9 Ways to Take Care of Your Wooden Furniture in Monsoon

If there is one season we all look forward to, it has to be the monsoon. The rains bring relief from the scorching, searing heat of the summers. The promise of a wonderful harvest and the wonderful greenery all around is just what we need to bring joy into our lives. 

While the monsoon brings unbridled joy and the start of the festive season, it also brings a number of home maintenance issues. Leaky pipes and electrical wiring need to be tended to before the start of the rain. But homeowners combat another challenge every year during the monsoons - the maintenance of wooden furniture.

Moisture Damage

Cities like Mumbai have high levels of humidity due to their location along the coastal belt. With the onset of the monsoons, the moisture levels soar, causing dampness and damage to the wooden furniture. Being a natural material, wood tends to soak in moisture and swell. This weakens the wood, which can start to rot or gather mould. Moisture damage can leave watermarks and decrease the lifespan of your expensive wooden furniture. The good news is there are several precautions for monsoons that can prevent moisture damage and keep your wooden furniture protected. Here are a few handy tips.

Tips for protecting your wooden furniture during the monsoon season

1. Remove the wooden furniture from your deck or balcony. Wood is not suitable for outdoor furniture. Use moulded or synthetic materials for your deck space. These are often moisture-resistant. Some metal furniture pieces are also coated with water-resistant paint and are ideal for outdoor seating. Many homeowners prefer can furnishing for their balconies and deck as these are inexpensive and can be replaced when damaged.
2. Move the indoor wooden furniture away from the windows and balcony doors. These are areas where raindrops could fall on your wooden furniture, exposing them to mould and rot. You may want to rearrange your indoor furniture to give your home a makeover, protecting your furniture in the process.
3. As the rainy season approaches, it is important to inspect your furniture for any signs of damage, termite infestations, or rot. If you notice any weakened or rotting planks or parts, it's best to replace them to prevent further damage. Look for swollen pieces of wood or discolouration as a sign that repairs are needed due to wear and tear or moisture absorption.
4. It is important to be cautious about moisture damage regarding wooden furniture. The upholstery used in furniture pieces can absorb moisture, which can damage the wood. Avoid leaving wet towels or clothes on your wooden furniture to prevent any potential harm.
5. Another precaution for monsoons is to avoid using a damp cloth or wet wipe to clean the dust on your furniture. Use a dry microfibre cloth which will clean the dust and remove any drops of moisture as well.
6. Oiling and waxing wooden furniture is a great way of keeping the wood from absorbing moisture and developing rot. This includes the interiors of your wooden closets or drawers of your dressers and cupboards. Look for water-resistant spray-on wood wax for easy application. Use the wax as per the instructions, and use a micro-fibre cloth to rub on the surface evenly.
7. Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Consult a furniture expert to understand all about the care that your wooden furniture needs. Do not undertake any home renovation or repair work during the monsoon season. Complete the renovation work before the rains or postpone till the monsoons abate.
8. If you live in a particularly high-humidity area, investing in a good-quality dehumidifier is a good idea. This reduces the air moisture content and keeps your room dry, thus preventing damage to your wooden furniture.
9. Use small packets of silica gel or camphor to absorb the moisture that builds up inside closets and cupboards. Camphor also helps prevent wood damage from termites and mould. While cloves and naphthalene balls are effective in removing odour, they are ineffective in removing moisture content. 

Taking these precautions for monsoons and maintaining your wooden furniture can help keep your home dry, clean, and moisture-free. Apart from the furniture, the wooden fixtures, window frames, and decor items too require the same care and maintenance to keep them in good shape.