Polyurethane is a popular flooring material that is used in homes and offices because of its durability and water resistance.
The material is known for its long-lasting qualities; however, we often fail to pay attention to the fact that as this material ages, it gives off a strong odor. The question is How to Get Rid of Polyurethane Smell from Floors?
Polyurethane is a polymeric resin that is commonly used as a coating material on floors. This is a very popular finish for wood floors because it’s easy to repair, water-resistant, and works great on high-traffic areas.
It can also be very durable and a project finished with a polyurethane coating can last a lifetime. However, a disadvantage of a polyurethane finish is that it has a very strong chemical smell.
So let us discuss how to get rid of the polyurethane smell and we will also discuss the ways to remove the odor.
Different ways to Remove the Polyurethane Smell
Polyurethane is used in a number of different products. It is found in adhesives, fibrous materials, paints, and plastics as well as other types of foam.
Its durability and impact resistance makes it a popular choice for these different industries. It can usually easily seal up hardwood floors as needed, although it’s worth noting that polyurethane floors are generally not impervious to water damage.
If you happen to notice a polyurethane odor inside your home, try a few different methods to eliminate the smell from that specific area or room by first determining what could be causing this problem and then following one of the suggestions listed below depending on exactly where the smell is coming from.
Cut a Slice of Onion
This is an unorthodox solution but it works. Peel an onion and slice thinly, then put the slices in a shallow bowl of water with a little dish detergent added.
Place the bowl in the room where you smell polyurethane and it’ll absorb it.
Open the windows
It’s good to know that the bad smells from the floor can be removed with time. The chemical fumes are given off during the manufacturing of polyurethane foam typically don’t smell, but some manufacturers do use materials that may leave a temporary scent.
You can help this process along by ensuring that the room has plenty of ventilation. Try opening up the windows and allowing the fresh air to come inside for as long as you can still smell it.
Box Fan in the Window
Windows are great open spaces with lots of air coming in and out. Employing a small box fan can help to make the air in your space fresher by getting rid of unpleasant odors that stick to the walls, like polyurethane fumes.
Put one into an open window for all-day circulation. As an alternative, you may be able to borrow or rent this type of fan if you only need them on a short-term basis.
Run an Air Purifier
An air purifier is a device that will clear the air of harmful contaminants. It can range in size, but some are strong enough to cleanse an entire house’s atmosphere of pollutants.
You’d be surprised at how effective these devices are in removing the pungent chemicals found in products like urethane foam products for example.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get rid of any chemicals left behind and replace them with clean, fresh air instead.
Turn up the Heat
The heat helps in removing the smell. If possible, turn up the temperature in the room during the day to get the process started. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
If the temperature is going to dip below 50 degrees at night, you will need to turn up the heat in the room where your floors have just been refinished to make sure that things are kept constant and make sure proper preparation for curing can continue uninterrupted.
FAQs: How to Get Rid of Polyurethane Smell from Floors?
How long does it take for the polyurethane smell to go away?
The smell of polyurethane should be mostly eradicated within 5-7 days of applying it to your flooring, but you still might notice the scent in your house for up to a month.
If this is the case, there are some things you can do right now to speed this process up: – Place fans and leave windows open wherever you can to draw out any residual odor – Turn your heat source on and keep it at a level higher than usual so the aroma doesn’t linger as much throughout your home
How do you get rid of polyurethane smell fast?
The indoor air inside the home will be speedily eliminated from the polyurethane that is finding itself released into its atmosphere.
Additionally, the use of an air purifier will help to expedite the release entirely of the polyurethane odor which is related to the operation of having new wood floors.
An additional solution involves turning up your air conditioning so as to strengthen the cold air within the interior environment as a way to lessen contact with as much as possible.
Are polyurethane fumes harmful?
Polyurethane fumes are common in many homes today, even if paints aren’t being used.
This is especially true if an individual has just painted a room or installed any type of polyurethane surface, such as hardwood floors.
Some products are already emitting polyurethane vapors prior to application or right after they have been applied to a surface, so one must be cautious about how much time they spend indoors to avoid coming down with an illness that might be caused by overexposure to harmful compounds released from polyurethane fumes.
Conclsuion
It’s not the prettiest thing, but polyurethane is an excellent sealant for wooden floors. It’s resilient, easy to apply, and does what it says on the tin, but the problem is that polyurethane has a tendency to have a really bad smell.
Why do we need to protect the floors in our homes? The fact is, you spend a lot of time on your floor and it should give your comfort and support.
If you use polyurethane paint and want to get rid of the smell, we’ve got some useful information that can help you with that problem.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of polyurethane smell from floors then read this blog. You will find different ways to get rid of this odor. I hope that you will understand.
For more information about floor cleaning tips visit our website.