How to Get Rid of Paint Smells
Depending upon the paint formulation, new paint smell may have a strong lingering presence or a mild odor that dissipates quickly. Those who are sensitive to paint fumes should not be in prolonged contact with it. Fortunately, any adverse health effects associated with paint odors diminish as the paint dries. Encouraging the paint to dry quickly or using common household products to absorb or mask the odor a relatively easy process to follow. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plate
- White bread
- Vinegar
- Fan
- Vanilla extract
- Teaspoon
- Paint stirring stick
- Drop cloths
Instructions
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1
Place a piece of white bread on a (non-paper) plate. Pour vinegar on the bread to saturate it. Set the plates around the home in areas where the paint smell is the most intense, and leave until the odor is absorbed.
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2
Open windows and doors in the home to ventilate. Ensure that drafts do not bring in unwanted dirt or lint that will stick to the wet painted surface. Place a fan near a window to pull the smell out of the room, and leave on overnight. Close vents in the room if you have the home's central air conditioner or heater on while painting.
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3
Add two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to every gallon of paint. Stir the vanilla well into the paint until blended. Apply the paint as normal, following manufacturer's recommendations. Keep the paint lid sealed tightly on the can when finished if any paint remains.
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4
Remove fabrics from the room being painted to minimize the chance of odor permeating the material and lingering in the room. Take down drapes from their hardware. Remove sheets, bed coverings and pillows. Take the furniture out of the room, if possible, or cover with drop cloths.
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Tips & Warnings
Pregnant women should avoid rooms that have heavy paint odor.
References
- Photo Credit watercolor paint image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
