The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the scorching heat, but also ushers in a wave of humidity that can wreak havoc in your home. Think damp clothes taking longer to dry, a musty smell lingering in the air, and patches of mold and mildew creeping onto walls. Don't let these fungi win! Keep reading to discover natural solutions that keep your home fresh and clean after heavy rains.

Both are fungi that thrive in damp environments, but mold is often fuzzy or slimy, while mildew appears flat and powdery. The former can cause more severe health issues than the latter, but both can trigger allergies and breathing problems. Tackle them quickly to protect your home and health.

Proper ventilation is your first defense against fungal growth! Open windows and doors after rain showers to circulate fresh air and reduce humidity. This starves the mold, keeping it from growing. In damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans to remove excess moisture and prevent condensation.

Lowering humidity helps you create an environment that’s less hospitable to these unwanted guests. Here are some natural ways to reduce moisture levels in your home:

• Charcoal Briquettes: These are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air, so place bowls of charcoal briquettes in damp areas. 
• Rock Salt: Fill bowls or fabric pouches with rock salt and strategically place them around your home for a natural dehumidifier.
• Silica Gel Packets: Save those little packets found in shoes, boxes, and medicine bottles, and put them in drawers or closets.
• Dehumidifying Plants: Peace lilies and spider plants are known for absorbing moisture. Placing them in damp areas can help reduce humidity levels.

Want a high-tech solution? UV Care Dry Pure 2-in-1 Dehumidifier & Air Cleaner (₱15,995.00) automatically adjusts humidity and purifies the air. The Deerma CS50MW Recyclable Mini Dehumidifier (₱899) is a budget-friendly option for smaller spaces.

Essential oils are your secret weapon against mold and mildew due to their natural antifungal properties. 

• Tea Tree Oil (15 to 20 drops) can be mixed with 500 ml water and sprayed on bathroom tiles and shower curtains. Its strong aroma not only deters mold, but also freshens your home. 
• Lavender Oil, known for its calming scent, can also be added to a diffuser or spray bottle (20 to 25 drops for a 500 ml bottle) to purify the air and inhibit mold growth. 

Remember to use essential oils cautiously and dilute them properly. While generally safe, some individuals may be sensitive to certain oils. If you have concerns, book an online consultation with a healthcare professional from KonsultaMD.

Baking soda is another versatile weapon in the fight against fungi. Its absorbent properties make it practical for both prevention and removal.

How to Use: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming or leave open containers in damp areas to soak up excess moisture and neutralize musty odors. You can also mix baking soda with water to create a paste and use it to scrub surfaces. Start with a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. 

For example:

• Small amount: Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water.
• Larger amount: Mix ½ cup of baking soda and ⅓ of cup water.

Two common kitchen ingredients, white vinegar and lemon juice, are acidic in nature. They kill mold spores and stop them from growing, making them budget-friendly and eco-conscious solutions.

• To prevent mold: Mix equal parts water and vinegar or lemon juice in a spray bottle to regularly clean and disinfect bathrooms and kitchens. Add a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil for extra antifungal power and a fresh scent. Use a spray mop like the Deerma TB500 (₱699) to make cleaning large areas easier.

• To kill mold: Spray undiluted vinegar or lemon juice directly on the mold, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse. 

• To freshen fabrics: Add half a cup of lemon juice to a load of laundry to eliminate musty smells. However, it can also fade some colors, so use it on whites or after testing for colorfastness.

• To clean leather: White vinegar is also safe and effective on leather accessories and furniture. Dilute it with water using a 50/50 solution and gently wipe any moldy areas. Test a small part first to ensure it doesn't harm the material.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which has germicidal properties that can effectively kill spores and other microorganisms. Open your curtains and blinds to let the sun's rays flood your home. This brightens your space and dries damp areas, preventing mold growth.

For areas lacking direct sunlight, try a UV-C light sanitizer like the UV Care Ultra Germ Zapper (₱12,500). It disinfects surfaces and kills mold spores where the sun can't reach.

Borax is a natural mineral and eco-friendly mold remover. It kills existing fuzz on contact and leaves a residue that deters future growth. 

How to Use: Dissolve half a cup of borax in a gallon of water, then apply this solution to moldy surfaces. Let it sit for a few hours, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Remember to handle borax with care. Wear gloves and eye protection and keep it away from children and pets.

Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is a natural powerhouse against fungi, disrupting their life cycles and halting their progression.

How to Use: Mix 5 ml of neem oil with 1 liter of water and apply it to mold-prone areas like bathroom tiles, shower curtains, and windowsills.

Proper drainage helps prevent water from accumulating around your home's foundation. Water can seep into walls and create a damp environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

• Clear gutters. Regularly check and clean your gutters to ensure rainwater flows freely away from your house. Clogged gutters lead to water damage.
• Slope your garden. If you have a garden, make sure the soil slopes away from your home's foundation. This simple trick helps water drain away from your house, not towards it.

Dry spills and leaks within 24 to 48 hours to eliminate moisture. For larger or hard-to-reach spills, use a wet/dry vacuum like the Electrolux Flexio Power (₱7,990 at Zalora). Regularly dusting, vacuuming, or mopping also removes spores before they settle. If you want to automate cleaning, a robot vacuum with a HEPA filter like the Tapo RV10 (₱17,990 at Lazada) can trap microorganisms for a healthier home.

With these natural methods and a proactive approach, you can conquer mold and mildew, even during the monsoon season. To make your mold-fighting journey even easier, check out Globe Rewards for shopping vouchers you can use for more cleaning supplies. Then, conveniently access your favorite shopping apps using Go+ promos GoSHOP freebie. Finally, ensure you have a reliable and stable connection using GFiber postpaid or GFiber prepaid to research more cleaning tips and tricks. Remember, a healthy home is a happy home!