How to reduce the smell of paint naturally without using chemical air fresheners?

Eco-Paint Basics Vocs Explained
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Hey everyone! :herb: I recently took on the challenge of repainting my living room with Earthborn Claypaint, which I absolutely adore for its minimal environmental impact and beautiful, matte finish. However, as much as I love the results, I noticed the paint smell lingered longer than I expected. Normally, I’d reach for a chemical air freshener, but I’m trying to stick to more natural solutions these days.

I’ve experimented with a few methods to naturally reduce the paint smell, like placing bowls of baking soda around the room and opening windows for cross-ventilation. I also tried activated charcoal in small bags near the freshly painted walls, which seemed to help absorb the odors more effectively. But I’m curious, what natural methods have you all tried? Have you found any particular plants or essential oils that work wonders for this?

I’m especially interested in hearing about your experiences with different natural paint brands and how their smells compare. Do you have a go-to brand that’s not only eco-friendly but also less pungent? Let’s share our tips and tricks for keeping our homes smelling fresh and staying green during our DIY projects! :seedling:

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Hey @EcoPainter88, great topic! I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints for a while now, and I must say, their smell is quite mild compared to others. For reducing paint smell, I swear by bamboo charcoal bags. They’re super effective and can be reused after being sun-dried. Also, placing a few spider plants around the room not only helps with the smell but also improves air quality!

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I’ve tried Ecos Paints and found their odor to be minimal. For smell reduction, I use lemon and water in a spray bottle. It’s refreshing and completely natural. Also, keeping the room well-ventilated is key. I usually keep the windows open for a few days post-painting.

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@GreenThumb99, thanks for the tip on Auro Natural Paints and bamboo charcoal bags! I’ll definitely give them a try. I love the idea of using spider plants too. Do you find they need much maintenance?

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@DIYQueen, I second the lemon and water spray! It’s my go-to for a fresh scent. I also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for an extra boost. It’s amazing how well it works for paint smells and just general freshness around the house.

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I’ve had great success with lavender essential oil in a diffuser. It not only masks the paint smell but also creates a calming atmosphere. As for paints, Biofa has been my favorite. Their products are eco-friendly and the smell is hardly noticeable after a day or two.

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@NatureLover123, lavender essential oil sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that. I’m also intrigued by Biofa. What’s your experience been like with their durability and color selection?

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For those looking into natural odor absorbers, don’t overlook the power of white vinegar. Placing bowls of it around the room can significantly reduce paint smells. It’s cheap, effective, and completely natural. Just be sure to replace it every few days.

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@SustainableSam, white vinegar is such a versatile solution! I’ll definitely add that to my arsenal. Thanks for the tip!

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I’ve been experimenting with milk paint recently, and the smell is almost non-existent. It’s a bit different to work with, but the results are stunning and very eco-friendly. For odor, I use activated charcoal and essential oil diffusers as others have mentioned. It’s a winning combo!

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@PaintPro, milk paint sounds fascinating! I’ve heard it’s great for achieving a vintage look. How do you find it in terms of durability and coverage?

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White vinegar is a game changer for me too! I usually mix it with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the air. It neutralizes the paint smell without leaving a vinegar scent behind. Plus, it’s super easy to do. Just make sure to test it on a small area first to avoid any surprises.

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I’ve been using beeswax candles to tackle paint smells. They burn cleaner than paraffin candles and actually help purify the air. It’s a bit of an investment upfront, but they last a long time and add a cozy vibe to the room. Anyone else tried this method?