Can you really get rid of paint odors while decorating? You can according to many hacks you can find on social media. But, do any of them really work?
While some of that makes little sense, we asked leading paint experts if there’s any truth to what we’re being told, or if it’s just something you’ll have to put up with if you want to. Paint a room?
From the ridiculous to the real, we reveal what works when you’re trying to get rid of paint odors, and what’s just a cover-up that’s a waste of your time, money, and effort.
Article continues below
Why does paint smell?
So why does paint smell? You may have noticed yourself that not all types of paint are as sharp as others, so why is that?
“The odor present in some paints is due to the high VOC levels in the paint,” explains Anna Hill, brand director and color consultant. Fenwick and Tilbrook.
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are commonly man-made chemicals used in paint manufacturing. It is he who mainly gives the paint its characteristic smell. It falls under regulations in terms of how much paint there should be, but the level of VOCs can also affect how you get rid of any leftover paint, which you need to consider when recycling or disposing of your waste. Oil based paint For example, other types of solvents contain more VOCs, so check with your local recycling center to see if they’ll take empty or partially filled paint tins that you no longer need, as they can’t just be poured down the sink.
In terms of what this means in terms of paint odor, the higher the VOCs, the longer the paint will smell. “While most off-gassing occurs within the first 48 hours or so, some paints may continue to off-gas throughout the longer curing process,” advises Anna.
Anna Hill
After almost 12 years in corporate merchandising roles for both UK and international brands, Anna Hill moved to Norfolk to join the family business and brings a vast wealth of visual knowledge to the paint brand.
Paint smell hacks uncovered
1. Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in the room
Some hacks suggest baking soda and activated charcoal as a way to remove paint odors, but do they work?
In theory, yes. Both products have odor-absorbing properties which can mean they can reduce paint odors if you place them around your room. Activated charcoal in particular is often used Kitchen chip fans To remove odors, so if you’re decorating it’s not a complete myth that it can help reduce paint odors.
A general tip is to put baking soda or activated charcoal in a bowl and distribute it around the areas you are painting. Leave them overnight and then dispose of them the next day.
“Bowls of baking soda can absorb some odors in small, enclosed spaces,” confirms Victoria Yardley, founder. Victory colors“While activated charcoal is generally more effective because it is specifically designed to trap airborne compounds.”
“Some traditional odor removal tactics can help a little,” she continues, “but most of them only have a limited effect because they deal with the odor in the air rather than the cause.”
Success rate of these hacks? It will help, but is unlikely to eliminate the smell completely, but certainly won’t do you any harm. air quality Activated charcoal can also be more expensive than baking soda in the process, so budget may need to play a part in deciding which product you try to help remove paint odors.
Purchase baking soda or activated charcoal
Chiku
Chiku Baking Soda 2.5 kg bucket
A large, 2.5 kg bucket of baking soda that helps with countless DIY painting projects around the house
Herbal Magic
Herbal Magic Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder
Small in size but big in price, activated charcoal can work more effectively but will cost you more
2. Use white vinegar or onion bowl ❎
It’s no surprise that these hacks get mixed reviews when shared with experts.
While white vinegar has some short-term effectiveness in jobs such as: Removing mold from the washing machine Seal Removing mold from groutAnd I often use it to help with baking soda Unblock a bathroom sink without using a plungerThe fact is, vinegar has its own distinct smell.
“White vinegar can also help neutralize the odor to some extent,” says Victoria Yardley, “but for some old-fashioned tips, onions are more of a decorative myth than a truly reliable solution.” In practice, you’re likely to end up with a room that smells like onions,” she advises of tackling the paint.
The danger with both of these ideas is that using them is a way of replacing one smell with another, and whenever they are discussed, they come with the caveat of keeping the windows open while doing so, it is very likely that Natural ventilation Instead of white vinegar or onions doing the hard work here. The general consensus from the homebuilding and renovating team? Those aren’t hacks we’ve ever tried, or even thought to use.
While this sounds like a great idea, the risks outweigh the short-term benefits of less offensive odors, says Anna Hill.
“Although there are many ‘solutions’ out there, we would never advise adding anything to paint that is not recommended by the manufacturer, as you run the risk of altering the chemistry or color balance of the paint.”
“Adding vanilla extract to paint is also not something I would recommend,” agrees Victoria Yardley.
Best way to get rid of paint smell
In short, the reality is, there is no way to completely eliminate the smell of paint Painting wallsRoofing or woodwork. But, there are two main ways to help reduce odor and get rid of it sooner.
1. Shop carefully
The first is related to careful shopping Buy paint And paying attention to what the label says.
“The best way to reduce strong, headache-inducing paint odors when decorating is to use high-quality paints with low, trace levels of VOCs, making them virtually odorless,” says Anna Hill. “Using paints from manufacturers whose products contain only low levels of VOCs will help avoid these unpleasant odors or lingering odors.”
And Victoria Yardley wholeheartedly agrees. “The best way to reduce paint odors is to tackle the problem at the source by making the right choices. Type of paint In the first place,” she confirms.” Most of the strong odors associated with decorating come from solvents and high VOC levels, so choose modern ultra-low VOC, Water based paint can make a huge difference.”
Shop for low VOC paint
Lakeland Paints
Soft Sheen Paint
This cleanable soft sheen paint is considered zero VOC and comes in a range of colors
earth birth
Dorothy – Claypaint – 2.5 L
This soft shade of blue will brighten up any space in your home and pairs well with other shades
Dunelm
Dunelm Eggshell Emulsion Paint
2. Use fresh air – it’s free too
And secondly, it’s about using what nature provides us for free – fresh air. whatever Types of windows You have, “Keeping the windows open will help to ensure good ventilation while painting,” says Anna.
“The most reliable way to clean up paint odors is to have good airflow during and after decorating,” agrees Victoria. Keeping windows open, encouraging cross-ventilation where possible, and allowing the room to breathe will always be more effective than relying solely on home hacks.
“By combining ventilation with low COV paint, you’re reducing the number of odorous compounds being released into the space in the first place, rather than trying to mask them later,” she concludes.
Well with the jury out and true on some of these hacks, the solution is obvious, the right color and some good old fashioned fresh air is the best way to make your home smell sweeter faster.
You can also try using an air purifier such as Molecule Air Pro To remove any lingering toxins, and make sure you don’t double up on WiFi walls, check Follow 5 rules when choosing paint colors.
