The Role of Scented Candles in Odor Neutralization

After a renovation, it’s common to experience strong chemical odors that can linger long after the work is completed. These smells often originate from various materials used during the renovation process, including paint, adhesives, varnishes, new furniture, and construction materials. While the fresh look of a newly renovated space is appealing, the harsh odors from these products can be overwhelming and even harmful if not properly addressed. Prolonged exposure to these odors can affect indoor air quality and cause discomfort, making it essential to find effective solutions for neutralizing and eliminating them. This blog will explore the causes of post-renovation odors and the best strategies for ensuring a fresh, clean-smelling environment.

Following a renovation, chemical odors can persist, creating an unpleasant and sometimes harmful environment. These lingering smells are primarily caused by the release of gases from various materials used during the renovation process, a phenomenon known as off-gassing. Understanding the sources of these odors and their potential health risks is key to effectively managing them.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

What Are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted by certain solids and liquids commonly used in renovations, such as paint, varnish, adhesives, and construction materials. These compounds are responsible for much of the strong chemical odor experienced after renovations. While VOCs are released into the air during and after application of these products, they can continue to off-gas for days or even weeks, contributing to persistent odors.

Health Risks

Prolonged exposure to VOCs poses several health risks, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation. In poorly ventilated areas, the concentration of VOCs can build up, making the environment uncomfortable or even hazardous. For this reason, it’s essential to address these odors promptly to ensure that the living or working space is both fresh-smelling and safe.

Off-Gassing from New Materials

New Furniture and Carpeting

Off-gassing doesn’t just come from paint or adhesives—it also occurs with new furniture, carpets, and other construction materials. Many of these products release chemicals such as formaldehyde and VOCs into the air, contributing to that "new" smell often noticed in freshly renovated spaces. While the scent may initially seem a sign of cleanliness or freshness, the chemicals responsible for the odor can linger for an extended period if not properly addressed.

Sealing and Paint Products

Sealing products, paints, and varnishes are major contributors to lingering odors after renovations. These materials often continue to off-gas for days or even weeks after application. Without proper ventilation and odor-neutralizing methods, these chemical smells can remain noticeable and potentially harmful. It’s important to allow for adequate ventilation and consider odor-neutralizing solutions to minimize the impact of these substances.



After a renovation, it’s important to take immediate action to reduce lingering chemical odors and improve indoor air quality. By increasing ventilation and using air purification systems, you can help neutralize the strong smells caused by VOCs and other chemicals, creating a safer and more comfortable environment.

Improve Ventilation

Open Windows and Doors

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce chemical odors after a renovation is by increasing air circulation. Open windows and doors during and after the renovation work to allow fresh air to flow into the space. This influx of fresh air helps push chemical fumes and VOCs outdoors, reducing their concentration inside the home or office. Regularly airing out the space can significantly accelerate the dissipation of odors.

Use Exhaust Fans and Ventilation Systems

Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens are designed to pull stale air and fumes out of indoor spaces, making them particularly useful for removing VOCs. Turn on exhaust fans during and after renovation work to help draw chemical fumes out of the air. For larger spaces or more persistent odors, use the HVAC system or portable fans to improve airflow and distribute fresh air throughout the space. These systems can help ensure that the air inside is regularly refreshed, speeding up the removal of odors.

Use Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters

How Activated Carbon Works

Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters are highly effective in absorbing chemical compounds like VOCs from the air. The porous structure of activated carbon allows it to trap and neutralize odor-causing molecules, including those from paint, adhesives, and new materials. Running an air purifier with an activated carbon filter can significantly reduce the presence of chemical fumes and help restore air quality post-renovation.

HEPA Filters for Dust

In addition to using activated carbon filters, consider pairing them with HEPA filters. While carbon filters target odors, HEPA filters are designed to capture dust, particles, and other airborne contaminants that can carry chemical residues. Together, these filters work to ensure that both odors and particulates are removed from the air, providing a cleaner and healthier indoor environment after renovation.



For those seeking eco-friendly and chemical-free methods to combat post-renovation odors, natural odor-neutralizing solutions are highly effective and safe to use. Baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal are among the best options for neutralizing strong chemical smells left behind by paint, adhesives, and new materials.

Use Baking Soda

Absorb Chemical Odors

Baking soda is a powerful and natural odor absorber, making it an excellent choice for neutralizing chemical smells after renovations. Place bowls of baking soda around the renovated area to help trap VOCs and off-gassing fumes from paint, adhesives, and other materials. The baking soda will gradually absorb and neutralize the odors, providing an easy and low-cost solution.

Use on Carpets and Upholstery

For odors embedded in new carpets or upholstered furniture, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the surface. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the chemical fumes, then vacuum it up. This method is particularly effective for fabrics that tend to trap and hold onto odors, providing a fresh, clean scent without the need for harsh chemicals.

Vinegar as a Natural Deodorizer

Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is another effective and natural way to neutralize chemical odors. To tackle strong smells, mix equal parts water and white vinegar, and place bowls of this solution in rooms with lingering chemical odors. Vinegar is especially helpful for neutralizing the smell of fresh paint and other renovation materials, as it works to break down and eliminate the chemical compounds responsible for the odor.

Wipe Down Surfaces

For non-porous surfaces such as walls, countertops, or furniture, use a vinegar solution to wipe down these areas. This will help remove any chemical residues that may be contributing to the odors and leave the space smelling fresher. Vinegar is an effective and non-toxic cleaner that works on a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile option for odor control.

Use Activated Charcoal

Odor Absorbing Power

Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing odors caused by VOCs and other chemicals. Place small bowls or mesh bags of activated charcoal around the renovated space to help trap and neutralize lingering fumes. Charcoal’s porous structure allows it to capture a wide range of airborne particles, making it an excellent solution for addressing chemical odors.

Long-Lasting Solution

Unlike some other odor-neutralizing methods, activated charcoal can absorb odors for several weeks, making it a durable and long-lasting option. For continuous odor control, replace the charcoal periodically to maintain its effectiveness. This solution is ideal for spaces that may take longer to fully air out after a renovation, ensuring the air remains fresh over time.



For more persistent or challenging odors, especially those resulting from renovations, advanced odor-neutralization techniques may be necessary. These methods, ranging from ozone generators to professional deodorizing services, offer powerful and long-lasting solutions to chemical odors that simple ventilation or natural remedies might not fully address.

Ozone Generators

How Ozone Neutralizes Odors

Ozone generators are highly effective at breaking down odor-causing chemicals and VOCs at the molecular level. By releasing ozone (O₃) into the air, these devices cause a chemical reaction with the odor particles, effectively neutralizing them. Ozone works by oxidizing the molecules responsible for bad smells, making it particularly useful for eliminating strong post-renovation odors from paint, adhesives, and new materials.

Safety Precautions

While ozone generators are powerful, they come with important safety precautions. Ozone can be harmful if inhaled, so it’s crucial to use ozone generators only in unoccupied spaces. After running the generator for a few hours, ventilate the area thoroughly by opening windows and using fans to circulate fresh air. Ensure that no people or pets enter the room until the ozone has fully dissipated, usually a few hours after treatment.

Use of Professional Deodorizing Services

Thermal Fogging

For more comprehensive odor neutralization, professional deodorizing services may use thermal fogging techniques. Thermal fogging disperses deodorizing agents into the air in the form of a fine mist that penetrates deeply into materials like carpets, walls, and upholstery. This process is highly effective for eliminating odors embedded in porous surfaces, ensuring that chemical smells are neutralized at their source.

Hydroxyl Generators

A safer alternative to ozone generators, hydroxyl generators use UV light to create hydroxyl radicals that break down odors and VOCs without the associated health risks of ozone. Unlike ozone, hydroxyl generators can be used in occupied spaces, making them a more flexible and safer option for odor neutralization in homes, offices, or public spaces. These devices provide continuous air purification without requiring evacuation, making them ideal for long-term use.

Use of Essential Oils

Natural Air Purifiers

Essential oils offer a natural and safe way to purify the air and reduce chemical odors. Adding a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender to a diffuser can help disperse their antimicrobial and deodorizing properties throughout the space. These oils not only mask the odors but also have the potential to neutralize some VOCs, providing a natural alternative for those sensitive to chemical products.

DIY Essential Oil Spray

For a simple, effective DIY solution, mix water with a few drops of essential oils in a spray bottle. Spritz this mixture around the room or directly onto surfaces to help mask chemical odors while naturally purifying the air. This spray can be used on curtains, furniture, or bedding to add a pleasant scent and reduce lingering renovation smells. Essential oils like lemon or peppermint are particularly refreshing for neutralizing harsh chemical odors.



To prevent chemical odors from lingering long after a renovation, it's essential to consider long-term strategies that minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and maintain fresh air circulation. By making thoughtful choices during renovations and maintaining proper ventilation, you can significantly reduce chemical odors and create a healthier indoor environment.

Choose Low-VOC or VOC-Free Products

Low-VOC Paints and Sealants

One of the most effective ways to reduce chemical odors after a renovation is by selecting low-VOC or VOC-free products. These options emit fewer harmful chemicals into the air, which means fewer lingering odors and a safer indoor environment. Using low-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants during your renovation can drastically cut down on off-gassing, leading to better air quality both during and after the project.

Sustainable Building Materials

Choosing eco-friendly, sustainable building materials can also help minimize chemical odors. Materials like bamboo flooring, formaldehyde-free insulation, and furniture made from natural fibers release fewer VOCs compared to conventional options. These sustainable alternatives not only reduce off-gassing but also promote a healthier living or working space by minimizing the presence of synthetic chemicals that contribute to long-lasting odors.

Maintain Proper Ventilation Post-Renovation

Continuous Air Circulation

After completing a renovation, maintaining proper ventilation is key to preventing chemical odors from settling in the space. Keep windows open periodically to allow any lingering VOCs to dissipate. Adding ceiling fans or installing additional vents can help keep the air flowing, ensuring that odors don’t become trapped indoors. Continuous air circulation is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your space remains fresh and odor-free in the long term.

Install Air Exchangers

For more comprehensive ventilation, consider installing an air exchange system in your home. Air exchangers work by bringing fresh outdoor air into the house while simultaneously removing stale, polluted indoor air. These systems help to minimize VOC buildup, ensuring a constant flow of clean air that reduces chemical odors. This is a particularly valuable investment for spaces that have undergone extensive renovations or use materials known for emitting VOCs.