Finally! How to Remove the Terrible Smell from Tub Reglazing

Just had your tired, worn-out bathtub professionally reglazed? At first you were thrilled with how it made your tub look brand new again. But then an awful chemical odor started wafting through your bathroom. That stench from the tub reglazing just won't go away no matter what you try. Don't panic - you can get rid of that nasty lingering smell with some simple tips. In this post we'll walk you through all the methods that actually work to remove odors after having your tub reglazed.

The reglazing process involves spraying a fresh coat of enamel paint onto your existing tub surface. This resurfacing technique is cheaper and faster than replacing the whole tub. But while it restores the appearance, tub reglazing uses harsh chemical solvents that can leave behind lingering odors inside your home. Let's look at why it smells so bad and then focus on what you can do to freshen the air.

Why Tub Reglazing Smells Bad

The unpleasant odor mainly comes from the methylene chloride solvents used to dissolve the paint in the reglazing products. When sprayed on during application, these vapors get released into the air. Methylene chloride is a volatile organic compound (VOC) known for its sharp, irritating fumes. The solvent smell tends to stick around because the vapors get trapped in moisture in the bathroom.

Humidity and steam from showers cause the stinky air to stagnate in the room. The reglazing chemicals also absorb into porous surfaces like tile grout, cement, drywall, and wood. All this causes odors to stubbornly linger long after the tub has been sprayed. So what's the best way to clear the air?

Ventilation is Key

The most effective way to get rid of lingering tub reglazing smells is proper ventilation. The goal is to regularly circulate fresh outdoor air into the bathroom. This exchange of air will flush out the stale odors and chemical VOCs.

Start by opening all windows and turning on any exhaust fans in the bathroom. Run the main ceiling exhaust fan constantly for 48-72 hours after the reglazing is done. Supplement with portable fans pointed outwards if needed. Also consider using commercial air scrubbers or negative ion generators, which actively treat the air to remove contaminants.

Additionally, run a dehumidifier inside the bathroom. The dryer air won't allow odors to linger as easily. The combination of ventilation, air purification, and dehumidification will go a long way towards eliminating odors.

Tips for Effective Ventilation

• Keep windows open and fans running for at least 2 days after reglazing
• Position fans to point outside rather than circulating air inside
• Close bathroom doors to concentrate air purification efforts
• Change HVAC air filters frequently during the odor removal process

Be patient, as it can take 48 hours or more to fully air out the bathroom with fresh ventilation after a tub reglazing job. But this DIY approach is highly effective at removing the bulk of the unpleasant odors.

Other Odor Absorption Options

In addition to ventilation, certain odor-absorbing substances can help capture lingering smells. Activated charcoal or zeolite are excellent natural deodorizers. Place pouches or bags of one of these materials around the tub and bathroom during and after the reglazing process. As air circulates past them, they soak up VOCs and other odor molecules.

Spraying essential oil solutions can also help mask reglazing odors with more pleasant scents. Add a few drops of lemon, lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil into a spray bottle diluted with water. Mist this around the tub and bathroom space. The lightweight oil molecules overwhelm the smell of VOCs.

Ozone generators actively attack odors at their source. The ozone breaks down VOC molecules, eliminating the stench. Place an ozone generator in the bathroom during reglazing and let it run for 12-24 hours afterwards to purify all odors. Be sure to vacate the bathroom when the ozone generator is running.

Odor Absorber Options

• Activated charcoal or zeolite bags
• Essential oil spray mixtures
• Ozone generators
• UV-C sanitizing lights

Don't Mask Smells - Eliminate Them

It's tempting to try masking tub reglazing odors with scented sprays, candles, or diffusers. But these only provide temporary relief and don't fix the root of the problem. The chemicals causing the smells are still present.

Rather than just making the air smell nicer, focus on removing odors completely. This means thorough ventilation, air purification, and dehumidification using the methods already outlined. Eliminating odors also has health benefits, as you avoid breathing in as many VOCs.

If you want a pleasant scent in the bathroom, add natural fragrance using essential oils or potpourri after addressing the underlying odors first. Masking should only be the last step, not the only solution.

Protect Yourself During Reglazing

The best way to avoid extensive odor issues is to take precautions during the tub reglazing process itself. Have the professional reglazer use products with the lowest VOC and methylene chloride content possible.

During the procedure, be sure to wear a protective mask rated for organic vapors. Wearing gloves will also prevent absorption through the skin. Open all windows and use exhaust fans to ventilate. You may even want to vacate your home entirely while the reglazing is being done.

Taking these safety measures helps minimize odor problems down the road. It also protects your health, as breathing VOC fumes can cause issues like headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation for those with sensitivities.

Cleaning Tips After Reglazing

How you clean and care for the tub after reglazing also affects odors. The new coating needs 48-72 hours to fully cure and harden. Avoid cleaning or using the tub during this time, as moisture can interfere with curing and cause peeling or discoloration issues.

Once cured, use only mild, non-abrasive cleaners on your reglazed tub. Dish soap, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia all work well. Avoid scouring powders, which can scratch the new finish. Use soft scrub brushes and sponges only.

Be sure to rinse the tub thoroughly after cleaning. Any cleaner residue left on the surface could damage the coatings. Proper post-reglazing cleaning helps prevent odor-causing bacteria or mold growth.

Post-Reglazing Cleaning Tips

• Wait 48-72 hours before cleaning the reglazed tub
• Use only mild, non-abrasive liquid cleaners
• Soft scrub brushes or sponges only - no abrasive pads
• Rinse tub thoroughly after cleaning
• Clean tub weekly to prevent odor issues

When Odors Persist, Consider Professionals

If you've tried all the odor removal tips with minimal success, it may be time to call in professional help. Leading restoration and remediation companies have access to industrial-grade equipment to address persistent odors.

Ozone machines used by professionals are much more powerful than consumer models. Thermal foggers with VOC-neutralizing chemicals can also treat severe cases. Large commercial air scrubbers eliminate odors on an industrial scale.

As a last resort if odors cannot be controlled, completely re-reglazing the tub may be needed. A professional installer can use low-VOC products and take steps to minimize odor issues the second time around.

Professional Odor Removal Options

• Powerful ozone treatments
• Thermal fogging with chemical neutralizers
• Commercial air scrubbing systems
• Full tub re-reglazing if needed

Odor Prevention Tips for Next Time

To avoid tub reglazing odors when you get your next touch up, be proactive with prevention. Thoroughly clean and degrease the tub before the reglazing appointment. Use baking soda, vinegar, TSP substitute or other degreasers to prep the surface.

Applying an epoxy primer-sealer before the topcoat reglazing can also help seal in any underlying odors. Ask your reglazer about low-VOC options for prep and reglazing products.

Research tub refinishing companies that offer specialized low-odor reglazing methods. Some use additional prep steps, ventilation, special additives, or post-treatment to minimize smell.

Preventing Odors Next Time

• Clean tub thoroughly before reglazing
• Apply epoxy primer/sealer
• Ask about low-VOC reglazing options
• Find low-odor tub reglazing companies

That stubborn lingering smell after tub reglazing can be eliminated. Thorough ventilation, air purification, dehumidifying, and odor absorption are the best DIY approaches. Taking protective steps during the reglazing process also helps.

Try these tips for a few days before resorting to complete re-reglazing. With some diligence, you can clear the air and enjoy your refreshed tub without putting up with a nasty chemical odor. Don't live with the smell - take control with this comprehensive guide to removing tub reglazing odors.