as the weather conditions may cause unwanted shine and reflections on the wood.
- If you have furniture with loose cushions on balconies or porches, make sure to remove and store them periodically to prevent moisture accumulation and wood rot.
- For additional protection against dampness, consider using moisture-absorbent materials such as naphthalene balls and camphor. Stash a few of these in cabinets, wardrobes, and shoe racks to keep your furniture fresh and moisture-free.
Pro Tip: Taking these preventive measures will help preserve the beauty and integrity of your wooden furniture, ensuring it stands the test of time during the rainy season and beyond.
- Oiling And Waxing Your Furniture
During the monsoon season, wooden furniture tends to absorb excess moisture, leading to issues like stuck drawers and doors. To prevent this, regular oiling or waxing of the furniture is essential to avoid swelling.
To maintain the best appearance of your wooden furniture during monsoons, regular oiling and waxing are crucial. These treatments create a water-resistant barrier, providing an easy touch-up and enhancing the overall look of the furniture. Utilising high-quality oil and wax specifically designed for wood furniture ensures practical and long-lasting protection against moisture-induced swelling.
Pro Tip: Opt for spray-on wax for a clean and tidy finish, if available.
- Special Care For Outdoor FurnitureWhether you have a spacious garden or a cosy balcony, having reliable waterproof furniture is essential.
- When searching for outdoor furniture, prioritise options crafted from durable materials like aluminium, teak wood, or all-weather resin. These materials offer superior resistance to harsh weather conditions compared to standard wood or plastic alternatives.
- To further protect your outdoor furniture, invest in cushions made with water-resistant, stain-resistant, and dust-proof fabrics. Such cushions make cleaning up after storms a breeze. Additionally, using furniture covers when pieces are not in use can help keep them clean and dry.
- Cane and bamboo furniture are low-maintenance options during the monsoon, requiring minimal attention. Apart from their eco-friendly nature, these materials have a natural ability to absorb less moisture, making them less susceptible to moss and mould growth. If you’re considering purchasing furniture during the rainy season, consider adding some beautiful cane pieces to your shopping list to enjoy both style and practicality. Embrace the benefits of these sustainable choices, which effortlessly withstand the challenges of the monsoon while adding a touch of elegance to your living spaces.
Pro Tip: By selecting the right outdoor furniture and accessories, you can create an inviting and functional space to enjoy throughout the monsoon season and beyond.
In Conclusion
Before the monsoon sets in, inspect your furniture for any existing damage or weak spots. Repair or reinforce these areas to prevent further deterioration during the rainy season. Additionally, invest in quality furniture covers or use waterproof sheets to shield your valuable pieces from direct exposure to rainwater. Taking these proactive measures will ensure your furniture remains in excellent condition and ready to shine, even amidst the raindrops.
Taking care of your furniture during the monsoon is crucial to preserving its beauty and functionality. By following these simple tips, you can protect your furniture from moisture damage and extend its lifespan. Remember, a little effort in maintaining your furniture during the rainy season can go a long way in keeping your home stylish and cosy all year round.
References
- https://www.nilkamalfurniture.com/blogs/blog/excellent-tips-to-take-care-of-wooden-furniture-in-the-monsoon-season
- https://gharpedia.com/blog/monsoon-care-tips-for-furniture-and-furnishings/
- https://www.durian.in/inspiration-and-ideas/5-ways-to-take-care-of-your-wooden-furniture-during-monsoons
- https://www.magari.in/6-tips-to-keep-your-furniture-looking-great-during-monsoons/
