One of the problems that many homeowners face during monsoon months is a peculiar, annoying damp smell. Find out how to remove musty odour with these handy tips.
The monsoon season is here and how! But with the lovely weather and torrential downpour comes the inevitable side-effect of mould and that musty smell it accompanies. One of the main reasons for this is the increased levels of dampness in the house and humidity in the air. Damp and warm atmosphere is ideal for the growth of fungus and algae. Damp smell can not only be annoying but it can pose a threat to your respiratory health, aggregating allergies and causing breathing problems. From roof waterproofing solutions to reducing foul smells naturally, here are a few handy tips to get rid of that musty smell in monsoons
Let the sun in
While there might be very few days when the sun comes out, but when it does, make the best use of this natural disinfectant. Open up the windows and curtains and let the sunshine in. It is also a good time to open the doors of cabinets and wardrobes so that the air circulates within. Closed cabinets tend to trap the humidity and with increasing dampness, it is not unusual to see white mould spots appear inside the wooden doors and even clothes. Fresh breeze can also help reduce the musty smell. Open windows diagonally opposite to each other to ensure cross ventilation.
Humidity control
When humidity becomes a concern due to rising dampness, invest in a dehumidifier or an ioniser. A dehumidifier takes in the damp air and replaces it with fresh air, significantly reducing the humidity inside the room. An ioniser releases ions that stop the formulation of musty smells. These measures, while effective in reducing foul smell, will not permanently remove it. Another option is a clothes dryer. This will help your clothes dry completely, so you can fold and store them away after washing and not have to worry about damp smells coming from clothes.
Essential oils to the rescue
Lemon, lavender, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils work well in reducing the damp smell within the house. You can either use these in a diffuser or DIY a room spray for curtains, bedsheets and rugs. Citronella also works as a natural mosquito repellent and there are various options available for this scent, be it incense sticks, aromatic candles or potpourri.
Regular cleaning and maintenance
During the wet season, your house requires frequent cleaning and maintenance. Give your furniture a dry wipe regularly to keep any moisture away. The floor requires more cleaning too. Opt for anti-bacterial floor cleaning products like Berger BreatheEasy Disinfectant Floor Cleaner. Store away rugs and carpets in the house for this season since they can attract dust, mud and foul smells.
Wall and roof waterproofing
If the damp odour continues to linger even after these measures, the internal and external walls of your home could be inviting the dampness in. It is worthwhile to consult a waterproofing expert like Berger Homeshield for roof leakage solutions. The experts take the required measures to reduce dampness conditions in the home by deploying robust waterproofing solutions. They use Moisture Meter to detect any dampness in the walls and roof and fix issues to create an environment that does not support the growth of mould and mildew. This further helps reduce dampness and odours.
To get in touch with Homeshield Waterproofing experts, SMS ‘HS’ to 56767 or click here: https://rb.gy/o4k6cj
If you try any of these tips, don’t forget to tell us about your experience in the comments below. Some of the best comments will be featured on our social media pages!