If you’ve recently renovated your home, or are in the process of doing so, you’ll know that the smell of paint and plaster can be quite strong. And while it’s definitely a new-home smell, not everyone loves it. The smell of paint may even trigger headaches in some people.
So, if you’re looking for ways to get rid of the smell of paint and plaster from your home, here are a few tips:
1. Open up all the windows and doors to air out the house
‘This is probably the most effective way to get rid of the smell quickly. If it’s a nice day, open up all the doors and windows to let in some fresh air. You may even want to consider setting up some fans to help circulate the air.
The air circulation can help to dissipate the fumes and smells more quickly. Just be sure that you open up the windows before you start painting so that the fumes don’t get trapped inside.
2. Use an air purifier
If you don’t want to open up all the windows, or it’s not possible to do so, then using an air purifier can help to remove the smell from the air.
Air purifiers work by trapping particles in the air and then releasing clean air back into the room. Look for an air purifier that has a HEPA filter as this will be most effective at removing particles from the air.
3. Clean all surfaces that have been painted
Once you’ve finished painting, it’s important to clean all surfaces that have been painted. This includes the walls, ceilings, floors, and any furniture or fittings that were close to the area where you were painting.
Use a mild soap and water solution to wipe down all surfaces. This will help to remove any residual paint fumes and smells.
4. Leave out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds
You can also try leaving out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds to absorb the smell of paint fumes. Just place the bowl in the room where you were painting and leave it there for a few days until the smell has dissipated.
The reason for this is that both vinegar and coffee grounds are very good at absorbing odours.
5. Use a dehumidifier
If you live in a humid climate, then using a dehumidifier can also help to get rid of the smell of paint fumes. The dehumidifier will help to remove moisture from the air, which can make the smell of paint fumes less noticeable.
Just be sure to empty the water tank regularly as it can become full quite quickly.
6. Burn candles or use essential oils
Just like coffee and vinegar, if you have candles and essential oils in your home, then you can use them to help get rid of the smell of paint fumes.
The best way to do this is to burn the candles or essential oils in the room where you were painting. The scent will help to mask the smell of the paint fumes and make your home smell nice and fresh again.
7. Try a store-bought solution
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still struggling with the smell of paint fumes, then you may want to try a store-bought solution.
There are a number of products on the market that are designed to remove odours from the air. These usually come in the form of sprays or plug-in devices. So, there you have it, seven ways to get rid of the smell of paint and plaster from your home.
If you’re someone who’s sensitive to smells, then hopefully, these tips will help to make your home a more pleasant place to be.