The monsoon may bring relief from the scorching heat, but for wooden furniture kept inside homes, this same season turns into a real threat. As rainfall sets in, humidity levels in the air climb sharply, and wooden items such as cupboards, doors, windows, beds, tables and chairs bear the brunt of it. Higher moisture creates ideal conditions for termites to attack, and small insects often start eating away at the wood from within. If the warning signs are ignored, furniture worth lakhs of rupees can be reduced to junk within just a few months.
Moisture is the real trigger for termites
Woodwork expert Santosh Thakur says the care of wooden furniture should begin well before the monsoon actually arrives, not after the rains have started. According to him, the single most important step is keeping wood away from water and excess moisture, since dampness is the first condition termites and insects need to thrive.
Keeping doors and windows shut only adds to the dampness
Santosh Thakur points out that many people keep their doors and windows tightly shut throughout the rainy season to stop water from entering the house. But this habit ends up trapping moisture inside rooms, and that trapped dampness becomes the perfect breeding ground for termites and other insects. His advice is to open windows and ventilation points from time to time so that fresh air keeps circulating and moisture does not build up indoors.
Regular cleaning and furniture placement matter too
Regular cleaning of wooden furniture is just as important as letting air circulate, the expert says. Dust and dirt accumulating on the surface tend to hold moisture quickly, so furniture should be wiped down periodically with a dry, clean cloth. Furniture should also be kept slightly away from the wall rather than pushed right against it, so that air can flow behind it too and dampness is reduced. If any signs of termites are spotted anywhere, treatment should be taken up immediately, because delaying it allows the damage to spread fast.
Using anti-termite products the right way
Ahead of the rains, anti-termite products available in the market can also be used to protect wood. Santosh Thakur explains that an anti-termite product like Terminator should be mixed thoroughly with turpentine oil and applied to the wood surface with a brush. This mixture penetrates deep into the wood and offers long-lasting protection against termites and small insects. He advises applying it particularly on doors, windows, the lower portions of cupboards, and any spots where moisture tends to linger the most.
Polish and varnish add a protective shield
Getting wood polished or varnished from time to time is also highly beneficial. It forms a strong protective layer on the surface of the wood that stops moisture from seeping in. If water accidentally spills on any piece of furniture, it should be wiped off immediately with a dry cloth. Letting wood stay wet for a long stretch of time only raises the risk of damage further, so this small precaution goes a long way.
A little vigilance, long-term savings
A bit of care during the monsoon can keep expensive wooden furniture safe for years to come. Furniture should be thoroughly inspected before the rains begin, and all the necessary steps to guard against moisture should be taken. Anti-termite treatment should not be delayed if it is needed. Doing so keeps the home safe and ensures wooden furniture stays looking as good as new for years.
