During hot and humid weather, a cooler is a lifesaver for people living in small rented rooms, especially students and working individuals who rely on it after a long day. However, when the cooler starts emitting a smell of rot and an unpleasant odor instead of cool air, the atmosphere in the room deteriorates. In a closed space, this smell spreads even faster, which not only makes life difficult but can also cause headaches and a feeling of suffocation.
Many people in India, due to busy lifestyles and limited conditions, cannot regularly clean their coolers. The odor appears because the water sits in the tank for a long time, and dust, dirt, mold, and bacteria accumulate on the cooling panels. Furthermore, a dirty cooler negatively affects air quality.
If you live in a rented room and are concerned about the smell from the cooler, do not panic. There are simple and inexpensive home remedies that can eliminate the rotten smell and restore freshness to the room in just a few minutes.
Water Change: Since bacteria and mold that cause a rotten smell begin to develop in water left in the cooler for several days, it is recommended to change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh and prevent odors.
Cleaning Tank and Panels: Dust, dirt, and moss accumulate in the tank and on the cooling panels. The tank must be washed with a brush and mild detergent at least once a week. If the panels are old or damaged, it is better to replace them.
Using Vinegar or Baking Soda: For strong odors, during the tank cleaning, you can add a cup of white vinegar or two to three tablespoons of baking soda. This mixture should be left for 15-20 minutes and then thoroughly rinsed with clean water. This helps remove bacteria and accumulated dirt causing the smell.
The cooler should be placed where fresh air intake is provided. If the room remains completely closed, humidity will increase, and the smell will become more noticeable. Therefore, it is important to leave a window or door slightly open to maintain airflow.
Storing the Cooler: If the cooler is not used for several days, it is essential to completely drain the water and dry the tank. This prevents the development of mold and rot. It is also advisable to regularly clean the exterior of the cooler and the fan from accumulated dust.
The rainy season, despite its appeal, brings problems for housing. Constant humidity caused by rain leads to dampness in walls, mold formation in corners, and unpleasant odors in rooms and closets. Furthermore, furniture, clothing, and other necessary items can be damaged by moisture.
Even after thorough cleaning, the odor may persist. If these small details are not addressed in a timely manner, significant repairs will be required in the future. If you have a damp odor problem in your home, do not worry; there are simple methods that can help protect your home from dampness, odor, and mold during the monsoon period.
Firstly, you should not completely close windows and doors during the rain, as this increases indoor humidity. As soon as the rain stops or the weather improves, it is necessary to ventilate the room so that fresh air enters and moisture leaves. If an extractor fan is installed in the house, it should also be turned on for some time.
Secondly, if signs of dampness appear on the walls—such as light wet spots, peeling, or flaking paint—this should not be ignored. This may indicate a water leak or excessive humidity. It is necessary to quickly dry the affected area and, if necessary, check for leaks to stop the problem before it worsens.
Thirdly, wooden furniture should be placed at some distance from walls prone to dampness. If a closet, bed, or sofa is adjacent to a damp wall, moisture can penetrate it. By leaving the furniture slightly pulled away, air circulation is ensured, which reduces the likelihood of mold growth.
To combat damp odor in a room or closet, you can use small containers with camphor, baking soda, or charcoal. These agents help significantly reduce both humidity and unpleasant smells. It is also useful to periodically open closets for ventilation.
It is necessary to avoid drying wet clothes indoors during the rainy season, as this raises the humidity level. Try to dry clothes in well-ventilated areas. If carpets or flooring become wet, they must be thoroughly dried before reuse.
The most moisture accumulates in the kitchen and bathroom. After showering or cooking, you should turn on the extractor fan and immediately wipe up water from the floor. This prevents the formation of mold and odors.
An important aspect is the regular cleaning of gutters and drainage systems on the roof or balcony. If leaves and debris accumulate in these channels, water can stagnate, leading to leaks and increasing the dampness problem.
