Dampproofing your basement can be accomplished without spending extra money on costly materials. During the rainy seasons, basements get humid, making it harder to clean. This humidity also contributes to the growth of mold and mildew, so before you begin check your basement thoroughly. You’re looking for any pipes that leak, or leaks coming from walls. Seal these up with epoxy or mortar and assure your basement is free of leaks before you continue. Next, remove everything from your basement, a clean basement will reveal any additional cracks or holes which need to be repaired. Then, spread gravel evenly on the basement floor near corners and peripherals, because gravel absorbs moisture and prevents it from spreading across the basement. Hang socks with coal in them to add odor absorption. These socks can be hung from walls, ceilings, or anywhere convenient. Finally, rock salt is effective at reducing moisture. Fill a 6 gallon bucket with rock salt, then place a fan over the bucket and turn it on. This allows air to circulate over the salt, eventually soaking the salt with the moisture in the air. When the salt becomes too damp, dry it out in the sun, then repeat the process until your basement is moisture free.