No More Paint Fumes: How to Get Rid of Paint Smell?
Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look with a coat of paint? At Groovy Hues Painting, we know that while a new color can transform a space, paint fumes can make it tough to work, sleep, or simply relax. The first step to a fresh, odor-free home is understanding what causes those lingering smells — and how to get rid of them. Let’s check out how to get rid of paint smells and why they’re harmful!
Understanding Paint Smell
That fresh coat of paint does more than just brighten your living room — it can release chemicals into the air. Many paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate at room temperature and can impact your health. According to the EPA, traditional oil-based paints can release up to 400 g/L of VOCs, whereas low-VOC paints typically release less than 50 g/L. As you paint, these VOCs are released, creating that familiar paint smell.
Pro Tip: Consider using VOC-free or low-VOC paint to protect yourself. Or, contact a professional painting contractor to protect your health.
The Risks of Poor Air Quality
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends leaving a freshly painted room to get some fresh air as soon as you notice symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Watery eyes
Regular exposure to VOCs may cause cancer or damage your nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Not to fear-monger here, but knowledge is power—understanding these risks can help you take simple precautions and keep your home safe while painting.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Paint Smell Naturally
You can remove the paint smell using various natural methods. Try one of these easy ways to get rid of the paint smell:
1. Keep the Room Well Ventilated
Keeping the room well-ventilated represents one of the simplest, most effective methods to eliminate paint smell. Open windows and doors to increase air circulation and allow fresh air into the room. Using a few fans and air purifiers will improve ventilation and reduce the paint scent faster.
2. Maintain a Cool Indoor Temperature
To remove paint odors, keep the room at a cool temperature after painting. Warm temperatures make paint fumes more potent, so cooling a room down will aid in eliminating the smell. Turning on your air conditioner or letting in a cool breeze will lower the temperature and reduce the intensity of the scent.
3. Baking Soda
Using baking soda will help absorb paint smells so you can use your space sooner. Place it in a container and leave it in the room for several days to absorb odors, including paint fumes. Make sure you replace it regularly to ensure continued odor absorption.
4. Activated Charcoal
Consider using activated charcoal over baking soda if your paint emits an intense smell. Research findings demonstrate that activated charcoal functions with greater efficiency and effectiveness than baking soda when eliminating odor.
5. Air Purifier
Placing your air purifier in a newly painted room overnight will remove chemical pollutants and paint smells by filtering out harmful particles. Studies show that high-performance air purifiers equipped with substantial activated carbon filters can significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) levels within 24 hours.
6. Onions
Onions may not seem like an obvious solution, but they naturally absorb paint odors. Slice onions in half, place them in a bowl of water and leave them in your room overnight to give your room a fresh scent.
7. Scented Candles
Lighting scented candles will freshen up your room by masking the paint smells. Choose candles made with natural ingredients, such as beeswax or soy wax. Steer clear of candles with synthetic fragrances that may add to the overwhelming smell of chemicals. Light the candles and allow them to burn for a few hours to cover up paint fumes with a pleasant scent.
8. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds aren’t just for your morning cup — they’re great at absorbing odors, including paint fumes. Place bowls of fresh or used coffee grounds around the room and let them sit overnight to help neutralize lingering paint smells naturally.
How to Prevent Paint Odors and Remove Strong Paint Smell
You don’t have to suffer through lingering paint fumes! With a few steps before you start and some careful cleanup after, you can reduce odors throughout your home and keep your home safe and smelling fresh.
Tips for Preventing Paint Odors in the Home
You might find it challenging to stop lingering fumes from spreading throughout your home, but you can implement a few measures to minimize their impact. Take these actions to prevent the spread of the smell.
1. Select Low-VOC Paint
By using low-VOC paint, you can prevent the intense smell that a volatile organic compound emits and ensure the safety of yourself and others. Always choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints for a safer painting experience.
2. Improve Ventilation
Maintain proper ventilation while painting. Opening all the windows, doors, and skylights will allow fresh air to flow throughout your home during the painting process.
3. Use Paint Additives
Consider using a few drops of paint additive that neutralizes VOCs and other chemicals in the paint to reduce its odor. Mix the additive into the can to minimize paint vapors.
- Low-VOC reducers – decrease volatile compounds for less smell.
- Odor-neutralizing additives – chemicals that neutralize fumes.
- Drying accelerators – can shorten the time VOCs are released.
- Eco-friendly paint extenders – maintain finish while reducing solvent intensity.
Be mindful of the paint additives you choose, as some may affect the final color or finish.
4. Keep the House Cool
Keep the house cool by gauging the temperature throughout the day and using an air conditioner or dehumidifier while painting to reduce humidity.
5. Remove Excess Paint
You should clean up spills and drips after painting. To eliminate unwanted paint residue, utilize high-quality cleaners. Dispose of used paint cans as directed by your local authorities.
6. Let the Paint Dry Fully Before Layering
Give each coat time to dry completely before adding another. Rushing the process can trap fumes, cause uneven finishes, and extend the time paint odors linger. Patience ensures a smooth, durable, and odor-reduced result. Learn about how long it takes for paint to dry.
Cleaning Your Home to Get Rid of the Strong Smell of Paint
Cleaning your home will help get rid of the paint smell. Perform the following tasks to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
1. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming before and after you paint will remove dust, dirt, and other particles that trap odors.
2. Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier will eliminate the particles that make your house smell.
3. Wash Fabrics
If you paint a room with curtains, bedding, or clothes, wash them to dispel unpleasant smells.
4. Keep your Home Clean
Clean your home regularly to keep it smelling fresh and clean. Wipe down surfaces often and dispose of your used paint cans in an environmentally friendly way.
Chemicals in Paint That Cause Odor
Paints contain several compounds that emit unpleasant scents. Let’s look at some of the most common chemicals found in paint.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde preserves paint but gives off a colorless gas with a strong odor that people associate with new paint. Paint manufacturers add formaldehyde to prevent bacterial growth and prolong product shelf life.
Benzene
Benzene serves as a solvent, aiding in the dissolution of paint components to make the application go more smoothly. The benzene evaporates into the air, producing a distinctive smell when your paint dries.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Paints that contain TCE as a solvent or thinner will impact your health if you breathe too much of it. This chemical evaporates at room temperature, producing a strong, sweet odor. Inhalation may result in dizziness, headaches, or confusion.
Prolonged exposure to paint fumes can result in other health problems, like eye irritation and respiratory issues. Always take the necessary precautions to minimize your contact with these fumes.
The Smelliest Types of Paint
Not all paints are created equal — some are groovier for your walls, while others are heavy hitters when it comes to odor. Knowing which types of paint are the smelliest can help you plan ventilation, choose the right products, and protect your health while painting.
| Type of Paint | Why It Smells Strong | Tips to Reduce Odor |
| Spray Paint | Aerosolized chemicals release VOCs rapidly into the air. | Always paint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors; wear a respirator mask. |
| Oil-Based Paint | Contains high VOC levels; slow drying increases lingering fumes. | Use low-VOC or odor-reducing additives; ventilate continuously. |
| Enamel Paint | Solvent-heavy formula produces strong chemical smells. | Keep windows open, use fans, and consider air purifiers. |
| Alkyd Paint | Similar to oil-based; emits potent fumes during drying. | Apply in small sections, ventilate, and wear protective gear. |
| Epoxy Paint | Strong industrial fumes; common in garages and on floors. | Use outdoors or with professional ventilation; wear gloves and masks. |
Pro Tip: For a less smelly painting experience, consider low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives whenever possible. Your nose (and your family) will thank you!
Benefits of Working with Professional Painters
- Expert Application: Professional painting services provide smooth, even coats that reduce fumes and maximize paint coverage.
- Proper Ventilation & Prep: Experts know how to prep your space and ventilate properly, minimizing lingering odors.
- Time & Stress Savings: Skip the trial-and-error — pros get the job done efficiently and correctly the first time.
- High-Quality Materials & Techniques: Professionals use premium paints, tools, and odor-reducing methods for longer-lasting results.
- Wall & Surface Protection: Avoid accidental damage to walls, furniture, or flooring with trained techniques and careful cleanup.
When to Call the Professionals
If you follow all of our prevention tips and natural remedies and the paint odor persists, you should call the professionals. Your home may need a deep clean to remove any stubborn odors. Before you call, inspect your house for mold or mildew growth, which may cause a musty smell similar to fresh paint.
Consider calling the professionals before you start your interior painting or exterior painting project. Professional painters will help you choose the right paint for your project. They will ensure a perfect paint job and get rid of paint smell by cleaning their tools after they use them each day.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Rid of Paint Smells
What neutralizes the smell of paint?
Several natural remedies neutralize the smell of paint. Some of the most effective natural remedies include keeping the room well-ventilated, using activated charcoal, placing a few bowls of white vinegar around the room, and using scented candles or essential oils.
How long does it take for paint smell to go away?
How long it takes for paint smell to go away depends on several factors, such as the type of paint, ventilation, and humidity. In most cases, the odor will linger for several days to a week. However, in some cases, it may take several weeks for the smell to dissipate completely.
Is it safe to sleep in a room after painting?
Sleeping in a freshly painted room can harm your health due to the fumes. Wait for at least 24 hours before sleeping in a painted space. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. It naturally absorbs smells, including strong smells like fresh paint.
How long are paint smells harmful?
Paint fumes can be harmful as long as VOCs are present in the air, which usually lasts several days to a week for most interior paints. High-VOC or oil-based paints may produce fumes for up to two weeks. Proper ventilation, air purifiers, and using low-VOC paints can significantly reduce the duration and impact of odors.
Fresh Air, Fresh Vibes
Eliminate unpleasant paint smells as soon as possible because breathing them in can lead to health problems. At Groovy Hues Painting, we protect your safety and eliminate residual paint odor before we leave. Call us at 844-939-HUES to book a free estimate.
