Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

October, 2008

Indoor Paint Odor Problems

Over the past several months I have received questions form our readers concerning terrible indoor paint odors in some of their freshly painted rooms. Some readers described the odor as smelling like smelly socks, and apparently the odor can become unbearable. I have suggested that they open the windows and perhaps place a fan in the room to drive of the odors. Well, I have now learned that this is not the way to deal with the problem. Apparently, the odor worsens when the windows are open and some chemical reaction takes place when fresh air (oxygen) gets to the paint.

I am still looking further into this issue, but in the meantime if you are experiencing this problem please refer to the following link:

http://www.wtov9.com/houseandhome/1783635/detail.html

Regards,

Ron Joseph