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How to Easily Get Rid of Paint Smell at Home

Writer's picture: Royal CleanersRoyal Cleaners

Updated: May 30, 2024


Renovation of the house comes with a lot of excitement and of course with some unpleasant effects too. Fresh paint can significantly improve the look of your home, but the lingering smell can be unpleasant and sometimes even harmful. Basically, a paint smell can make being in rooms awkward and can cause some health issues to people who are more sensitive.


The most effective methods to dispose of paint smell in your house

Getting rid of paint smell in your house involves various strategies to neutralise and absorb the odour. Here are some effective and easy ways to get rid of paint smell at home:


Ventilation

  • Open Windows and Doors: Ensure good airflow by opening windows and doors. Cross-ventilation helps disperse the paint fumes more quickly.

  • Fans: Use fans to circulate air. Place them near windows to blow the smell outside, or use exhaust fans if available.


Good ventilation will speed up the airing process

Baking Soda

  • Absorb Odours: Place bowls of baking soda around the painted area. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odours.

  • Leave Overnight: Let the bowls sit overnight to effectively reduce the paint smell.


Activated Charcoal

  • Effective Absorbent: Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odours. Place it in shallow bowls around the room.

  • Leave for 24 Hours: Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours for the best results.


White Vinegar

  • Neutralise Odours: Place bowls of white vinegar around the painted area. Vinegar neutralises odours without masking them.

  • Leave Overnight: Let the bowls sit overnight to help clear the air.


Lemon and Salt

  • Fresh Scent: Cut a few lemons in half and place them in bowls with salt. The combination helps to absorb the paint fumes and adds a fresh scent to the room.

  • Place Around Room: Distribute the bowls around the painted area.


Coffee Grounds

  • Absorb Odours: Place bowls of dry coffee grounds around the room. Coffee grounds can effectively absorb strong odours.

  • Leave Overnight: Allow the coffee grounds to sit overnight to help eliminate the smell.


Coffee beans can easily absorb paint smells & unpleasant odours


Essential Oils

  • Natural Fragrance: Add a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or eucalyptus) to bowls of water and place them around the room. This can help mask the paint smell with a pleasant fragrance.

  • Diffuser: Use an essential oil diffuser to spread the scent throughout the room.


Onions

  • Absorb Fumes: Cut an onion in half and place it in a bowl of water. Onions can absorb and neutralise paint fumes.

  • Leave Overnight: Place the bowls in the painted area and leave them overnight.


Ammonia and Water

  • Neutralise Odours: Mix equal parts of ammonia and water in bowls and place them around the room. Be cautious with ammonia and ensure good ventilation.

  • Leave Overnight: Let the bowls sit overnight to help reduce the paint smell.


House Plants

  • Natural Air Purifiers: Place houseplants like spider plants, peace lilies, or Boston ferns in the painted area. These plants help purify the air and absorb odours naturally.


Additional Tips

  • Low-VOC Paints: Next time, consider using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or zero-VOC paints. These paints emit fewer odours and are less harmful.

  • Close Paint Cans: Ensure paint cans are tightly sealed when not in use to prevent further odour release.

  • Clean Tools Promptly: Clean paintbrushes and rollers immediately after use to minimise lingering smells.


By following these methods, you can effectively reduce and eliminate the paint smell in your home, creating a more pleasant and healthier environment.

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