There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a fresh coat of paint. That new color transforms a space, makes everything look clean and bright, and gives your home a whole new personality. But along with that fresh look often comes an unwanted guest—the strong, lingering odor of paint. If your home currently smells like a paint factory, don’t worry. We’ve got the best solutions to show you how to get paint smell out of house without holding your breath for days.
Step 1: Ventilation—The Old-School Method
The simplest way to kick that smell to the curb? Let your home breathe! Open every window and door you can find. If you have ceiling fans, turn them on. If you have a box fan, aim it towards the outdoors so it can push out those stubborn fumes. If you have neither, well… now is a great time to start waving a piece of cardboard like an enthusiastic human fan.
Step 2: Let Nature Work Its Magic
Your pantry holds some secret weapons against paint odors. These household items are pros at absorbing unwanted smells:
- Baking Soda – It doesn’t just keep your fridge fresh; it works wonders on paint odors too. Place bowls of baking soda around the room or sprinkle some on carpets and vacuum it up later.
- Activated Charcoal – If baking soda is the apprentice, activated charcoal is the master. This powerhouse absorbs paint fumes like a sponge. Leave some bowls of crushed charcoal around the room overnight, and wake up to a fresher space.
- White Vinegar – Sure, it smells strong, but hear us out: vinegar neutralizes odors, including those paint fumes. Place a few bowls of it in the room, and let it do its thing. Just don’t confuse it with your cooking ingredients—we wouldn’t want a vinegar-marinated smoothie.
Step 3: Add Some Good Smells
While you’re eliminating that paint odor, why not replace it with something pleasant?
- Essential Oils – A few drops of lavender, peppermint, or citrus oil in a diffuser can counteract paint fumes with a spa-like aroma.
- Lemon Water – A bowl of water with sliced lemons does double duty: absorbing paint fumes while giving off a refreshing, clean scent.
- Coffee Grounds – Not just for getting you through Monday mornings! Place bowls of dry coffee grounds around the room, and let them absorb the fumes while filling your space with that comforting café aroma.
Step 4: Light a Candle (Or Try Onions… Seriously)
- Scented Candles – Lighting a candle isn’t just about ambiance. Candles, especially soy-based ones, help burn off airborne chemicals from paint fumes while leaving behind a pleasant fragrance.
- Onions – Sounds odd, but sliced onions absorb paint fumes effectively. Just place some onion halves around the room, and let them work their magic. Just remember to dispose of them after, unless you want your house to smell like a freshly painted burger joint.
Step 5: Keep It Cool and Dry
Paint fumes love heat and humidity, so give them less of what they crave. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to speed up paint drying and reduce odor retention. And if you’re painting in the summer, resist the urge to crank up the heat unless you enjoy basking in a cloud of fumes.
Step 6: Be Picky About Your Paint
If you haven’t started painting yet, consider using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or zero-VOC paints. These modern wonders give you a beautiful finish without the strong chemical smells. They’re better for your health and the environment—a win-win.
Step 7: When All Else Fails, Call in the Pros
Sometimes, no matter how many lemons, candles, or onions you throw at the problem, that stubborn paint smell lingers. If that’s the case, it might be time to bring in professional help. A deep cleaning service can help remove paint fumes from carpets, furniture, and air vents, leaving your home fresh and odor-free. Denver Cleaning Services offers expert solutions to ensure your home smells like home again—not like a freshly painted storage unit.
Final Thoughts: Fresh Paint, Fresher Air!
Learning how to get paint smell out of house isn’t rocket science—it’s just a matter of using the right methods and a little patience. Whether you let in fresh air, use pantry staples, or opt for scented solutions, you’ll have your home smelling normal again in no time. And if the smell still won’t budge? Well, you know who to call—Denver Cleaning Services has got your back!
