Summer is known for wonderfully sunshine filled days and hot weather in South Africa, but for many regions it also brings plentiful rainfall… This year is no exception with some regions even experiencing higher than usual rainfall – and even some flooding! Moreover, the latest outlook from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for autumn indicates above normal rainfall continuing through the season and into winter for 2026!
Though most are relishing in the much-needed rainfall we’ve been experiencing, it also brings many challenges when it comes to household cleaning and hygiene. Between rain boots, rain coats and wet bags – not to mention muddy paws – there are multiple opportunities for messes to occur on a rainy day! The excess moisture can also quickly lead to mold and mildew buildup.
Here are a few Rainy-Day Essential Cleaning Tips to help prevent messes from finding their way in and help keep your home drier during wet weather!
Cleaning Tips for Rainy Days
Double Doormats
Using double doormats at the entrance to your home dramatically reduces the amount of water and debris being walked into your home and helps to prevent accidental falls due to slippery flooring. Place a high quality, thick scraper doormat on the outside of your entranceway to catch the wettest, heaviest and muddiest messes. Place an absorbent, quality doormat with solid rubber-backing on the inside of your entranceway to absorb the last of the moisture before it can be trapsed into your home.
Create a Shoe Station
Create a shoe station by placing a shoe rack or boot tray in your entranceway. Encourage residents and guests to remove muddy shoes and store them in this area before entering your home. This will prevent any residual dirt left on shoes from being ground into your flooring / carpets!
Create a ‘Drop & Dry’ Zone
When the rain has been pelting, it’s more than just shoes that can bring moisture and debris into your home! Create a ‘drop & dry’ zone near your front and back doors with a coat rack or strong hooks to hang up wet raincoats or jackets and an umbrella stand to store these useful wet-weather items. Add a few hand towels in a basket or hung on hooks for family members or visitors to dry themselves off after being out and about in the wet weather if needed.
More Mopping!
Even with a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule, moisture and mud can still make its way into your home. Mop up messes at your entryways as soon as possible to prevent dirt and grime from becoming embedded in your floors and carpets. Choosing the right mop for this job is key to effortless cleaning. A microfibre or sponge mop are perfect for rainy weather since they are highly abosbent, trap dirt and grime and are generally easy to clean. If possible, keep a mop at each entrance to help make this easier.
Use Couch Covers or Throws
Covering your cushioned furniture with throws or fitted covers will help protect against moisture related damage, stains, and odours which in turn helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growing inside your cushions. This is especially useful for dog owners as puppies soaked from the rain often love nothing more than jumping up and drying themselves against soft furniture cushions… Removing and replacing a throw or cover is far easier than having to clean upholstery each time a mess occurs from wet weather!
Protect Furniture with Polish
Wooden furniture – cabinets, tables, chairs, wardrobes, side tables – tend to be more susceptible to damage during wet weather seasons as wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the air. Polishing your wooden furniture regularly during rainy seasons will create a protective, water-resistant barrier to prevent moisture absorption that could lead to swelling, warping and fungus / mold growth.
Ventilate and Dehumidify
Though our instincts tend to be to close all doors and windows on rainy days – especially if it arrives with a drop in temperature – proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a clean, dry home during wet weather. Open windows whenever possible – even if only for a few minutes – to circulate fresh air through your home and help prevent condensation buildup and the horrid musty smell that comes with it!
Using a dehumidifier – especially in problem areas – during periods of extended rains is another great way to help prevent dampness and the dreaded musty smells. A dehumidifier can also help prevent the growth of mold, mildew and fungus during wet weather seasons.
Need Rainy Weather Cleaning Services for when the Wet is Everywhere?
CLiCK Cleaning offer Professional, Anti-Viral & Anti-Bacterial Cleaning Services for Residential and Corporate Clients. Our expert technicians will be able to deep clean carpets, upholstery, tiled / laminated floors, curtains and more to help remove damage from rainy weather daily activity and prevent the build up of mildew and mold.
Furthermore, we CLiCK Cleaning offer specialised flood damage restoration cleaning to remove Flood Water from Carpets, Hard Floor Surfaces, Soft Furnishings, Mattresses, Drapery, Blinds & most Home or Office Items.
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