Introduction
Fresh paint gives off some unpleasant fumes in your home; the odor cannot be compared to any other. Although the paint smell is not dangerous or toxic in most cases, the scent itself can be irritating and overpowering at times. Fortunately, there are several methods that may prove very beneficial when it comes to removing the paint smell in your house.
Open the Windows
Perhaps the simplest way of reducing paint fumes is to open your windows. This assists in the flow of fresh air and allows stale air to move and flow out of the house. The more windows that can be opened, as soon as possible, especially in newly painted rooms, the sooner you will remove the strong smell of paint. Make sure you open windows on different walls to facilitate air circulation from one end of the room to the other. If you can, you should also open all exterior doors. The more air that can circulate, the faster the paint smell will be eliminated.
Use Fans
Moving fans in the just-painted rooms will also assist the circulation of fresh air. Direct the fans to the windows to blow the foul-smelling air outside. Traditional fans like box, floor, and ceiling fans are effective. Just ensure the fans are genuinely helping to blow air, not just moving the air around the room without any fresh circulation.
Baking Soda or Activated Charcoal
Baking soda and activated charcoal are both very effective tools for odor elimination. You should place shallow dishes containing either substance in the newly painted rooms. It is advisable to occasionally stir and turn over the baking soda or charcoal to expose more surface area to the air. When the smell of paint is trapped in porous materials, this method is beneficial in removing odors from the surrounding environment. Replace when saturated. Electric air purifiers with activated charcoal filters or HVAC systems with activated charcoal filters also aid in eradicating any remaining odors.
Simmer Vinegar
Heat some vinegar on the stovetop in a pot and allow it to simmer for several hours. Doing this will help to eliminate paint fumes in the surrounding area. White vinegar works best, though apple cider or red wine vinegar can also eliminate odors without a significant vinegar scent. Place approximately two cups of vinegar in a pot and bring it to a boil; then turn down the heat and let it simmer.
Onion Slices
You heard that right; onion slices are another extraordinary odor absorber you can try at home. Put the peeled onion in the affected area where the paint smell is noticeable. The sulfur compounds in onions help neutralize nearby smells. The onion should stand at room temperature for as long as possible, preferably for 12 hours before discarding. It is most effective when it is used to eliminate the paint smell in enclosed spaces, such as closets.
Essential Oils
It is recommended that you use little dishes of essential oils to help purge the air around the paint smell. Some examples are lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. Put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball, felt, or on an unscented potpourri. The subtle scent also assists in the process of hiding the smell of paint. Never warm essential oils or add them to liquid cleaning substances.
Burn Beeswax Candles
In newly painted rooms, light some unscented beeswax candles. Surprisingly, beeswax purges toxins from the air as the candle is burned. You should put out candles once the wax has melted to reduce the risks of fire. The flame from the lit candle generates negative ions that neutralize paint vapors.
Wet Coffee Grounds
Sprinkle damp used coffee grounds in or around the areas that have the paint smell, and leave it for the next day to be vacuumed. The grounds will effectively absorb the smell of paint. Damp grounds can be reused up to three times before they are replaced. Just place in bowls or small plates. The grounds also assist in eradicating other pungent or persistent smells, such as cigarette smoke.
Clean with Vinegar Water
Clean painted walls, baseboards, and floors with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Wash surface areas with a microfiber cloth. This removes odor residues that may be present on floors and other rigid surfaces. The smell of vinegar slowly fades away and is replaced with fresh clean air. It also aids in removing any grease or dirt that may worsen paint smells.
Air Purifying Houseplants
Some of the houseplants that aid in filtering indoor air include spider plants, English ivy, peace lily, snake plants, and red-edged dracaena. Put these plants in newly painted rooms, as they will reduce paint odors with time. They also absorb other unfriendly compounds from carpets, furniture, and cleaning solutions through their foliage and roots.
Wait It Out
If none of these paint smell removal tricks work, you can simply wait for some time, and the smell should disappear. Latex paints generally evaporate in one to three days, while oil-based paints can take up to seven days. Make sure windows are opened as much as possible during this period. Keep the fans on at all times. The paint smell should not linger beyond a week at most. Consult with a specialist if smells remain an issue despite the provision of proper air circulation.
When to Be Concerned
In general, most of the odors of paint are just temporary discomforts. But if they smell toxic– making you dizzy, causing headaches, or irritating your airways– they could include dangerous solvents or biocide. When you choose paint, it is recommended that you read the label to determine the VOC content allowed in your region. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or issues with the chemical formulation. Consult an expert on how to get rid of solid paint odors that do not disappear after airing the room.
Conclusion
With some additional air circulation, smell neutralizers, or purging techniques, paint odors can be controlled relatively easily. Try to open as many windows and doors as possible from the very beginning. Many people recommend positioning bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or essential oils in painted areas. Position fans to run constantly in the direction of fresh air intake. Boil vinegar on the stove for several hours to add more power to the paint odor elimination. By following these suggestions, it is possible to get rid of interior paint smells within only two days if the necessary measures are taken.
