Damp Basement Proofing Using Household Objects

You can do damp basement proofing without spending much money on costly waterproofing materials. During rainy or wet seasons, the basement gets too humid, making it wet and harder to clean; furthermore, humidity also promotes the growth of molds and mildew. Follow the steps below to minimize these problems and have a basement free from excessive moisture.

Step 1 - Fix All Leaks

Before you begin, make sure that the basement is free from pipe leaks that can lead to more moisture. Use a sealant such as epoxy to seal the areas where water is leaking. It is wise to strike the source of the problem.

Step 2 - Clean the Basement

Damp basement proofing starts with a clean basement. Remove everything on the floor that may impede the task. Use a broom and a brush to sweep the floors clean. A clean basement will also reveal problem areas such as cracked walls and holes, which can be repaired using cement.

Step 2 - Use Rocks and Gravel

Gravel and rocks absorb moisture in the basement. Use a shovel and a bucket to collect them then spread the gravel evenly on the basement floor. During rainy seasons, water seeps into the basement walls. The gravel and rocks covering the sides of the walls will absorb the moisture and prevent it from spreading throughout the basement.

Step 3 - Hang Thin Socks with Coal

Coal absorbs both moisture and odors. Damp basements usually have an unpleasant smell due to the growth of molds and mildew. In order to keep the basement dry and odor-free, place pieces of coal in some used socks and hang them on the basement walls or ceiling. For larger basements, hang more socks with coal.

Step 4 - Use Rock Salt

For very humid basements, rock salt is an effective way to reduce moisture. Rock salt has a very strong dehumidifying effect. It is also an inexpensive way to dehumidify the basement and is a very common substance that can be purchased anywhere.

To effectively lower the humidity of the basement, fill a half of a 6-gallon bucket with rock salt. Place a fan over the bucket and turn it on to allow the air to circulate over the salt. The process may take a few hours. When the salt is saturated with water, dry it under the sun. Repeat the process until the moisture on the room is back to normal.