How to Get Rid of Paint Smell Quickly and Safely

8 Quick Tips on How to Get Rid of Paint Smell

1. Ventilate the Space

Proper airflow is one of the most effective and natural ways to clear out strong paint odors. Whether someone is dealing with fresh paint in a single room or an entire home, good ventilation helps push the fumes outside and brings in fresh air.

Open Windows and Doors for Cross-Ventilation

Cross-ventilation means letting air flow in from one side and out the other. This creates a path for the fumes to escape faster and allows clean air to replace them.

• Open Opposite Windows or Doors: This lets air pass through the space, pushing paint fumes out and pulling clean air in. The wider the openings, the better the airflow.
  
• Keep Entryways Open Between Rooms: Opening interior doors lets the air circulate between spaces, especially if the paint smell has spread beyond one area.
  
• Leave Openings Unblocked: Curtains, furniture, or other objects should be moved aside so airflow isn’t restricted.

Use Fans to Increase Airflow

Fans can help boost ventilation by moving air more forcefully. This is especially useful when natural air movement is slow or when windows are small.

• Place Box Fans in Windows: Pointing fans outward helps pull the paint fumes outside. This method is a common and effective paint smell ventilation tip.
  
• Set Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise: In warmer months, this setting pushes air downward, helping circulate the odor out faster.
  
• Use Multiple Fans: Using more than one fan speeds up the process. One fan can bring fresh air in, and another can push smelly air out.

Keep Air Moving for Several Hours or Days

Ventilation shouldn’t stop once the painting is done. Even after the paint dries, fumes may linger. Ongoing airflow continues to improve air quality.

• Let Fans Run Overnight: If safe, keeping fans on through the night clears out stubborn odors while the space is unoccupied.
  
• Keep Windows Cracked: A slightly open window, even during colder weather, helps reduce trapped paint smells over time.
  
• Avoid Sealing the Room Too Soon: Doors and windows should stay open as long as possible, especially in the first 24–48 hours after painting.

2. Use Onions to Absorb Fumes

Paint smells can linger in a room for days, especially in areas with limited ventilation. While most people are familiar with common methods like opening windows or using fans, one surprisingly effective trick involves using onions. This method is natural, simple, and cost-effective—perfect for those looking for non-toxic paint odor solutions that don’t rely on chemicals or synthetic fragrances.

Onions release sulfur compounds when cut, which interact with airborne chemicals, including those responsible for the strong paint odor. Although the idea may seem odd, the chemical reaction helps neutralize paint fumes rather than just masking them.

How To Use Onions to Reduce Paint Odor

To make the most of this method, it’s important to prep the onions and place them strategically in the room. This technique works best when paired with paint smell ventilation tips, like opening windows and running fans.

• Cut Onions in Half: Slice 2–3 medium onions in half to expose their inner layers. This increases their ability to absorb odor-causing molecules in the air.
  
• Place in Shallow Bowls of Water: Set each onion half in a bowl filled with a small amount of water. The water helps carry the scent-absorbing properties into the air more effectively.
  
• Spread Bowls Around the Room: Position bowls near painted walls, corners, and other odor-prone areas. Use multiple bowls for larger rooms to improve coverage.
  
• Leave Overnight or for Several Hours: Let the onions sit undisturbed for at least 6–8 hours. For strong odors, overnight placement is more effective.
  
• Dispose of Onions Safely: After use, discard the onions and water. Do not consume them, as they have absorbed chemicals from the air.

3. Install Temporary Exhaust Solutions

Using temporary exhaust methods is a smart and quick way to help remove paint odors from indoor spaces. When a room is freshly painted, strong fumes can linger and cause discomfort. 

Exhaust fans are more effective than just opening windows or using standard fans. They pull the air out of the room and push it outside, which speeds up the process of clearing the smell. This is one of the most reliable paint smell ventilation tips for those needing faster results after a painting project.

Best Ways to Set Up Exhaust Ventilation

Here are a few tools and methods that can help create a strong airflow system in a freshly painted space:

• Portable Exhaust Fan: A plug-in exhaust fan can be placed in the center or corner of the room. It pulls in the fumes and forces them outside when aimed properly toward an open window.
  
• Box Vent Fan in Window: Renting or using a box fan designed for ventilation can speed things up. When positioned in a window, it pulls the air directly out of the room. Make sure it fits securely and doesn’t allow air to come back in.
  
• Create Cross-Ventilation: Pairing an exhaust fan with an open window or door across the room creates a steady stream of fresh air. This setup helps push odor-filled air out while bringing fresh air in. 

4. Use Commercial Odor Absorbing Gels or Packs

When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of paint smell quickly—especially in rooms with poor airflow—commercial odor absorbing gels or packs can be a simple and safe solution. These products are designed to pull odors out of the air rather than just covering them up. 

How Odor Absorbing Gels and Packs Work

These products absorb odor molecules in the air, including those from fresh paint, using natural or chemical-free materials. They are often labeled as safe for households with children and pets, but checking the label is always recommended.

• Gel Odor Absorbers: These are gel-based containers that slowly evaporate, pulling in and neutralizing airborne odors over time. They usually last for several weeks.
  
• Natural Ingredient Options: Some commercial gels use non-toxic ingredients like citrus oils, plant extracts, or baking soda, making them ideal non-toxic paint odor solutions for sensitive environments.

Where and When to Use Them

These gels and packs are easy to place and require no electricity or setup. They work best when used immediately after painting but can also be used during the painting process.

• Poorly Ventilated Areas: Ideal for bathrooms, closets, or rooms without windows, where natural airflow is limited.
  
• After-Painting Cleanup: Place odor removers in freshly painted rooms to keep smells from lingering overnight or longer.
  
• Around Furniture and Fabrics: These products help prevent soft materials like curtains and couches from absorbing the smell of paint.

5. Seal and Store Paint Properly

After painting, many people forget that the leftover paint itself can continue to release strong odors. One of the easiest ways to reduce lingering fumes is by properly sealing and storing any leftover paint. Even a slightly open can could continue to let off unwanted smells for days. 

Paint that isn’t sealed correctly will release fumes that can travel through the room or even into other parts of the home. This is especially important for families trying to create a safer indoor environment using non-toxic paint odor solutions.

Steps to Seal and Store Paint Safely

These tips are easy to follow and help prevent paint odor from lingering in the home.

• Seal the Lid Tightly: Use a rubber mallet or gently press the lid down with your palm. Make sure it’s fully closed, with no gaps, to keep air out and fumes in.
  
• Wipe the Rim Before Closing: Clean the edge of the paint can before sealing it. Dried paint on the rim can stop the lid from closing all the way and let fumes escape.
  
• Use Plastic Wrap for Extra Protection: Placing a layer of plastic wrap over the can before sealing it adds another barrier against air exposure and leaking smells.
  
• Label the Paint Can Clearly: Write the color, room used in, and date on the can. This helps in case the paint is needed again, so it won’t have to be opened just to check.

Best Places to Store Leftover Paint

Choosing the right spot to store paint is just as important as sealing it.

• Cool, Dry Areas: Store paint in a temperature-controlled space like a basement or utility closet. Heat can cause the paint to expand and leak fumes, so avoid garages or attics.
  
• Away From Living Spaces: Keep paint out of bedrooms, kitchens, or other main living areas. This reduces the chance of lingering smells inside the home.
  
• Off the Floor: Store paint cans on a shelf or raised surface to avoid contact with moisture that could rust the can or break the seal.

6. Use Scented Remedies Safely

Using pleasant scents can help reduce the lingering smell of paint, but it’s important to choose the right options. Some air fresheners only cover the odor without actually removing it, which can make the smell worse or mix harshly with the paint fumes.

Choose Safe and Natural Fragrance Options

Using gentle, naturally scented products can help reduce paint smell without adding more chemicals to the air.

• Scented Soy or Beeswax Candles: These burn cleaner than paraffin candles and release a soft scent. When used in a well-ventilated room, they can help gently cut down on unpleasant odors.
  
• Essential Oil Diffusers: These devices use water and essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or lemon to fill the room with a light, fresh scent. They’re a safer alternative to synthetic sprays and often help make the space more comfortable.
  
• Simmer Pots With Natural Ingredients: Boiling citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or herbs like rosemary in water on the stove adds a refreshing, non-toxic scent to the air.

Avoid Common Air Freshener Mistakes

Not all products marketed for odor control are safe or effective when it comes to paint fumes. Some may worsen the situation.

• Aerosol Sprays: These often contain harsh chemicals that can mix poorly with paint odors, creating an even stronger smell that lingers.
  
• Plug-In Air Fresheners: These devices may emit synthetic compounds that don’t neutralize the paint odor but simply mask it.
  
• Overusing Scented Products: Using too many scented remedies at once can overwhelm the senses and lead to irritation, especially in smaller rooms.

7. Use Natural Odor Absorbers

After painting a room, one of the fastest and safest ways on how to get rid of paint smell is by using natural odor absorbers. These methods are simple, affordable, and work without any harsh chemicals—making them ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone looking for non-toxic paint odor solutions. 

Baking Soda For Paint Odor

Baking soda for paint odor is a classic, natural deodorizer known for its ability to absorb and neutralize unwanted smells. It’s safe, non-toxic, and easy to find.

• Place Open Bowls in Corners: Set small bowls or shallow dishes filled with baking soda for paint odor in different corners of the painted room. This helps absorb odor particles from the air gradually.
  
• Use on Soft Surfaces: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, rugs, or upholstery in the painted area. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up to pull out any absorbed paint odors.

Activated Charcoal For Paint Fumes

Activated charcoal for paint fumes is another powerful natural absorber. It’s especially good for removing strong and persistent smells like paint fumes. It’s often used in air purifiers, but loose charcoal can work on its own, too.

• Use Charcoal Bags or Bowls: Place Activated charcoal for paint fumes in breathable pouches or bowls throughout the room. These absorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that cause paint smells.
  
• Choose Unscented, Natural Charcoal: Make sure the charcoal is labeled safe for indoor use and is chemical-free. Charcoal marketed for pet or fridge odors usually works well.

White Vinegar to Neutralize Odor

White vinegar is not just for cleaning—it also helps cut down strong chemical smells, including paint fumes. Its acidic nature binds with odor-causing particles and breaks them down.

• Use in Open Containers: Fill bowls or cups with plain white vinegar and place them around the room. Leave them out for 12–24 hours to neutralize the smell.
  
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Dampen a cloth with diluted vinegar and gently wipe baseboards, windowsills, or non-painted surfaces. This removes any lingering residue that might hold onto odor.

8. Try Air-Purifying Plants or Air Purifiers

Indoor air can hold onto strong odors like paint fumes for hours or even days. One safe and effective way to speed up odor removal is to use natural and mechanical air-cleaning methods. 

Air-Purifying Plants That Absorb VOCs

Some indoor plants are known to naturally filter out harmful chemicals and freshen the air. They don’t remove all the paint smell instantly, but they help reduce it over time—especially when paired with other methods like opening windows.

• Peace Lily: Filters benzene, formaldehyde, and other common VOCs. Needs medium light and regular watering.
  
• Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Low-maintenance and great for bedrooms or small rooms. Removes formaldehyde and toluene.
  
• Spider Plant: Grows quickly and removes pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene.
  
• Areca Palm: A natural humidifier that helps reduce airborne toxins.

Use Air Purifiers for Faster Results

While plants help gradually, air purifiers with the right filters work faster to clear the air. They are especially helpful right after painting or in closed spaces where paint smell ventilation tips are harder to follow.

• HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate air filters are excellent for removing dust and small particles but don’t remove gases or odors well on their own.
  
• Activated Carbon Filters: These are the most effective for removing VOCs, including paint fumes. They work by trapping odor molecules in the carbon layer.Studies show that activated carbon-based techniques are effective for removal of VOCs and enhancing indoor air quality.
• Combo Units (HEPA + Carbon): The best choice for paint smell, as they remove both particles and gases. Useful for faster cleanup.