Monsoon menace: Every day dirt-free home hacks for the rainy season

How to disinfect house: Mopping floors with a saltwater solution not only cleans but also disinfects. Salt’s natural antibacterial properties inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors and health issues (Image: Canva)

Rainy days bring a host of challenges to maintaining a clean home. With the persistent downpours, your home can quickly become a breeding ground for dirt, moisture, and pests. Moisture can seep into every crevice, increasing humidity levels that invite mold and mildew. Additionally, pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches find their way in, adding to the mess. Addressing these issues is important for maintaining a clean environment and also for ensuring a healthy living space.

Your home can become a haven for dirt and clutter through several everyday activities. Shoes track in mud and grime from outside, while pets carry dirt and debris on their fur. Open doors and windows let in dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can exacerbate cleaning challenges. During the rainy season, these issues become more rampant as moisture heightens the risk of mold growth and pest infestation. This not only makes your home look untidy but can also affect your health and well-being.

Here are 8 simple and effective home remedies:

Declutter: Clutter not only makes a space look chaotic but also traps dust and gives rise to allergies. These further worsen respiratory conditions. Keeping your surfaces clear and organised helps prevent dust accumulation and makes it easier to clean. Regularly sorting and decluttering your home can also reduce stress and create a more pleasant living environment.

Prevent dust: Sweeping high-traffic areas daily helps to remove dirt, dust, and other debris before they settle. This practice is vital in reducing indoor dust levels, which can trigger allergies and asthma. Frequent sweeping also helps maintain cleaner floors and reduces the amount of dirt that gets ground into carpets and rugs.

Disinfect floors: Mopping with a saltwater solution not only cleans but also disinfects. Salt’s natural antibacterial properties inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors and health issues. Regular mopping with this solution helps keep floors sanitary and reduces the risk of mold-related respiratory problems.

Avoid mosquitoes: Stagnant water in plant pots can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like dengue and Zika virus. To prevent this, change the water in indoor plant pots regularly. Keeping plant water fresh also helps maintain plant health and reduces the risk of mold growth.

Minimise dirt: Shoes carry dirt and germs from outside into your home. By leaving shoes at the door, you prevent these contaminants from spreading throughout your living space. This simple habit helps maintain a cleaner home environment and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.

Pet care: Pets can bring in dirt, dander, and allergens from outside. Regularly grooming your pets, including bathing or dry cleaning, helps reduce the amount of these particles in your home. This practice not only keeps your pets clean but also helps manage allergens that could affect your health.

Remove allergens: Doormats, rugs, and carpets can trap dust, dirt, and allergens. Regular cleaning and vacuuming of these items help remove accumulated particles and prevent them from affecting air quality. Deep cleaning carpets and rugs also helps reduce potential allergens and keeps your home environment healthier.

Control pests: Fumigation is essential for controlling and preventing pest infestations. Pests like cockroaches and rodents can carry diseases and cause health issues. Effective fumigation using natural or commercial products helps remove pests and their eggs, ensuring a cleaner and safer living space.