Painting a room is an exciting way to refresh your space, but the strong smell that follows can quickly take the fun out of it.
I remember the first time I painted my living room; it was such an enjoyable project, but I was hit with that sharp, chemical scent as soon as the painting was finished.
That lingering odor can be more than just unpleasant. It’s often a sign of volatile organic compounds being released into the air.
If you’ve just painted your home and want that fresh new look without the lingering fumes, this guide is here to help.
I’ll share some effective ways to remove or reduce paint smell using both natural and chemical methods. If you are seeking quick DIY fixes or more advanced solutions, you’ll find something that suits your needs.
Let’s clear the air and enjoy your new space safely and comfortably.
How Long Does Paint Smell Last?
Before we start on solutions, it helps to know how long the smell typically sticks around. Paint odor usually lingers for 1 to 3 days.
However, in rooms with poor ventilation or if you’ve used high-VOC paint, the smell can last up to a week or longer. The drying time, room temperature, and type of paint you used all play a role.
The good news? You can speed things up with the right techniques.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Paint Smell
Paint smell doesn’t have to take over your space. These are some effective ways to get rid of the paint smell so you can enjoy your newly painted room without the strong fumes:
1. Increase Airflow with Fans and Open Windows
Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow freely through the room. Set up box fans near the windows to push air out and pull in fresh air from another room.
This helps expel paint fumes quickly and is most effective within the first 24 to 48 hours after painting.
The movement of air promotes faster ventilation, reducing the concentration of chemicals in the air and making the room more breathable and pleasant.
2. Choose Low-VOC or Zero-VOC Paints
Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints if you haven’t yet painted your space. These paints release significantly fewer harmful chemicals into the air compared to traditional paints.
As a result, they often have little to no lingering odor, providing a healthier indoor environment.
These eco-friendly options are available at most hardware stores and are just as durable and effective as regular paints, making them an excellent choice for reducing indoor air pollution.
3. Use Bowls of Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent natural odor absorber. Place several shallow bowls filled with baking soda around the freshly painted room and leave them overnight.
The baking soda will absorb the paint fumes and help neutralize the smell.
Additionally, you can sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, then vacuum it up after a few hours to further reduce odors.
4. Try Activated Charcoal or Bamboo Charcoal Bags
Place charcoal briquettes or bamboo charcoal bags in corners, shelves, or areas prone to lingering paint fumes.
These charcoal products help eliminate unwanted odors by absorbing toxins and VOCs from the air. Charcoal bags can be reused after a simple refresh in the sun.
They work for up to a few weeks, offering a long-lasting and eco-friendly solution for improving air quality in freshly painted rooms.
5. Place White Vinegar in Bowls
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps neutralize odors without masking them.
Fill small bowls with white vinegar and place them around the room to absorb paint fumes. After 24 hours, you’ll likely notice a significant reduction in paint smell.
If the vinegar scent is too strong for you, don’t worry; it will dissipate quickly, leaving the room smelling fresh and clean.
6. Set out Lemon Water or Lemon Slices
Lemons are naturally fresh and clean-smelling, making them an effective tool for cutting through paint fumes. Fill bowls with water and lemon slices, and place them near painted walls or on countertops.
The citrus oils from the lemons will slowly release into the air, refreshing the room and neutralizing unpleasant smells.
This method is especially effective during the first couple of days after painting.
7. Use Coffee Grounds in Open Containers
Coffee grounds are an excellent natural odor absorber. Place fresh, unused coffee grounds in open containers or paper bowls around the freshly painted room.
The coffee grounds absorb the paint fumes and, in turn, release a pleasant coffee aroma that can mask unwanted smells. This method provides a dual benefit: neutralizing odors while offering a pleasant scent.
The coffee grounds will continue to work for several days, and the strong coffee aroma is often more pleasing than other methods.
8. Leave Cut Onions in the Room
Though it may seem unusual, onions are natural odor absorbers that can help neutralize paint fumes.
Cut a few onions in half and place them cut-side up in small bowls around the room. Over the course of 6 to 8 hours, the onions will absorb the strong paint odors.
After this period, simply discard the onions, as their scent will fade quickly. This method works well to eliminate paint fumes without leaving a lingering onion smell in the room.
9. Diffuse Essential Oils or Extracts
Using essential oils for aromatherapy can help cover up paint smells and purify the air. Add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or orange essential oil to a diffuser.
Alternatively, soak cotton balls in vanilla or peppermint extract and place them around the room.
These natural scents not only provide a pleasant atmosphere but also work to freshen the room by combating the paint fumes.
10. Light Soy or Beeswax Candles
Soy and beeswax candles are a cleaner, healthier alternative to traditional paraffin candles. These candles burn without releasing harmful toxins into the air, making them a great option for masking the smell of paint.
They help circulate the air and create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Choose unscented or lightly scented candles to avoid overwhelming the room with too many competing fragrances.
Lighting these candles after painting can help eliminate lingering odors while adding a comforting ambiance.
11. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally absorbent powder that helps remove unwanted smells and VOCs from the air. This is a low-maintenance solution that offers a long-lasting effect.
Lightly spread it on fabric surfaces like cushions or place it in trays around the room. Diatomaceous earth quietly absorbs odors and helps purify the air with minimal effort.
It’s an effective method for rooms with heavy paint fumes and works silently in the background to freshen the space.
12. Run a HEPA and Carbon Filter Air Purifier
An air purifier with a HEPA filter is one of the most effective ways to remove paint fumes. Turn on the air purifier in the freshly painted room and leave it running for several hours with the door closed.
The HEPA filter captures fine particles, while the activated carbon filter absorbs VOCs and odors.
This method will help to quickly clear the air of paint fumes and ensure a breathable, clean space in a relatively short time.
13. Use an Ozone Generator (with Caution)
Ozone generators can break down VOCs and paint fumes in the air, but they must be used cautiously. Ensure the room is unoccupied during use, as ozone can be harmful to health at high concentrations.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to operate the machine safely. After using the generator, air out the room thoroughly before re-entering.
This powerful method is effective for removing stubborn paint odors but should be used with proper precautions to ensure safety.
Extra Tips to Prevent Paint Smell in the First Place
Stopping paint odors before they start is much easier than trying to remove them afterward.
One of the best things you can do is paint during warm, dry weather when you can open windows and doors for proper ventilation.
Good airflow helps fumes escape quickly, reducing the duration of the smell’s presence indoors.
Be sure to tightly seal any open paint cans as soon as you’re done using them, and clean brushes, rollers, and trays immediately to prevent the odor from spreading throughout your home.
You can also purchase odor-neutralizing additives specifically designed for mixing into paint before application.
These additives help minimize the strong chemical smell and are available at most hardware or home improvement stores.
Choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paints is another smart step, especially for bedrooms or enclosed spaces. Taking these simple precautions can make your painting experience much more pleasant from start to finish.
Safety Tips when Dealing with Paint Fumes
It’s important to stay safe while handling paint and odor removal strategies. These are a few essential safety reminders:
- Always wear gloves and a mask while painting or cleaning up afterward.
- Keep windows open and fans running throughout the process.
- Keep kids and pets out of the freshly painted area for at least 48 hours.
- Never mix vinegar, ammonia, or bleach together, as this can create hazardous fumes.
- Avoid using ozone generators around people or flammable substances.
- Dispose of used onions, lemons, and vinegar safely and away from food prep areas.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If the paint smell persists for over a week despite your efforts, it might be time to seek professional assistance.
Lingering smells may mean poor ventilation or air quality issues that need expert help. An HVAC expert can check your home’s airflow and suggest upgrades or filters if needed.
Additionally, some professional cleaning services offer industrial-grade air purifiers or VOC scrubbers designed to eliminate stubborn fumes.
It’s also important to look for issues like mold, water damage, or leaks that could be making the smell and air quality worse.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the paint smell doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.
From simple household items like baking soda and lemons to more high-tech options like air purifiers and ozone machines, there are plenty of ways to freshen up your home after painting.
By using these methods I’ve shared, you can choose one or a combination that fits your space and comfort level best.
Most importantly, always take safety seriously. Keep your room well-ventilated, be cautious with chemical treatments, and monitor how long the smell sticks around.
If you notice ongoing issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional to evaluate your air quality.
With a bit of care and the right approach, your freshly painted room can smell just as nice as it looks.