When dampproofing your structure, you don’t have to spend too much money on waterproofing materials. During the rainy season, basements grow humid, making them wet and difficult to clean. This humidity also promotes the growth of harmful mold and mildew. Simple tools and objects from around the house can be effective in dampproofing your structure when you don’t have extra money to spend on waterproofing materials.

The first step in this process is to ensure there is no further leaking in your basement. Use a sealant like epoxy on pipes and other sources of water leakage.

The next step is to remove anything from the basement that may impede the task of dampproofing, which means completely clearing out your basement. Use a broom and brush to sweep the floors clean, which help reveal sources of moisture. These should be repaired when found with cement.

Outside of your home, you may find gravel and rocks laying about. These can be effective in absorbing moisture. Use a shovel and bucket to collect some rocks and gravel and spread them out evenly near the walls of your basement. This way, if leaks occur these materials can absorb the moisture before its allowed to seep further into your basement.

Another useful DIY tip is to take a lump of coal and put it an old sock which you can hang from your basement ceiling. The coal will help get rid of any odors as well as moisture that may build up in the surrounding basement environment.

For humid times of year, use rock salt to reduce moisture. Fill a 6 gallon bucket with rock salt halfway and place a fan over the bucket. With air circulating over the substance, the rock salt can soak up any excess water in the air and when the salt because fully saturated set it out in the sun to dry. Repeat this problem until your moisture level is back to normal.