One common factor of every paint project is fumes and odors. In order to remove paint odors from your home, you may have to get creative. Removing paint odors from your space can be difficult, especially if you have painted your entire home. The paint contains chemicals that cause fumes and odors that linger long after the paint dries. Here are some of the top remedies for removing paint odors in the quickest and safest way possible.
Natural Deodorizers
While there are commercial products and odor removers on the market, nothing can beat natural items or ones you already have on hand. Neutralizing paint odors can be done safely with these deodorizers that don’t include harmful chemicals.
Baking Soda
You may have used baking soda in your fridge or when cleaning your home. That is because it naturally absorbs odors and contains them. Placing some bowls or plates of baking soda around a painted room will help remove some paint odors overnight. Make sure to throw the baking soda away the next day to keep the room fresh.
Activated Charcoal
Another powerful absorber is activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is good at absorbing many things and is often featured in air purifiers for home use. Small amounts of charcoal placed around the room will remove paint odors. Leave for a few days and then throw out after the smell has reduced.
Onions
Onions contain a chemical known as syn-propanethial-S-oxide that helps neutralize the chemicals in paint fumes. Onions can take over the paint smell easily, which may result in your home smelling like onions for a day or two. Using onions can change the smell of your home, but the scent from the vegetable will dissipate faster than paint odors.
Proper Ventilation And Mild Weather
Professional painters preach that ventilation is key during a painting project. Proper ventilation will reduce the build-up of paint fumes in a home during paint application. Opening windows, and having a box fan, or a ceiling fan running will help circulate the air and keep odors low.
Cross ventilation is best when painting as a fan will help push out stale air and pull fresh air in from an open door or window.
Keep The Home Cool
Opening windows and doors and turning off the heat will lower the intensity of paint fumes. Odors are fueled by hot air and can make the air feel stagnant. If you are painting during the fall or winter, refrain from turning on the heat until the paint has completely dried. Try to paint in mild weather so that doors and windows can be left open while the paint dries.
Take Precautions Before Painting
Before painting begins there are some precautions that homeowners or business owners can take to reduce paint odors. Choosing a paint with low VOCs will not only be healthier but also reduce strong odors. Paints with lower chemical compounds will not produce strong odors.
Again, proper ventilation before, during, and after painting is helpful to reduce paint fumes. Try to plan your project on a mild day and open your windows at least 30 minutes before painting.
Utilize House Plants
After the paint has dried, there can be lingering fumes for a few weeks in a newly painted space. You may have to search for some longer-term solutions to completely rid the area of paint odors. Greenery and house plants can remove toxins from the air. Utilizing plants like aloe vera, spider plants, and peace lilies will be helpful when dealing with paint fumes.
Run Air Purifiers During Painting
Especially for homes where paint has been applied to every room, utilizing an air purifier will help dissipate odors quickly. Using an air purifier won’t impact the drying time of your paint like fans. Purifiers trap chemicals and odors without changing the air temperature. Switch air purifiers on as soon as you begin painting.
Professional Painting From American Town Painting
Painting your home or business is a large task to take on alone. This is where professional painters come in, not only to take the painting off your shoulders but also to ensure it lasts and odors are kept to a minimum.
American Town Painting has been perfecting our craft for many years. Not only do we offer interior residential painting, but also exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, commercial projects, and epoxy floor coatings. We have the highest quality application tools and paint options for you to choose from. Reach out to American Town Painting for an estimate or to ask any questions about your next project.