How to keep wooden furniture safe during monsoons

Common Monsoon Home Wood Furniture Problems

• Excess moisture can cause wood to rot and this can give rise to mould and fungus. If not addressed in time, the wood may decay, compromising the structure of the furniture.
• Moisture absorption can cause an expansion of the wood and over time, the furniture could warp, get deformed or crack.
• Water can cause wood to stain.

Different kinds of wood respond differently to water damage. In some woods, like plywood, particleboard and MDF, water damage can set in very fast even with slight exposure. On the other hand, solid wood furniture can take much more beating but still needs monsoon maintenance.

Wooden Furniture Maintenance in a Monsoon Home

• Keep Wooden Home Furniture Away from Windows
  A particularly heavy storm could cause water leakage from windows and doors. If it is not noticed in time, water seepage under heavy items of furniture could cause water damage. Therefore, make sure that wooden furniture is kept away from doors and windows.
  
  
• Keep Damp Clothes Away from your Wooden House Furniture
  During the monsoon, it is common to come home with wet clothes and drop them on the nearest piece of furniture. This could cause moisture to get absorbed and may also cause staining. Take a little care and make sure that you don’t hang wet clothes on wooden furniture.

Cabinetry Wooden Furniture Maintenance in a Monsoon Home

Wooden wardrobes and cupboards are also susceptible to moisture damage during the monsoon and need maintenance.

• Avoid Cramming
  Don’t stuff too many things in a cupboard. Allow space for air to circulate. This will deter the growth of mould.
  
  
• Use Shutters with Vents
  If you are designing wooden cupboards in a home located in a monsoon climate, opt for louvred or trellis shutters as it will allow for air circulation.
  
  
• Line the Shelves
  Use absorbent paper to line the cupboards so that clothes don’t come into direct contact with the wood.

Taking Care of Wooden Flooring in a Monsoon Home

Wood floors look gorgeous but they need a bit of maintenance. If you have invested in wooden flooring, you need to take great care to look after it to ensure that it can withstand moisture and last for a long time.

• Use Rugs and Carpets
  During the monsoon, it is quite common to have people trudging into the house straight in from the rain. This could cause water stains and leave moisture on floors. Use carpets and rugs in entryways and corridors and encourage people to wipe their feet to ensure that they don’t trail water onto wooden floors.

General Wooden Furniture Care Tips

One of the very successful methods of protecting wood from moisture is to make it waterproof by coating the outer surface. It can be coated with an oil or a sealant. This works equally well for furniture, floors and cupboards.

• Oil Protection for Wood Furniture
  Walnut oil or linseed oil can be used to naturally waterproof wooden furniture around the house.  First dust the furniture with a soft cloth. Then, using a soft brush apply oil all over the exposed surface. Wait for the oil to get absorbed and then wipe down the excess oil with a cloth.
  
  
• Painting Wood furniture with Sealant
  Sealants are also a good way to protect your furniture. Lacquer and varnish are two types of sealants that not only protects your furniture but will also give it a glossy finish. The process to apply sealant is similar to oil. After applying, let it dry completely before use.
  
  
• Wooden Furniture Care Tips for Mould
  Sometimes, in spite of all the care, moisture can get into wood and cause mould. If not attended to immediately, the mould can get on clothes, cause a bad smell, stain clothes and also cause allergies.
  
  
• Very light mould can be removed by airing furniture in the sun and giving it a light, dry wipe.
  
  
• If there is a lot of mould, first wipe down the mould from the furniture as best as you can. Then use a solution of liquid soap mixed with water in a spray bottle and spray it on the mould. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe it down. Allow the piece of furniture to completely dry out in the sun before bringing it back in.

Note: Mould spores are highly allergic and it is advisable to wear a mask when cleaning the furniture.

With a little love and care, your wooden furniture can be maintained in almost pristine condition and will adorn your monsoon home for a long time.

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