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Quickest way to rid my house of very strong paint odour

5 replies

BobButtonsismycat · 29/08/2025 16:41

I have have a few chronic health issues including migraine and avoid any strong odours as much as I can as they can often trigger unwanted reactions (headaches and migraines, sore throat, nausea and weirdly an upset stomach). Due to this I avoid any strong chemical scents and odours in my house, always have done.

DH and I have been together for 35 years so he is fully aware of this and will always use very low odour paints. However, I have come home today to find he has glossed all the woodwork and doors in our house with the strongest smelling paint I have ever come across. Within 15 minutes of being back home I had a headache coming on, a sore throat and I feel really nauseated. I have no idea why he has chosen this paint and he is currently not my favourite person right now.

I have opened all the doors and windows in the house. I have shut our bedroom door and left the windows wide open and will have to spend the evening there but atm I need to do stuff around the house so have no choice but to breath it in.

Other than opening all windows and doors (not ideal as it's pissing down today) is there anything I can do to rid our house of this migraine induced stench?

OP posts:
PiggyPigalle · 29/08/2025 19:36

When all paint smelled like that, we'd leave a cut onion in the room. Peel and cut in half, cut side up, either end of the room overnight.

MadKittenWoman · 29/08/2025 19:45

Yeah, onions.

DongDingBell · 29/08/2025 19:55

Please don't take it out on DH. It's not his fault. Even low VOC gloss has a scent.

However, if it's affecting you that much, is there any way you can find a cheap b&b or travel lodge or similar for tonight?

BobButtonsismycat · 29/08/2025 21:19

PiggyPigalle · 29/08/2025 19:36

When all paint smelled like that, we'd leave a cut onion in the room. Peel and cut in half, cut side up, either end of the room overnight.

Thanks, I'll try anything to get rid of the smell.

OP posts:
BobButtonsismycat · 29/08/2025 21:21

DongDingBell · 29/08/2025 19:55

Please don't take it out on DH. It's not his fault. Even low VOC gloss has a scent.

However, if it's affecting you that much, is there any way you can find a cheap b&b or travel lodge or similar for tonight?

He purposely purchased the one which wasn't low odour because it was cheaper.
I survive on carers allowance, I can not afford a night in a tent let alone a travel lodge!

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