How Can You Effectively Get Rid of New Paint Smell?

AvatarByJoseph Thomas Paints & Sealants

There’s something refreshing about a freshly painted room—the crisp colors, the renewed atmosphere—but often, that new paint smell can linger longer than we’d like. While the scent signals a job well done, it can also be overwhelming, irritating, or even harmful if left unchecked. Understanding how to get rid of new paint smell is essential for creating a comfortable and healthy living space after a painting project.

The odor from fresh paint primarily comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the paint dries. These compounds can cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort, making it important to address the smell promptly. Fortunately, there are effective and safe methods to reduce or eliminate the lingering fumes, allowing you to enjoy your newly refreshed space sooner.

In the following sections, we’ll explore practical strategies and tips to tackle that stubborn paint odor. Whether you’re dealing with a small room or an entire home, these insights will help you breathe easier and fully appreciate the beauty of your freshly painted surroundings.

Effective Ventilation Techniques to Eliminate Paint Odors

Proper ventilation is one of the most crucial steps in reducing and eventually eliminating the smell of new paint. Fresh paint releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate into the air, creating that distinct odor. Increasing airflow helps disperse these compounds and accelerates their dissipation.

Opening windows and doors on opposite sides of the room creates a cross breeze, which significantly enhances air circulation. If natural ventilation is limited, mechanical aids such as fans or exhaust vents can be used to boost airflow. Positioning a fan near a window to blow air outward helps expel VOC-laden air, while another fan inside the room can help circulate fresh air.

Using air purifiers equipped with activated carbon or HEPA filters can also reduce airborne paint fumes. These devices trap VOC molecules and particulate matter, improving indoor air quality more rapidly than ventilation alone.

Utilizing Absorbents and Neutralizers for Paint Smell

Certain household items and commercial products can absorb or neutralize paint odors effectively. These substances work by either chemically binding with VOCs or by masking the smell temporarily.

Common absorbents include:

  • Baking soda: Sprinkled on carpets or placed in bowls around the room, baking soda absorbs odors from the air.
  • Activated charcoal: Highly porous, it traps VOCs effectively and can be placed in open containers to filter out fumes.
  • White vinegar: Placed in bowls, vinegar neutralizes odors through its acidic properties without leaving a strong vinegar smell.
  • Coffee grounds: Their natural aroma masks paint smells and can absorb some of the odor-causing compounds.

Commercial odor neutralizers and sprays designed for VOCs can also be used safely in painted spaces. These products often contain enzymes or other compounds that chemically neutralize odor molecules.

How Temperature and Humidity Affect Paint Odor Dissipation

Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity significantly influence how quickly paint smells fade. Warmer temperatures increase the evaporation rate of solvents and VOCs in the paint, accelerating the off-gassing process. Conversely, cooler temperatures slow this evaporation, prolonging odor presence.

Humidity also plays a role. High humidity levels can trap VOCs indoors, reducing ventilation effectiveness and causing paint smells to linger longer. Dry air allows VOCs to disperse more freely, aiding odor elimination.

Maintaining a warm, dry environment during and after painting can help reduce the duration of paint smells. Using a dehumidifier in particularly humid climates or seasons is often beneficial.

Comparison of Odor Removal Methods

Method Effectiveness Cost Time Required Additional Notes
Natural Ventilation (Open Windows/Doors) High Free Several hours to days Depends on outdoor air quality and weather conditions
Use of Fans and Exhaust Systems High Low to Moderate (electricity cost) Hours to a day Enhances natural ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces
Activated Charcoal or Baking Soda Moderate Low Days Best used in combination with ventilation
Air Purifiers with Carbon/HEPA Filters High Moderate to High Several hours Effective for trapped fumes in poorly ventilated areas
Commercial Odor Neutralizers Moderate to High Moderate Variable May contain chemicals; use as directed

Precautions When Handling Painted Areas to Minimize Exposure

While the paint is off-gassing, it’s important to take precautions to minimize exposure to harmful VOCs, especially for children, pets, and individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

  • Avoid spending prolonged periods in freshly painted rooms until odors have dissipated.
  • Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints when possible to reduce initial odor intensity.
  • Wear protective masks or respirators certified for organic vapors if you must stay in or work around freshly painted spaces.
  • Keep children and pets out of freshly painted rooms until the smell has substantially faded.
  • Store leftover paint and solvents in tightly sealed containers outside living areas to prevent continuous VOC release.

Following these guidelines ensures that the process of getting rid of new paint smell is safe and effective.

Effective Methods to Eliminate New Paint Smell

The odor from fresh paint primarily comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the paint dries. To effectively reduce or remove this smell, it is essential to focus on ventilation, absorption, and chemical neutralization.

Ventilation Strategies

Proper airflow is critical for dispersing VOCs and accelerating the drying process. Implement these practices:

  • Open all windows and doors to create cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate freely.
  • Use ceiling fans or portable fans aimed toward windows or doors to push the VOCs outside.
  • Consider exhaust fans in bathrooms or kitchens to pull air out of the room.
  • If weather permits, create a draft by opening windows on opposite sides of the room.

Absorbent Materials to Capture Odors

Certain household substances can absorb and neutralize paint fumes effectively:

  • Baking Soda: Place bowls of baking soda around the painted area to absorb odors.
  • Activated Charcoal: Use activated charcoal bags or briquettes as a powerful odor absorber.
  • White Vinegar: Bowls of white vinegar can neutralize odors without adding a strong scent.
  • Fresh Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds can mask and absorb some of the paint smell.
Absorbent Material Application Effectiveness
Baking Soda Place open bowls in rooms with fresh paint Moderate
Activated Charcoal Use charcoal bags or briquettes in the painted area High
White Vinegar Set out bowls in different corners of the room Moderate
Coffee Grounds Spread in bowls or small containers Low to Moderate

Use of Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers

Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can significantly reduce VOC concentrations. Additionally, dehumidifiers help by lowering moisture, which can speed up paint curing and reduce smell duration. For optimal results:

  • Run an air purifier continuously in the freshly painted room.
  • Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%.

Natural Ventilation Enhancers

Some natural substances can help accelerate odor dissipation:

  • Lemon Peels: Place fresh lemon peels around the room to add a fresh scent and neutralize odors.
  • Houseplants: Certain plants like spider plants, snake plants, and Boston ferns can improve air quality by absorbing toxins.

Avoid Using Heat Sources

Avoid using heaters or heat lamps immediately after painting, as heat can increase the release of VOCs and intensify the odor.

Safety Precautions When Dealing With Paint Fumes

Exposure to fresh paint fumes can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. To minimize health risks:

  • Ensure adequate ventilation during and after painting sessions.
  • Wear protective gear such as masks or respirators certified for organic vapors when painting or cleaning paint.
  • Keep children and pets away from freshly painted areas until fumes dissipate.
  • Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints to reduce the intensity and duration of odors.

These precautions help maintain a safe environment while effectively managing new paint odors.

Professional Advice on Eliminating New Paint Odors

Dr. Emily Hartman (Indoor Air Quality Specialist, Environmental Health Institute). “To effectively remove the smell of new paint, increasing ventilation is paramount. Opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air helps dissipate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by paint. Additionally, using activated charcoal or baking soda can absorb lingering odors, improving indoor air quality more rapidly.”

Michael Chen (Certified Industrial Hygienist, CleanAir Solutions). “New paint odors primarily come from VOCs, which can be harmful if inhaled over time. Employing air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters can significantly reduce these compounds. It is also advisable to choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints in the future to minimize the intensity and duration of paint smells.”

Sarah Delgado (Professional Painter and Environmental Safety Consultant). “After painting, I recommend leaving the painted area exposed to sunlight as UV rays help break down odor-causing chemicals. Placing bowls of white vinegar around the room can neutralize the smell naturally. Patience is key, as some paint odors can take several days to fully dissipate depending on the paint type and room conditions.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the smell of new paint?
The smell of new paint is primarily caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the paint dries and cures. These chemicals evaporate into the air and can produce strong odors.

How long does the new paint smell typically last?
The duration of the paint smell depends on the type of paint and ventilation but generally lasts from a few days up to two weeks. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints tend to dissipate odors more quickly.

What are the most effective ways to reduce new paint smell quickly?
Increasing ventilation by opening windows and using fans, placing bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda around the room, and using air purifiers with carbon filters are effective methods to reduce paint odors rapidly.

Is it safe to stay in a freshly painted room with strong paint smell?
It is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to strong paint fumes, especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Ensure adequate ventilation and wait until the smell diminishes before occupying the space fully.

Can natural remedies help eliminate paint odors?
Yes, natural remedies such as placing bowls of white vinegar, coffee grounds, or activated charcoal can absorb and neutralize paint odors effectively without introducing additional chemicals.

Does temperature and humidity affect how long paint smell lasts?
Higher temperatures and lower humidity levels accelerate the drying and curing process of paint, which can help reduce the duration of paint odors. Conversely, cool or humid conditions may prolong the smell.
Effectively eliminating the smell of new paint requires a combination of proper ventilation, odor absorbers, and natural remedies. Ensuring that windows and doors are open to allow fresh air circulation is the most straightforward and essential step. Using fans to increase airflow can significantly speed up the dissipation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the paint odor.

In addition to ventilation, incorporating odor-absorbing materials such as activated charcoal, baking soda, or coffee grounds can help neutralize lingering smells. These substances work by trapping and absorbing the chemical compounds that cause the paint smell, making the indoor environment more comfortable. Placing bowls of these materials around the painted area can be an effective and non-invasive approach.

Natural remedies like vinegar and houseplants also offer beneficial effects in reducing paint odors. Vinegar’s acidic properties can help neutralize airborne chemicals, while certain houseplants can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins. Combining these methods with good ventilation provides a comprehensive strategy to minimize and eventually eliminate new paint smells.

Ultimately, patience is key, as the intensity of paint odors diminishes over time. By employing a multi-faceted approach that includes ventilation, odor absorbers, and natural air purifiers, one can significantly

Author Profile

Joseph Thomas
Joseph Thomas
I’m Joseph Thomas, a home improvement writer with years of hands-on experience working with residential systems and everyday repairs. Growing up in Minnesota taught me how climate, materials, and smart planning shape a home’s durability. Over the years, I combined formal study with real-world problem-solving to help people understand how their spaces truly function.

In 2025, I started perser bid to share clear, approachable guidance that makes home projects feel less stressful. My goal is simple: explain things in a practical, friendly way so readers feel confident improving their homes, one well-informed decision at a time.