If the monsoons conjure up images of creaking furniture, smelly cupboards or damp sofas in your mind then breathe easy. Here are a few simple and practical tips to protect your furniture this monsoon: 
* Place a plastic sheet on your sofa before you place the sofa covers to protect the cushions. You can also use a plastic cover over your bed mattress. Avoid placing fine wooden furniture near the windows as exposure to rain can be harmful.  
* The high humidity makes your sofas damp. Mahesh M category head, Home Town store, says, "You should clean  sofas and chairs with a soft and dry cloth. In case, you see fungal growth on your sofa, follow this simple step put a tablespoon of Dettol in half-a-litre of tepid water. Dip a soft cloth into this liquid and then rub the infected area with it." 
* Always keep a dehumidifier in your room if you have pieces of antique furniture. Doing a pest control exercise before the rains is not a bad idea either. It will help you get rid of the termites, rodents, beetles, cockroaches and other insects. 
* "Keep your wardrobes and cupboards at least six inches away from the walls as the latter gets damp in the monsoons.
* Don't put your damp or semi-wet garments in the closet either. Place a few naphthalene or camphor balls in your wardrobe as they absorb moisture," advises Mahesh M. 
* You can also use neem leaves or a few cloves. This will prevent fungus from settling into your wardrobe. 
* Have your fans fully on and keep your windows open as and when possible. Cross ventilation will keep your home dry and your furniture too.  
* Put away your carpets for the monsoons.  If they are cotton ones, you can roll them and store away. But if they are made of more expensive stuff, add some silicon bags while rolling them. In case, you have to keep them spread out, make sure that you don't step on them with wet feet.  
* Keep your drawers and kitchen cabinets well lubricated. This will reduce the friction associated with monsoons.  
* Those who have wrought iron furniture should coat them with anti-rust before the rains. Next step is to get them re-painted. A regular coat of non-scented hair oil on your furniture will prevent them from rusting too. You can treat your lamps in a similar way. 
* Fix a sturdy brass handle to your wooden door in the monsoons.  It will make it easier for you to open the door if the door gets jammed.  
* If you have garden chairs that are nylon webbed or painted metal, it's best to keep them indoors during the monsoons. It will prevent them from cracking or chipping off paint.

Tips to combat moisture and humidity 
* Place an electric bulb in your wardrobe or shoerack. The heat generated from it helps keep the area dry and odour free  
* Place silicon pouches near your gadgets to prevent them from getting moist 
* Always check the electrical wiring in the house before the monsoons 
* Avoid doing any renovation in the monsoons
* Make sure that you clean your floors everyday with phenyl or any such disinfectant
* Oil your door hinges every 15 days to keep them from rusting

urmimala.banerjee@mid-day.com