It is monsoon in India already, and while it is undoubtedly the most romantic season, living in a tropical country you know the kind of discomfort it also brings along. While I have no idea how something can be gorgeous and irritating at the same time, but you can surely check out some easy-peasy hacks to make your life easier this rainy season. While you sip on some chai pakore and wonder how to get rid of the dampness and musty smell the rains are causing, read about some of the natural, easy and inexpensive home remedies that can help you out! But first of all, understand how the ugly white patches are caused in your house during monsoons. Heavy rains cause a moisture build-up in your house which in turn causes leaks, damp white patches, peeling walls, moulds, fungus ruining your wooden furniture, walls and even clothes at your home. Moisture even causes your wooden furniture expand, get damaged and become home for termites. Monsoon Skin Care: Is Rainwater Good For Your Skin? Here’s the Truth.

Tips to keep your house free of the musty smell and damp fungus patches:

Coffee beans: Coffe beans are great moisture absorbers. All you have to do is place coffee beans around your house in pretty vases or bowls. They not only help get rid of the musty smell but also keep your house dry. How to Achieve Glowing Skin Using Natural Ingredients? Incorporate These 6 Items in Your Skin Care Routine.

Vinegar:  Vinegar is a great way to get rid of molds in your house caused by moisture trapped during heavy rains. All you have to do is take a spray bottle, add a few drops of vinegar mixed with water and spray it in the corners or areas more prone to dampness and molds.

Essential oils:  Essential oils are a great way to get rid of the musty smell your house emits during monsoon. Choose from Lavender, Lemon, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Wild Orange, Lavender, Eucalyptus, etc. and it will do the trick.

Naphthalene Balls: Another way of absorbing moisture while keeping termites, silverfish, bed bugs at bay.  Naphthalene balls can also keep the damp smell away.

Rock salt: Rock salt is an amazing damp absorber. All you have to do mix some rock salt with your favourite essential oil and fill a bowl of it. Place this bowl in your house where moisture is the maximum.

Oil and wax for door expansion:  Have you notices that during rainy seasons it becomes difficult to open doors and windows? It is because moisture makes the doors expand! Oil and wax, or waterproof varnish your doors to prevent this. Chai and Pakoras in the Rains: Why You Should Snack on These Monsoon Favourites (Watch Video.)

Treating Damp in Walls (Watch videos): 

While you get expensive dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers available online or in the market, using natural ingredients or cheaper methods to keep your house away from dampness and the musty smell is always the best idea.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2019 07:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).