Why the monsoon is hard on handicrafts
High humidity means moisture settles on every surface. Metals oxidise faster, wood absorbs water and swells, and fungus grows in still, damp air. A few habits during the rainy months save a lot of cleaning later.
Brass and copper
- Wipe weekly with a dry cloth; tarnish forms faster in humid air.
- Dry idols fully after abhishekam.
- Polish before the festive season; see our brass cleaning guide.
Wood
- Move pieces away from damp walls and windows.
- Keep air circulating; open cabinets on dry days.
- Wipe off any white fungus with a dry cloth outdoors and air in shade.
- See our wooden handicraft care guide.
Iron
- Iron rusts quickly in damp air. Wipe with a dry cloth and rub on a drop of oil now and then.
- If rust spots appear, rub gently with fine steel wool only on unpainted areas, wipe clean and oil lightly.
- Keep iron decor such as the iron lady worker set indoors and away from windows.
Terracotta, stone and painted idols
- Do not hang terracotta on damp walls.
- Keep painted stone dust idols dry; never wash them.
- Place a silica gel sachet near closed displays.
White metal and oxidised pieces
Dust them dry and keep them away from moisture; avoid all polishes. See white metal and oxidised care.
Signs of damage to look for after the rains
- Green or white powdery spots on brass and copper.
- Orange rust spots on iron.
- White fuzzy fungus or a musty smell on wood.
- Dark damp patches or flaking paint on terracotta.
- Bubbling or lifting paint on stone dust idols.
Deal with each as soon as you see it: dry the piece, clean gently, and improve air circulation around it.
A 5-minute weekly monsoon routine
- Open the mandir and display cabinets on a dry afternoon.
- Dust every piece with a soft cloth or brush.
- Check bases and backs for moisture or fungus.
- Replace or dry out silica gel sachets.
- Close cabinets once the air has circulated.
