That damp basement smell is unpleasant and should be prevented, as it is unbearable once it happens and curing it is more difficult. Using air bricks in your home allows fresh air to circulate through the basement, before trying this solution make sure to visit your local hardware store or DIY center and make sure your home can support these bricks. Also, painting on a dampproofing course can significantly decrease the risk of this damp basement smell, again visit your local hardware store to get advice on which to choose. Keeping your basement heated to at least sixty degrees fahrenheit can also greatly reduce the risk of that musty damp basement smell. Make sure to do this all year round.