The main reason your mattress smells like paint could be because of volatile organic chemical, which is the major chemical for production.
There are various ways to eliminate the paint smell from your mattress to give your mattress a refreshing odor, and you can find one in one of the sections below.
Why does my mattress smell like paint?
Your mattress can smell like paint because of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Moreover, during packaging, trap gases can cause a foul odor. So, VOC gas (off-gassing) emitted can be why your mattress smells like paint.
There are various mattresses, and some emit toxic fumes that smell like paint. In most cases, it is due to poor ventilation.
However, some mattresses that smell like paint may not be new. So, in that case, it could be other reasons like your sweat, dead cells, etc. To avoid any discomfort, take good care of your old mattress because if your mattress smells terrible, you probably won’t enjoy it.
See 8 Reasons You Should Not Stack Memory Foam Mattress
How to Stop Your mattress from smelling like paint
To stop your mattress from smelling like paint:
- Use baking soda and water to remove the off-gassing effect.
- Mix water and baking soda in a ratio of five portions of water to one part of baking soda.
- After mixing, place the mixture in your room to neutralize the smell.
- You can also air it out to fasten the process.
However, if the paint smell does not stop entirely after applying baking soda, you can use a thick mattress cover to suppress the foul smell. There will be no smell to worry about in a few days because your mattress will stop smelling like paint.
Find out: Why Does My Mattress Smell So Bad?
FAQs
How long do mattresses emit VOCs?
The duration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission from mattresses varies by type. All mattresses release some level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But, Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses, which have more ingredients with more adhesives, tend to emit VOCs for a more extended period than other mattress types.
VOCs are a specific byproduct of the synthetic foam manufacturing process. While they’re most common in mattresses that contain polyfoam or memory foam, any mattress can emit these harmful chemicals over time.
How long should you wait to sleep on a mattress that smells like paint?
If the mattress smells like paint, you should wait at least 24 hours before sleeping. The smell will disappear with time and air out the mattress. But it is a good idea to allow some paint fumes to escape before sleeping on the mattress.
Can I sleep on my new mattress right away?
Most mattresses do not require a break-in period, but some may have a few hours or overnight, depending on the brand, so it is best to check with the manufacturer.
Yes, pressing various parts of the surface or walking over it is important to help break the mattress. The mattress may feel stiff initially, but this will go away after a few weeks. Additionally, mattresses purchased from other brands may smell for a few weeks; this is normal and will dissipate over time.
How long does it take for a mattress to air out?
A mattress can take a few days to a few weeks to air out because mattresses that release more VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) may smell up to a few weeks after unpacking the mattress. Additionally, petroleum-based foam mattresses may have a lingering new mattress smell.
How long should you wait to sleep on a new mattress?
Typically, it is best to wait a few days before sleeping on the mattress, and this will allow time for any chemical smell to dissipate and let you begin to note how the mattress feels.
Some people need a few days of settling in before they feel comfortable sleeping on their mattress, while others might feel right away that the mattress is the right fit for them.
Can I sleep on a mattress that smells like paint?
It is not recommended to sleep on a mattress that smells like paint, as the smell can cause an allergic reaction. If you are looking for advice from a professional, call your doctor or take the mattress to a professional for an inspection.
There is no way to know what the paint smell means about your mattress, and it is not safe to sleep on. Sleeping on furniture or mattresses that smell like paint is not recommended because it may cause allergic reactions.
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