How to Get Rid of Paint Smell in Your House: A Homeowner’s Guide to a Safer, Fresher Space

You’ve just hired interior house painters, and your walls look amazing. But now you’re stuck with the lingering scent of paint, and all you want is your house to smell like home again. Whether it’s a subtle odor or an overwhelming fume, figuring out how to get rid of paint smell in your house can be frustrating, especially if you have kids, pets, or sensitive lungs.

Let’s clear the air — literally.

• Paint smells are caused by VOCs (volatile organic compounds), especially in oil-based and older paint formulas.
• Good ventilation is the fastest way to eliminate odors.
• Natural odor absorbers like baking soda and activated charcoal can work wonders.
• Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are a smart choice for future projects.
• Interior house painters can help you plan ahead to reduce fumes from the start.

The distinct “new paint” smell comes from VOCs — chemical compounds that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. Some VOCs are harmless in small amounts, but others can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and long-term health concerns with prolonged exposure.

Water-based (latex) paints typically contain fewer VOCs than oil-based paints, but both can leave behind a noticeable odor for hours or even days.

For most people, a few hours of exposure to paint fumes isn’t dangerous — just unpleasant. However, it can be harmful for:

• Infants and children
• Pregnant women
• Elderly individuals
• People with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues

For these groups, it’s important to minimize exposure and speed up the removal of odors as quickly as possible.

Open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use fans to push air out and bring fresh air in. This is your #1 weapon against lingering paint smells.

Pro tip: Place a box fan in a window facing outward to pull fumes outside.

Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber. Place bowls of it in the painted rooms overnight to trap lingering VOCs.

You can find it at pet stores (used in aquariums) or online.

Baking soda isn’t just for your fridge. Set bowls around the room — especially near freshly painted walls — to soak up smells.

Vinegar neutralizes odors in the air. Fill small bowls with white vinegar and leave them in the room overnight. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell fades quickly.

Beeswax or soy candles with essential oils can help mask or eliminate VOC smells. Some candles are specifically designed to neutralize chemical odors.

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective at capturing VOCs. Use one in the room during and after painting.

This old trick involves placing cut onions in bowls around the room. Onions contain sulfur compounds that neutralize paint odors. Just be ready for… onion smell.

Warm air increases VOC evaporation. Keeping your thermostat a little lower can reduce how much odor gets into the air in the first place.

Add sliced lemons to bowls of water for a fresh-smelling DIY solution. The citrus scent helps mask the paint smell while the water absorbs VOCs.

Keep doors to other rooms closed and seal off air vents in painted areas if possible. This keeps fumes from traveling through the house.

The best way to deal with paint smell is to avoid it altogether.

Here’s how:

Most major brands offer eco-friendly paint options that significantly reduce VOC levels. Ask your interior house painters to recommend brands like:

• Benjamin Moore Natura
• Sherwin-Williams Harmony
• Behr Premium Plus Zero VOC

Pick a time when you can keep windows open for 24-48 hours after painting. Spring and fall are ideal.

Experienced interior house painters know how to minimize odors by using the right products, equipment, and techniques. They’ll also advise you on ventilation and cleanup.

It depends on:

• The type of paint used (oil-based takes longer)
• The size of the room
• Ventilation quality
• Temperature and humidity

With proper airflow and odor absorbers, most paint smells fade within 1–3 days. Without ventilation, it can take a week or more.

If the paint smell lingers longer than a week, or if you experience symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or breathing issues, consult a professional. You may need to:

• Repaint with low-VOC options
• Use a professional-grade air scrubber
• Call an indoor air quality specialist

Hiring the right interior house painters can make all the difference. From using low-VOC paints to ensuring top-tier ventilation, Rojas Painting makes sure your home looks great and smells fresh.

Let’s make your next painting project a breath of fresh air — literally.

Call Rojas Painting today at 707-353-7471 to schedule your consultation.