How to Get Rid of Paint Smell Safely | Painter in Greenwood, IN
There is nothing quite like walking into a freshly painted room. The clean lines and vibrant colors instantly breathe new life into your home. However, that lingering "new paint smell"—caused by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)—can quickly put a damper on your excitement.
As professional residential painters based in Mooresville, serving homeowners in Greenwood and the surrounding Central Indiana area, we want your home transformation to be as comfortable as it is beautiful.
Here are a few quick, safe, and actionable ways to eliminate paint odors:
1. Cross-Ventilate (But Mind the Indiana Weather)
The fastest way to clear out fumes is fresh air. Open windows on opposite sides of the room and set up box fans to push the air outward. However, Indiana’s climate can complicate this. During our humid summers, high moisture levels can actually slow down paint drying times and trap odors. Likewise, opening windows during freezing winter temperature swings isn't practical. If the weather doesn't cooperate, rely on your HVAC system with a fresh air filter, or run a dehumidifier to keep air dry and moving.
2. Use Natural Odor Absorbers
You don't need harsh chemicals to fight chemical smells. Place bowls of baking soda, activated charcoal, or even water with sliced lemons around the freshly painted room. These natural remedies are highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing VOCs from the air overnight.
3. Slice Up an Onion
It might sound unusual, but placing a few plates of thickly sliced onions around the room works wonders. Onions contain a substance that neutralizes the compounds causing the paint odor, and they won't leave a heavy onion smell behind once they are removed.
4. Opt for Low-VOC Paints
The best way to handle paint smell is to prevent it entirely. When planning your project, ask your contractor to use low-VOC or zero-VOC formulas. Modern eco-friendly paints offer incredible durability and coverage without the harsh fumes.
At the end of the day, a professional application ensures the right products are dried and cured correctly for your home's unique environment. If you are ready to update your space without the headache, our crew is here to help.
We proudly serve homeowners in Greenwood and across Hendricks, Morgan, Marion, and Johnson counties. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us handle your next painting project safely and professionally!
