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Warning: My attempt at sourdough starter ended up smelling like nail polish remover
I figured I could just wing it with some flour and water from the tap, but after three days it got that sharp acetone smell. Turns out you really do need to use filtered water and stick to a strict feeding schedule every 12 hours. Has anyone else had their starter go off like that and manage to save it?
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the_kevin1mo ago
Keep feeding it anyway, I've saved a few starters that smelled like a chemistry set gone wrong. The good bacteria usually bounce back after a few more days of regular feedings if you switch to filtered water and stick to the schedule.
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murray.spencer1mo ago
Kevin, a "chemistry set gone wrong" pretty much describes my first batch of starter. I think I could have stripped paint with that smell. I guess I'll keep feeding this one and hope my kitchen doesn't start glowing in the dark.
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casey161mo ago
Well, did you try using it to strip paint off an old dresser before you gave up on it?
I bet @murray.spencer could have bottled that first batch and sold it as industrial solvent or something... might be a side hustle there.
Anyway, yeah, the filtered water thing is no joke. I killed my first two starters because I was using tap water like an idiot and wondering why they smelled like a nail salon.
Keep feeding it though, the good bacteria usually win out if you don't quit on them.
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