Monsoon Care: 8 Simple Hacks to Keep Your Home Fresh and Odour-Free

The monsoon season often brings with it dampness, humidity, and a musty smell that can make homes feel uncomfortable and unhygienic. Excess moisture, wet laundry, clogged drains, and poor ventilation create the perfect environment for unpleasant odours to linger indoors. However, with a few simple practices, you can keep your home smelling clean and fresh throughout the rainy season.

Here are 8 effective ways to keep your home odour-free and fresh, even during the peak of the rainy season.

1. Stay on Top of Cleaning

Rainwater pooling around your home or in drains can become a breeding ground for bacteria and bad smells. Make it a habit to clear clogged drains regularly and use a disinfectant when you do. Don’t ignore surfaces like doorknobs, switches, and countertops—these often go unnoticed but can easily hold on to germs and odours. Also, give curtains, throws, and rugs a good wash—these soft surfaces can soak up moisture and develop mildew smells before you know it.

2. Tackle Dampness Head-On

Humidity is the biggest culprit during the monsoon. Poor air circulation means moisture sticks around, and that’s a recipe for foul odours. Whenever the rain takes a break, open up your windows and let fresh air flow in. If natural ventilation is limited, a dehumidifier can be a great investment—it pulls excess moisture from the air and helps prevent mould. And hey, if the sun peeks out, let it in! Sunlight is nature’s disinfectant.

3. Use Natural Scents to Freshen the Air

You don’t have to rely on synthetic room sprays to keep things smelling nice. Essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, or eucalyptus can make a room feel instantly fresher. Use a diffuser or even a simple bowl of hot water with a few drops of oil. Potpourri made from dried herbs, flowers, or citrus peels adds a lovely touch too. Want a quick fix for stinky corners? Place a bowl of ground coffee in the area—it absorbs smells and gives off a cosy aroma.

4. Let Baking Soda Do the Hard Work

This kitchen staple is a miracle-worker when it comes to fighting odours. Keep an open box in places like the fridge, cupboards, or shoe racks to neutralise smells. Got a musty sofa or mattress? Sprinkle some baking soda, wait 30 minutes, and vacuum it off—it’s a quick and natural way to freshen up upholstery without harsh chemicals.

5. Don’t Let Laundry Linger

One of the quickest ways to get that unmistakable damp smell in your home is to leave wet laundry lying around. Wash wet clothes as soon as possible, especially if they’re soaked from the rain or sweaty. And make sure everything dries completely—outdoors in the sun if you can, or with the help of a dryer. Avoid hanging clothes indoors where they won’t dry properly and will just add to the moisture in the air.

6. Keep Shoes and Doormats Dry

Wet shoes and soggy doormats can stink up an entryway fast. Always dry your shoes outside or near a sunny window, and avoid letting them sit in a closed shoe rack while they’re still damp. Switch to washable mats during the monsoon, and clean them frequently—they soak up a lot more than just water.

7. Store Your Belongings Smartly

The way you store things during the monsoon makes a big difference. Use moisture absorbers like silica gel packs or charcoal bags in wardrobes, drawers, and storage boxes. Avoid stuffing clothes too tightly in closets—they need space to breathe. You can even hang a small cloth bag with dried lavender or cloves inside your wardrobe for a subtle scent boost.

8. Bring in Some Greenery

Certain houseplants not only brighten up your space but also purify the air. Plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and aloe vera can help absorb excess humidity and filter out pollutants. Just make sure not to overwater them—indoor plants already get enough moisture in the monsoon.