Sourdough Starter Smells Like Acetone? Troubleshooting Guide - Squirrelly Girl Starter

Sourdough Starter Smells Like Acetone? Troubleshooting Guide

Why Does My Sourdough Starter Smell Like Acetone?

That nail-polish-remover smell is alarming, but your starter probably isn't ruined.

The Short Answer

An acetone or nail-polish-remover smell usually means your starter is hungry. It has used up much of its available food and needs to be fed.

It doesn't necessarily mean your starter is bad — it usually means it's time to adjust your feeding routine.

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What Should You Do?

Find out why your starter smells like acetone and how to get it back on track.

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Don't Throw It Out Yet

An acetone smell can be your starter's way of telling you it's hungry. Check the feeding routine before assuming something is wrong.

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