How to Get Rid of Paint Smells

Co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and Eric McClure

Last Updated: November 26, 2022 References

Though many paint brands are now eco-friendly and safer than ever, the smell of paint can still be toxic, headache-inducing, and unpleasant. Thankfully, you can eliminate the smell of paint from your home or office using one or more general household items.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Buckets of Water

1
Fill up a one to three-gallon bucket with tap water.
2
Place the bucket of water in the center of a room that has recently been painted. The water should absorb any solvent vapors left over from the paint job.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Use two or more buckets of water as needed for large rooms or spaces.
Advertisement
3
Allow the bucket of water to sit overnight, or until the paint smell has dissipated.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Dispose of the water when finished. The water will not be safe to drink or use after having absorbed paint smells.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using an Onion

1
Peel away the outer layer of a medium- or large-sized white or yellow onion. These types of onions are best at absorbing odors.^{[3]
X
Research source}
2
Use a knife to slice the onion in half.
3
Place each half of the onion onto its own plate or shallow bowl, with the cut side facing up.
- Use two or more onions as needed for large rooms or spaces.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
4
Place each bowl at opposite sides of a room that has recently been painted. The onion will naturally absorb the paint odor.
5
Allow the onions to sit overnight, or until the paint smell has dissipated.
6
Dispose of the onion when finished. The onion will not be safe to cook with or eat after absorbing paint smells.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Salt, Lemon, and Vinegar

1
Fill up three or more bowls halfway with tap water.
2
Add a slice of lemon and one-quarter cup (59.14 mL) of salt to each bowl of water.
- Substitute white vinegar for lemon and salt if you lack these ingredients. If using vinegar, use one part vinegar for every one part water.
3
Place all bowls around a room that has recently been painted. Water, lemon, salt, and vinegar have the ability to naturally absorb paint odors.^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Allow the bowls to sit overnight, or until the paint smell has dissipated.
5
Dispose of the lemons, water, and other contents when finished. These items will not be safe to consume after having absorbed paint smells.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Wood Charcoal or Coffee Grounds

1
Put on work gloves and use your hands to crush and break up whole pieces of wood charcoal into smaller pieces. Alternately, use a coffee bean grinder to grind up whole coffee beans.
2
Place the charcoal pieces or coffee grounds into two or more bowls as needed.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Place all bowls around a room that has recently been painted.
4
Allow the bowls to sit overnight, or until the paint smell has dissipated.
5
Dispose of the charcoal pieces or coffee grounds when finished. These items will not be ideal to use for cooking after having absorbed paint smells.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do candles get rid of paint smell?

Jeff Baldwin
Residential Painter
Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.

Jeff Baldwin

Residential Painter

Expert Answer

Burning candles can help mask the odor, but open your windows if you can to help your room air out.
Question

I had my kitchen and living room painted in July, and now it smells like smoke and my eyes burn. I have tried all kinds of things to clean the wall, but had no luck. Any suggestions?

Bo$$yNJ

Community Answer

Do you smoke in the house or burn incense or candles? That may be your problem. Try something different for odor control like the ceramic rings that you put scents on, or open a window and use Febreeze.
Question

How do I avoid fumes and odor while painting?

Bo$$yNJ

Community Answer

Stores sell paint with less fumes; open a few windows, use a fan, and if you have a vent system, utilize it.

Warnings

Make sure all pets and children are kept away from objects you’re using to absorb paint smells, such as water and onions. These items may be hazardous when ingested, especially after having absorbed paint fumes.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1