The rainy season is upon us, and while the sound of rain can be soothing, the damage it can cause to your home decor and furniture is anything but calming. Moisture is the enemy of wood, upholstery and pretty much anything in your home, so you need to take steps to protect your stuff. Listen up, because these tips will help you keep your place looking as pristine as the day you bought everything. First thing’s first, keep your furniture away from windows where rain can blow in. Then cover anything waterproof you have with waterproof covers. Move furniture away from walls in basements or other spots where leaks are likely. Make sure you have proper ventilation going so moisture in the air can escape. Use things like silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture. And wipe up any water you see immediately. A little prevention goes a long way. Follow these easy steps and you’ll avoid the headache of water damage so you can enjoy staying cozy inside while the rain falls.
Use Waterproof Furniture Covers and Protectors
When the rainy season hits, the last thing you want is for your home decor and furniture to get damaged. One of the best ways to protect your stuff is by using waterproof covers and protectors.
Invest in waterproof furniture covers, especially for outdoor pieces like patio chairs, tables, and cushions. Look for covers made of water-resistant fabrics like polypropylene or polyester and that are specifically designed for outdoor use. For indoor furniture like sofas, chairs and mattresses, you can find waterproof protectors and encasements that guard against spills and splatters while still being breathable.
Using furniture pads or sliders under chairs, tables, dressers and other heavy pieces is also a good idea. This lifts the furniture slightly off the floor so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath, which could lead to water damage or mildew growth over time. Place doormats, shoe racks and umbrella stands by all entryways to your home. This helps ensure that excess rain and moisture stays out of the house, so you have one less thing to worry about damaging your decor and furnishings.
When the rain finally stops, be sure to wipe down and dry any surfaces that did get wet. Moisture left sitting on wood, fabric or upholstery for too long can cause warping, stains, or mold. A quick wipe-down and allowing things to air dry completely will help keep your home looking its best even during the soggiest of seasons.
With some preventative steps, there’s no reason why your home decor can’t continue looking as good as new despite the rain. Stay on top of leaks and spills, keep protective covers and pads in place, and wipe away any moisture promptly so you can avoid damage and truly enjoy the coziness of home during rainy days.
Keep Furniture Away From Windows and Moisture-Prone Areas
When the rainy season hits, the last thing you want is for your home decor and furniture to suffer water damage. One of the best ways to prevent this is to keep wood furniture away from windows and other moisture-prone areas.
Windows, doors, basement floors and exterior walls are common places for leaks and excess condensation to form. Make it a habit to position sofas, chairs, tables, dressers and any other furniture at least a few inches away from these spots. This creates air flow and gives water a place to go if it does seep in.
Using furniture sliders, coasters or pads under the legs of heavy pieces makes them easy to move. You might also elevate furniture up off the floor by an inch or two using risers, blocks or platforms. This allows for ventilation and prevents sitting water from being absorbed.
For furniture that can’t be moved like built-ins, apply a waterproofing sealant or wax to vulnerable areas. Cover surfaces with a tarp, drop cloth or waterproof blanket when not in use. Place water-absorbing products like desiccants, damp rid or bowls of cat litter around the area to help control humidity levels.
Be vigilant about wiping up any water or spills immediately to avoid water damage. It’s also a good idea to treat wooden furniture with a protective finish and reapply annually or as directed.
With some preventative measures and by staying on top of leaks or excess moisture, your home decor and furniture can remain in great shape even in rainy weather. Keeping items away from problematic areas is one of the easiest things you can do for peace of mind and prolonging the life of your furnishings.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Air Circulation
Open the Windows
Nothing creates ventilation like opening up the windows in your home. Throw open the windows in rooms where you have furniture against exterior walls. This allows for airflow that can prevent moisture build-up behind and under furniture. Make a habit of opening windows for at least 30 minutes a day, longer when the weather is warm and dry. If you have rooms with little natural light, consider installing an exhaust fan to improve airflow.
Use Fans Strategically
Place fans around your home, especially in problem areas where moisture tends to accumulate. Run ceiling fans or portable fans to keep the air moving, which prevents dampness from settling into furnishings and walls. Aim fans to blow air out of the room or in a circular pattern along walls. This is especially important for basements, attics and other areas with limited natural ventilation.
Remove Obstructions
Go around your rooms and clear any blockages that could impede airflow like clutter, knickknacks, books, papers and other items placed in front of vents, fans or air returns. Dust and vacuum vents, air returns and fan blades regularly to remove built-up dirt and debris which can reduce their efficiency.
Run a Dehumidifier
If high humidity is an ongoing issue in your area or certain rooms of your home, it may be worth investing in a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air to improve ventilation and prevent damp conditions that lead to mold and mildew growth. Run the dehumidifier in problem rooms, basements, attics or the whole house as needed to keep relative humidity between 30 to 50 percent.
Keeping the air moving in your home, especially during rainy months, is key to protecting your furniture and decor from water damage and moisture. Make ventilation and airflow a priority by opening windows, running fans, clearing blockages and using dehumidifiers when necessary. The small actions you take today could save you from big headaches down the road.
Absorb Excess Moisture With Silica Gel Packs and Desiccants
The rainy season brings excess moisture into your home that can damage decor and furniture. Silica gel packs, also known as desiccants, help absorb humidity and prevent dampness. You’ve probably seen these little packs come in product packaging to keep things dry—now you can use them around the house.
Place silica gel packs in areas where moisture builds up like near windows, under sinks, in basements or attics. Slide them under furniture, inside cabinets or drawers, on shelves or in corners. The packs will help soak up excess moisture in the air to prevent musty smells and water damage. You may need to “recharge” the packs once they get saturated by drying them out in the oven according to the product instructions.
For small confined spaces like cabinets, you can also try:
- Activated charcoal bags: Natural moisture absorbers that can last for years.
- DampRid hanging bags: Disposable bags you hang that absorb moisture for 60-90 days.
- Electric dehumidifiers: For larger areas, dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and collect it in a tank for you to empty.
Be sure to check the gel packs, charcoal bags and dehumidifiers regularly to see if they need replacing or emptying. Removing excess moisture from the air in your home will help furnishings, decor and the structure last longer and prevent the growth of mold, mildew and musty smells. By taking a few preventative steps, you can avoid damage from dampness and keep your place fresh all season long.
Inspect for and Fix Any Leaks or Water Damage Right Away
Check for any leaks or water damage right away.
As the rainy season ramps up, it’s critical to inspect your home for any leaks or water damage. Unaddressed leaks and moisture issues can lead to costly repairs, health hazards like mold growth, and damage to your furniture, floors, and decor.
Do a walk-through of your rooms, attic, basement and garage. Look for visible signs of leaks like water stains on walls and ceilings, dripping pipes, or puddles on the floor. Check around windows, doors, the foundation of your home, plumbing fixtures like toilets and sinks, the water heater, washing machine hoses, and the roof. It’s best to do inspections on rainy days so you can spot active leaks.
If you notice any leaks, drips or water damage, fix them immediately. For small leaks, you may be able to do a temporary patch yourself with waterproof caulk, roof cement, or a pipe clamp until you can get professional repairs done. Larger issues like roof leaks, broken pipes, or water heaters past their lifespan need to be addressed by a plumber or contractor right away to avoid costly damage.
It’s also a good idea to install moisture meters, alarms and automatic shutoff valves in areas prone to leaks like the basement, attic or under sinks. These devices can detect excess moisture and alert you to issues before major damage occurs. Performing regular inspections and having the right moisture prevention tools in place will help keep your home dry and your furniture, decor and floors protected during the rainy months.
Conclusion
So there you have it, with these tips you can keep your furniture in tip-top shape even during the rainy season. Take some time to protect your investment in your home decor and the memories associated with each piece. A little preventative action will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the cozy indoor time that the rains bring. Stay on top of any leaks or spills, keep moisture at bay, and give your wooden pieces some extra TLC. Before you know it, the sun will be back and you’ll be ready to open up the windows again. But for now, sit back and relax – your home decor is ready for the rains!
