Floors finished with hardwax oils are useable for light traffic in 36 hours.
How to keep fumes down when staining floor.
Just don t put fans blowing in all windows so air has an easier chance of escaping.
If you re working with stain on a project requiring that you use it indoors ventilation and time are the best ways to eliminate the odor completely the stain will eventually stop emitting gases that contain the odor.
Turn on exhaust fans if the smell is originating from a kitchen or bathroom.
Even flooring professionals lose sleep over this process because there are dozens of variables that can make staining go wrong.
Turn up the heat while opening windows across the house.
And when it does go wrong the only solution is to re sand the floor and start all over from the beginning.
In some cases the stain may contain solvents that emit volatile organic compounds in the form of fumes as the stain dries.
Make sure to take up cardboard at the end of every work day until the floors are fully cured if putting down for ongoing construction.
Odors from stain and polyurethane can remain in the air for several days.
Light a few candles simmer some homemade potpourri.
Reduce the impact of vocs while refinishing your hardwood floors by taking steps to maximize ventilation and direct vocs outdoors.
It would be better to open all windows partially than two windows fully.
Clean the surface of the floor.
To minimize the dangers of polyurethane vapors always apply the finishes in a well ventilated space wear a face mask and eye protection and don t smoke.
And even though most floors can be used within 24 hours of sealing it takes weeks for the treatment to cure fully.
How much flooring is involved.
Open all windows to cross ventilate fresh air in and smelly air out.
Place a fan into an opened window turned so that it blows out.
Staining floors especially for first.
Activated charcoal works well too.
If all else fails carmelize some onions and garlic and make burgers or patty melts for dinner.
Keep in mind that a flooring job can take three to five days but the specific length depends on several factors.
Keep windows and doors open as much as possible for ventilation.
The smell of onions can easily permeate the house.
Place the source of the strong stain odor outside during the day if possible.
Put in fans in windows doors blowing in the house on one or two sides.
If your floor is being finished by a professional and it s possible for you to leave the home it s best to stay away long enough for the finish to cure and the odor to disperse which usually takes about 48 hours.
If you have portable fans use them.