Something smells in this house, and it’s not the cat’s litter box

Arm yourself with microfibre cloths and potpourri to fight off musty monsoon smells

In the 1960s, Australian scientists Isabel J Bear and Richard G Thomas coined the term ‘petrichor’ to describe the distinct earthy scent that accompanies rain. It combines the Greek word ‘petra’ (rock) and ‘ichor’ (the fluid that runs in the veins of gods). While they were exploring the science behind this beloved aroma, perfumers in Uttar Pradesh were capturing its essence in a bottle. Kannauj, often referred to as the perfume capital of India, specialises in creating ‘Mitti Attar’, a fragrance that encapsulates the smell of rain in small vials that are sold worldwide. However, living in a coastal city like Mumbai means knowing that this cherished petrichor also signals the arrival of mustiness that clings to every corner of your home.

There are two kinds of experiences when it comes to heavy rains – people who enjoy it, pick up all the monsoon reads, make piles of pakodas and hunker down for a good time. Then there are the others for whom monsoon brings with it their number one nemesis: musty smells.

You can stay dry indoors to ride out the rain, but being in a confined space brings its own hassles. Such as keeping your home odour-free in the monsoon—a Herculean task, perhaps only rivalled by the challenge of renting your first apartment (Tweak readers are here to help).

Nevertheless, an odour-free monsoon is achievable with a combination of DIYs, some investment buys, and plenty of microfibre cloths and potpourri. We’ve compiled a list of hacks and tips, including suggestions from Tweak readers, to help you banish icky, musty smells from your home, and enjoy a stench-free monsoon season.

Everything you need to keep your home odour-free this monsoon

Be intentional with ventilation

Everyone will tell you to open your windows and curtains and let the sunlight in, and they aren’t wrong. However, there are days when the only glimpses of sky you get are buried under dark clouds. So, make the most of sunny moments and breaks in the rain.

Also, use the exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom (especially the bathrooms) to reduce moisture accumulation. “After your baths, try to wipe down as much residual water as possible to leave behind a dry environment,” advises Tweak reader Nandini Bhasin. This practice helps prevent humidity and mould (monsoon’s most hated trend). Establish a routine to clean walls and corners with suitable disinfectants every other day to avoid unwanted buildup.

You can also use potpourri made from dried flowers, herbs and spices for a natural and long-lasting fragrance. Another Tweak reader, Aradhana Sarin recommends a handy trick she learned from her mom: “Place bowls of freshly ground coffee in smelly areas like the bathroom or near the trash cans. They can absorb some of the nasty odours.”

Create an odour-free wardrobe

The battle against musty smells to keep your home odour-free in monsoon is won with small choices, like washing your clothes as soon as you get home, especially if they’re wet from the rain or you’re extra sweaty.

Unfortunately, certain challenges are harder to overcome, like ensuring proper drying. Ideally, you’d dry your clothes outdoors in the sun, and if that’s possible for you, great. But for most apartment dwellers, space constraints leave no option apart from using a clothes rack in the living room, where the smell of damp clothes permeates the house. You could use the fans on top speed to quicken the drying process, even if the electricity bill groans a little.

“I remember seeing my grandmother smoking the drying clothes with oudh or loban. The scent would seep into the fibres and remain even after they dried. All our clothes would then smell slightly floral and woody,” says Tweak reader Yasmeen Hussain. For reader Yasmin Khan, placing activated charcoal in small bags in drawers and cabinets works wonders for “absorbing excess moisture, mould spores, and purifying the air. You can also try the store-bought moisture absorbers like Abzorb-it.” For a fragrant touch, try wax tablets that will leave a fresh scent on your clothes.

“If you’re storing clothes for the long-term, either get vacuum-sealed bags or large airtight containers,” adds Khan. Of course, you can always stick with nani’s timeless trick—lining your shelves and drawers with newspaper.

Find ways to dehumidify

When it comes to managing indoor dampness, there’s nothing quite like a dehumidifier. However, a powerful one capable of managing humidity levels in coastal regions comes with a hefty price tag, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000.

Luckily, you can also harness the power of nature. Julie Decosta, a plant expert at BackyardBoss, a digital publication focusing on outdoor and indoor gardening, recommends plants like English Ivy, Peace Lily, Areca Palm, Boston Fern, Spider plant and Snake plant for a mould-free home. She told Daily Express, “Choose from one of [these] wonderful plants to purify your air and get rid of nasty mould and other toxins. Why not grow more than one and group them together to better manage the side effects of humidity?” If you have curious pets who like to explore and nibble on plants, be sure to select pet-friendly options.

Fight the stink bombs

This is the season of unavoidable smells, especially from shoes and clothes that have been victims of sweat and humidity, carrying their unmistakable stench. Baking soda, the MVP of household cleaning hacks, and can be your saviour here as well. Sprinkle some powder on shoes, carpets, refrigerators and toilets, and leave it for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off. You can also sprinkle baking soda powder at the bottom of your trash can to eliminate unpleasant smells.

For a refreshing cleaning solution, Divya Singh suggests adding vinegar to water (you can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil) in a spray bottle for clean, fresh-smelling surfaces. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and the essential oil’s concentrated fragrance leaves a pleasant aroma that lingers long after it’s been wiped away.

Camphor is a favourite among Tweak readers. Shaalini Vaid burns it at home twice a day to eliminate funky smells, while Megha Deo pops it in pillowcases and under sheets. On the other hand, Zalak Trivedi, recommends making potlis (pouches) of Epsom salts with a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and placing them inside your cushion covers.

During the monsoon, it’s wise to pack carpets and heavy curtains away. You need curtains made of light material (cotton is a good option) that can be easily washed and dried. Wet shoes, dripping umbrellas, and soaked clothes are the main culprits behind that damp stench. Equip your entryway with holders for everyone’s rain gear, such as an umbrella holder, a basket for wet raincoats and jackets, and a tray for damp footwear. Additionally, place a dry mat and microfibre towels at the doorway so people can dry off near the entrance. This way, you can tackle musty smells at their source.