How to Get Rid of Paint Smell: Quick and Effective Tips for a Fresh Home

Renovating or redecorating a space with paint is always exciting. However, one of the main drawbacks that arises after applying a new coat of paint is the strong and sometimes unpleasant odor that can linger for hours or even days. If you’re wondering how to get rid of paint smell quickly and safely, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide, YCS’s professional maids explain why paint smells bad, how to get rid the smell of paint, how long it takes for the odor to disappear, how to effectively eliminate it, and what to do if you notice a rotten smell in the paint. We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions, including how to remove paint smell and how do you get paint smell out of a room, so you know exactly what to do.

Why Does Paint Smell Linger?

Did you know that the paint smell in a room comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the paint dries? These chemicals, found primarily in solvent-based paints, often linger for hours or even days after painting a room, making it essential to know how to get rid of paint smell efficiently.

Understanding VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are substances present in a variety of items, including paints, solvents, adhesives, and some cleaning supplies. As the paint dries, the solvents that keep it liquid evaporate, releasing the VOCs into the atmosphere.

The presence of these VOCs is what we perceive as the distinctive odor of new paint. Rare VOCs can be toxic to the body, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and, in rare cases, respiratory issues. This is why understanding how to get rid of paint smell is not just a comfort issue, but also a health consideration.

How Florida’s Humidity Affects Paint Odor Duration

High humidity in Florida can dramatically extend the duration of paint odors. The additional moisture in the air slows the drying process of paint, allowing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to evaporate more slowly and emit their scents for a longer period of time.

Slower drying keeps the paint wet longer, giving VOCs more time to linger in the air. If you’re a Florida homeowner, it’s especially important to know how to get rid of the smell of paint efficiently in humid conditions.

Natural Ways to Remove Paint Smell from Your Home

There are effective and proven methods for quickly eliminating paint smells. Here’s a step-by-step guide combining natural techniques and practical tips to help you get rid of paint smell from any room in your home.

DIY Methods vs. Commercial Odor Eliminators

Both DIY and professional odor eliminators can remove paint odors, but their effectiveness varies. Homemade alternatives, such as utilizing baking soda for paint smell, vinegar, or activated charcoal, are natural and often less expensive. Commercial goods, such as air fresheners or specialist odor eliminators, can provide faster or stronger results.

The optimum way is generally a combination of the two, beginning with natural approaches and then resorting to commercial products when needed.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Other Household Deodorizers

White vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer. Place containers of white vinegar in the newly painted room. The vinegar will absorb odors as it evaporates. Change the vinegar regularly to maintain its effectiveness.

Another powerful tool is baking soda for paint smell. It is a natural odor absorber that can significantly reduce paint fumes. Simply place a container filled with baking soda in the affected room, or sprinkle some on carpets and fabrics to combat lingering odors.

Using Coffee Grounds, Activated Charcoal, and Onions

Activated charcoal bags are excellent for absorbing odors. Place a few in a newly painted room and leave them for several days. The charcoal will actively work to help you understand how to get rid of paint smell from the air effectively. Replace the bags periodically for maximum efficiency.

Another surprising trick for those wondering how to get rid of paint smell naturally is to place a sliced onion in a bowl of cold water in the painted room. This method helps neutralize airborne compounds that cause the odor.

Coffee grounds are also a great natural deodorizer. Put containers of coffee grounds around the room; they will absorb paint odors and leave behind a pleasant coffee aroma. Change the coffee grounds once they lose effectiveness.

Improve Air Circulation for Faster Odor Removal

Best Ventilation Practices After Painting

If you’re looking for how to get rid of paint smell quickly and safely, proper ventilation is key. The best way to remove the paint smell is to ventilate the room as much as possible. Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. The more fresh air you let in, the faster the smell will dissipate. It’s a good idea to leave the windows open for several days after painting to ensure lingering odors are fully eliminated.

Using Fans, Air Purifiers, and HEPA Filters

Place fans strategically around the room to accelerate air circulation. This will help remove paint fumes and is one of the most effective steps in how to get rid of paint smell after painting. Place one fan in a window to exhaust stale air and another in a doorway to bring in fresh air.

You might also consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters in the room. These devices can remove particles and odors from the air, improving indoor air quality and supporting your efforts in how to get rid of paint smell efficiently. Make sure to choose an air purifier appropriate for the size of the room and change the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How Long Does It Take for Paint Smell to Go Away?

The smell of paint in a room is completely normal—but if you’re wondering how to get rid of paint smell faster, there are ways to help. Be patient; the odor typically disappears completely within a day or two. Sometimes, the most effective method for eliminating a paint smell is simply giving it time.

Over time, the smell will gradually fade. In the meantime, continue to ventilate the room and use the solutions above to speed up the process. Patience is key, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy your room without any discomfort.

Factors That Influence Drying and Dissipation Time

Several factors determine how rapidly paint dries and how long odors linger, including ambient temperature, humidity, ventilation, the paint’s composition, and how it’s applied. Knowing these variables not only helps you plan for drying time but also supports your efforts in how to get rid of paint smell more efficiently.

Tips to Prevent Strong Paint Odors in the Future

Prepping the Room Before Painting

To minimize strong paint odors in a room before, during, and after painting, it’s essential to focus on ventilation, select low-VOC paints, and utilize natural odor absorbers. Start by opening windows and doors to promote fresh air circulation, and consider using fans to enhance airflow.

Pick the right paint beforehand. Low-VOC paints emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a better choice for indoor projects. Additionally, natural solutions such as activated charcoal, baking soda, onions, or bowls of water can effectively absorb any lingering odors—reducing the need to worry about how to get rid of paint smell later.

Choosing Low-VOC or No-VOC Paints

When selecting paints for your projects, consider opting for those labeled as low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or zero-VOC. These paints are designed to emit significantly fewer harmful fumes and odors compared to conventional options.

Moreover, water-based paints, such as latex and acrylics, generally have lower VOC levels, making them not only a healthier choice for indoor air quality but also easier to clean up than oil-based paints.

When to Call a Professional Cleaning Service

Deep Cleaning After Painting

Even after using all the right tricks, sometimes paint odors can linger longer than expected—especially in Florida’s humid climate. In these cases, a deep, professional-grade cleaning may be the most effective way to fully eliminate fumes and refresh your space. From scrubbing down surfaces to improving indoor air quality, a trained cleaning team knows exactly how to get rid of paint smell quickly and safely.

How Yorleny’s Cleaning Service Can Help Florida Homeowners

At Yorleny’s Cleaning Service, we specialize in helping Florida homeowners restore comfort and freshness to their homes after renovations or painting projects. Our expert cleaners use safe, effective methods tailored to your environment to eliminate paint odors and ensure your living space is clean, healthy, and inviting.

If you’re tired of that lingering paint smell and want it gone for good, let us do the hard work for you.
Contact us today to schedule a deep cleaning and say goodbye to stubborn paint odors the professional way!

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Smells

Is it safe to stay in a room that smells like paint?

Staying in a freshly painted room isn’t always safe—especially if you’re unsure how to get rid of paint smell effectively. Many paints, particularly those with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can emit fumes that cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, throat irritation, or respiratory discomfort. That’s why it’s best to avoid occupying the room until the smell has been significantly reduced using proper ventilation and odor-absorbing methods.

How long should a home be ventilated after painting?

One of the most important steps in how to get rid of paint smell is proper ventilation. You should ventilate the room for at least 48 hours after painting. Open all windows and doors to encourage airflow and use fans to push out the odor. Depending on the type of paint and the room conditions, you may need to continue ventilating for a few extra days to fully remove the paint smell.

How can I prevent paint odors in future applications?

Knowing how to get rid of paint smell is useful, but preventing it in the first place is even better. To reduce odors during your next painting project, choose low-VOC or no-VOC paints. These products release fewer harmful fumes, making it easier to maintain air quality. Also, make sure to paint in a well-ventilated space and prepare the area using natural deodorizers like baking soda or activated charcoal.