Dealing with paint odor after a home renovation can be frustrating, especially if the smell lingers for days or even weeks. If you’re searching for how to get rid of paint smell fast, this guide has you covered. Whether you need to remove paint odors from a single room or your entire house, combining ventilation with effective odor-neutralizing methods is key. From choosing low-VOC paints to using natural remedies like baking soda and activated charcoal, there are plenty of ways to eliminate the smell. Keep reading to discover practical tips and solutions for how to get rid of paint smell and create a fresh, odor-free living space.
How to Get Rid of Paint Odor
The best way to get rid of paint smell is through proper ventilation. This not only helps the paint dry faster but also ensures that the fumes (volatile organic compounds) dissipate quickly. Additionally, the optimal application temperature of the paint plays a significant role in how fast it dries. If the temperature is too low, the paint will dry slowly, and the smell will linger longer in your home.
On the other hand, high temperatures can cause the paint to bubble and peel. Therefore, make sure your home is at the correct temperature before applying paint. Here are some ways to reduce or get rid of paint smell.
1-Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier is one of the most efficient tools for eliminating paint odors. Models equipped with HEPA filters and activated carbon are particularly effective in capturing paint fumes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Place the air purifier in the painted room and let it run for several hours or overnight for the best results.
2-Ventilation: Let Fresh Air In
A quick and straightforward method to eliminate paint odors is to ensure good ventilation in the space. Opening windows and doors creates cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow through the space. Using fans can help circulate the air and push paint fumes outside more effectively. This method works best when combined with other odor-neutralizing solutions.
3-Baking Soda: A Natural Odor Absorber
Baking soda is an easy and effective solution to help absorb and neutralize paint odors in any room. To use it, place several bowls of baking soda around the painted area and let them sit overnight or until the odor fades. After the baking soda has absorbed the odors, be sure to discard it properly. Thanks to its odor-neutralizing properties, baking soda is an affordable and eco-friendly solution.
4-Activated Charcoal: Absorb Paint Fumes Effectively
Activated charcoal is another excellent option for removing paint smells in a room. It works by trapping odors and impurities in its porous surface. To use, place activated charcoal bags or loose charcoal in bowls around the room and leave them for 24 to 48 hours to see noticeable results. This chemical-free method is especially effective for strong paint odors.
5-Light Scented Candles
Lightly scented candles offer a quick and pleasant way to temporarily mask paint odors. Opt for soothing, subtle scents such as lavender, known for its calming effects; vanilla, which provides a warm and gentle aroma; or citrus, a bright and refreshing choice that helps neutralize odors. Light the candles in the painted room for a few hours, but always ensure proper ventilation and never leave them unattended.
6-Essential Oils
Essential oils provide a natural and aromatic way to freshen the air in a freshly painted room. You can use them in several ways: add a few drops of your favorite essential oil—like lemon, eucalyptus, or peppermint—to a diffuser and let it run for several hours; mix water with a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle and lightly mist the room; or soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them around the room for a subtle, continuous scent. Besides masking paint odors, essential oils can also offer mood-enhancing benefits.
7-Citrus Fruits: A Natural Freshener
Citrus fruits are another natural way to get rid of paint odors. Slice lemons or oranges and place them in bowls of water around the room. The citrus scent will help mask the smell while absorbing some of the fumes.
8-Vinegar: Neutralize Paint Odor
White vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer. To use it, fill bowls with white vinegar and place them in the painted room. Let them sit for several hours or overnight. The acidic properties of vinegar break down the compounds causing the odor, helping to clear the air effectively.
9-Choose Paint with Low VOC
To minimize the odor before it even starts, always choose paints with low or zero VOCs. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air, causing the strong smell associated with traditional paints. Opting for low-VOC paint ensures healthier indoor air quality and significantly reduces lingering odors.
How to get Rid of Paint Smell Fast
If you need to remove paint odors quickly, the best approach is to combine effective ventilation with odor-neutralizing methods. Start by opening all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the room. Use fans to enhance air movement and push the fumes outside. At the same time, place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or white vinegar around the room to absorb odors.
For immediate relief, use an air purifier with an activated carbon filter to trap VOCs and other airborne particles. Adding essential oils to a diffuser or lighting lightly scented candles can provide a more pleasant atmosphere while the other methods work to eliminate the smell. By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce paint odors in just a few hours, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
Final Tips
Synthetic paints tend to dry more slowly, and their odor can linger in your home for several weeks. In contrast, water-based and latex paints dry faster and emit less odor, making it easier to eliminate the smell. Choosing the right type of paint can significantly impact how quickly your home becomes odor-free. “Related article: Oil or water based paint.”
However, if the paint is expired or of poor quality, its smell may persist or even worsen over time. In such cases, the odor may not go away unless the paint is completely removed from the wall. Using a sanding machine to strip the old paint is often the only solution. Once the surface is clear, it can be repainted with fresh, high-quality paint.
To avoid such issues, always check the expiration date on the paint before purchasing. Using paint within its recommended shelf life ensures better results and minimizes the risk of unpleasant odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Rid of Rancid Paint Smell on Walls
If the paint smell is rancid, it’s likely that the paint has gone bad. To remove the smell of spoiled paint from the wall, you’ll need to sand the paint off the wall using a power sander. “Related article: How to strip paint from walls.”
How to Remove Paint Smell from a Room
The best way to get rid of paint smell in a room is to ventilate it throughout the day. If you’ve used a water-based paint, the smell will completely go away within a few days.
How Long Does Paint Smell Last?
The duration for the paint smell to fade depends on the type of paint and proper ventilation. If the paint is water-based, the smell will dissipate in a few days, while if it’s oil-based, it may take up to a few weeks for the smell to go away.
How to Get Rid of a Strong Paint Smell
If there is a strong paint smell on the wall, you may not have followed the recommended drying time between coats. This can cause the paint to dry slowly and emit a stronger odor. Additionally, spoiled paint can have a very strong smell. If the strong paint smell persists after a few weeks, use a power sander to scrape off the paint. Apply a coat of primer, and then repaint.
What Neutralizes Paint Smell?
To neutralize the smell of paint, ventilate the room by opening windows and using fans. You can also place bowls of baking soda or white vinegar around the room to absorb the odor. Activated charcoal and used coffee grounds are effective at absorbing smells, while essential oils like lavender or lemon can help mask the scent with a more pleasant aroma. These methods will help reduce or eliminate the paint smell over time.
Does Vinegar Reduce Paint Smell?
Yes, vinegar can help reduce paint smell. Placing bowls of white vinegar around the room helps absorb the odor and neutralize the fumes. The vinegar will effectively reduce the paint smell without leaving behind a strong scent of its own.
Does Lemon Get Rid of Paint Smell?
Yes, lemon can help get rid of paint smell. The fresh, citrus scent of lemon can mask the odor, while its natural properties can also help neutralize the paint fumes. You can place bowls of lemon slices or lemon juice around the room, or use a diffuser with lemon essential oil to freshen the air.
Is It OK to Use Smelly Paint?
The smelly paint may be spoiled. We do not recommend using it. Otherwise, you may have to completely scrape off the paint to eliminate the odor.
Why Does Paint Smell So Strong?
A strong paint smell indicates that the paint has gone bad. Spoiled paint should not be used, as its odor will not go away.
