Why Does Bathroom Smell Like A Paint Thinner? (Explained)

Do you smell paint thinner in your bathroom? Probably your bathroom might have had a renovation recently, or it must be the smell coming from a clog in your vent pipes.

Whatever the reason is, I can imagine the discomfort it might be creating for you in inhaling the air. The solvent particles in the air make you scrunch your nose and sometimes give you headaches.

Most people do not consider it a problem to get rid of and end up causing themselves physical harm. It is even strange that some people like the paint thinner smell because sniffing these smells makes them high.

That doesn’t stop here. People are so addicted to this smell, that they even paint their homes very often. But remember, the toxic particles can harm your health if inhaled in large quantities.

In this guide, I have tried to keep everything simple so that you can understand why your bathroom smells like paint thinner and what’s the solution. This post will address:

• What is a Paint Thinner?
• Why your Bathroom smells like paint thinner? (possible reasons)
• Is Paint Thinner Smell harmful?
• How do get rid of the paint thinner smell from bathroom?

What is Paint Thinner?

Paint thinners are the solvents that help in dissolving and reducing the thickness of oil-based paints. When there is a need for making a mixture thin, Paint thinners come to the rescue. Besides, Paint thinners are also used for various cleaning purposes such as removing grease residue, and stains as well as cleaning paint equipment (paintbrushes, rollers, etc).

Why Bathroom Smell Like A Paint Thinner?

A recent bathroom renovation can include freshly painted walls that cause your bathroom to smell like a paint thinner. According to Atlantic Environment Incorporated, after applying paint thinner, it takes time to evaporate. If your bathroom doesn’t have a proper ventilation system, getting rid of the smell won’t be so quick.

After a repaint, the smell can settle in fabrics such as clothes and carpets present in your bathroom. As a result, you have to deal with this smell for days.

Sometimes, clogs in your bathroom’s vent pipe could be a reason for the paint thinner smell.

Because chemicals from regular bathroom products, including conditioner, shampoo, and soap can form clogs in your bathroom’s vent pipe, releasing an ominous paint thinner-like smell.

It might sound weird, but an air conditioner in the bathroom could also be a possible reason. But first, Do bathrooms have air conditioners?

Well, some bathrooms are configured differently. For example, If your bath space includes a dressing area, then probably an Air Conditioner must be installed. Therefore, how an air conditioner can make your bathroom smell like paint thinner?

An AC system uses various chemical fluids inside. If your air conditioner has run out of some malfunction, then probably it is leaking chemicals inside. These chemicals circulate all over the air and make your environment smell similar to paint thinner.

Is Paint Thinner Smell Harmful?

For most people, visiting their bathroom with a paint thinner smell can create discomfort. Also, If you are exposed to paint thinner smell for too long, the vapor present in the air can harm you physically causing migraines, or irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat.

Moreover, Inhaling paint thinner smell can affect your lungs. Some common side effects include hallucinations, headaches, unconsciousness, etc. But it only happens if exposed for a long period.

Paint thinner smell can indeed evaporate quickly if your bathroom has a proper ventilation system. Also, opening the windows will do the work. However, if you are dealing with a windowless bathroom, it takes time for the solvent particles in the air to evaporate.

Let’s look at some possible solutions to get rid of the paint-thinner smell in the bathroom.

Information Source | Are Paint Thinner Fumes Harmful? – ThatPainter

How to Get Rid of Paint Thinner Smell from Bathroom?

Open Windows

The most obvious and cost-effective thing you can do is to open up windows/doors and let the airflow through them.

The smell of paint thinner is highly volatile, which means they are like acetone and can evaporate if windows/doors are left open in the room. Additionally, you can set up a fan to push the air out of the window. It will make the process much faster.

But what if you are dealing with a windowless bathroom? There comes the next solution.

Use Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are useful for preventing airborne allergens as well as eliminating unpleasant odors from the air. It pulls the air in through its coil, filters out particles, and releases fresh air back into the room. Therefore, placing a mini dehumidifier in your bathroom helps in getting rid of odors from the bathroom.

Place Charcoal Bags

One of the best natural ways to get rid of the paint-thinner smell is by placing activated charcoal bags in your bathroom. Activated charcoal is capable of absorbing any type of unpleasant smell and moisture from the air.

Get some bamboo charcoal bags from nearby department stores or home goods stores, then place them in different places in your bathroom. Leave it like that for one or two days. It will eliminate the smell of paint thinner, leaving a natural fragrance.

Clean Fabrics

The solvent particles are not only present in the air but also settle into the surface of fabrics such as mats, curtains, and clothes present in your bathroom. Once eliminate odors from your bathroom, it’s recommended to refresh every fabric material.

• Get Rid of Paint Thinner Smell from Mats/Carpets:

One of the best ways to refresh mats/carpets is by using baking soda and essential oils. Mix two cups of baking soda with 8 to 15 drops of essential oil. Once done mixing, sprinkle the mixture on the mat/carpet and let it sit overnight. Finally, vacuum it up in the morning. Done!

Remember, to use light-colored and pure essential oil to avoid stains.

• Get Rid of Paint Thinner Smell from Clothes:

White Vinegar (found in the kitchen) is the first choice when it comes to getting rid of the smell from clothes. First, add two tablespoons of white vinegar to warm water. Then, soak your clothes in it. Let it sit for 30 minutes. After soaking, wash the clothes with cold water. Once dry, iron your clothes as heat thoroughly eliminate the smell.