Bushra Griffith
It's not every day that you hear someone complain about their paint smelling like cheese. But it turns out that paint can, in fact, smell like cheese—or rather, like feet dipped in a glass of rotten milk, as one unlucky painter described it. So, why does this happen, and what can be done about it?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Bacteria buildup, incorrect paint storage, or mold growth |
| Health Hazards | Allergic reactions, headaches, watery eyes |
| Solutions | Use of primers, proper paint storage, ventilation, bleach wash, replacement of paint |
| Paint Types | Low-VOC, latex, water-based acrylic, oil-based, alkyd |
| Brands | BEHR, Benjamin Moore, Zinsser, INSL-X Stix, Kilz |
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What You'll Learn
Paint smelling like cheese is likely due to bacteria
Paint that smells like cheese is likely due to bacteria. This is often caused by incorrect paint storage, which increases the rate of bacterial growth. Paint that is over ten years old is more likely to develop a sour smell, although bacteria can breed sooner if it is not stored correctly. Warm temperatures, exposure to air, and paint being left open to the elements can all cause bacteria to grow.
The smell of sour paint comes from a buildup of bacteria that has grown over time. This can cause a range of unpleasant odours, from cheese to rotten milk or even feet. The paint may also appear curdled or overly thick, and it may cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as headaches and watery eyes.
If you have used paint that smells like cheese, there are a few ways to try to get rid of the smell. One method is to use a shellac primer, such as Zinsser's Shellac-Based BIN Primer, which is designed to seal in smells. You can also try using a product like Kilz Odor Eliminator Primer, which is designed to eliminate odours. After priming, you can then apply one or two coats of fresh paint.
Another way to get rid of the smell is to mix a solution of bleach and water and wipe down the walls. You can also try using white vinegar, which can kill the bacteria causing the odour. If you are unable to get rid of the smell, you may need to repaint the walls with new paint.
To prevent paint from smelling like cheese in the future, it is important to properly store it. Paint should be stored in a cool, dry place indoors and should be opened and closed correctly to prevent air from getting into the can. It is also important to check the paint's expiration date, as paint can last anywhere from 2 to 15 years depending on the brand and type.
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This can be caused by incorrect paint storage
Paint that smells like cheese is likely to be the result of bacteria growth. This can be caused by incorrect paint storage, such as exposing the paint to extra air, which increases the rate of bacteria growth. Dents in the paint can also increase the risk of air getting in while the paint is in storage, leading to the paint going bad.
To prevent paint from spoiling, it is important to store it correctly. This includes using a paint can opener to open and close the paint can correctly, as screwdrivers and hammers are more likely to dent the can. It is also important to store paint in a cool (but not freezing), dry place indoors, as warm temperatures help bacteria breed, and freezing can render paint unusable.
If paint has gone bad, it will have an unpleasant smell and may also have a curdled or overly thick consistency. It is recommended to dispose of bad paint properly and not to use it, as it can be a health hazard. In some cases, the smell of bad paint may linger even after the paint has dried, and it may be necessary to take additional steps to remove the odour, such as using vinegar, charcoal, or a primer to seal the smell.
In summary, incorrect paint storage can lead to bacteria growth and paint spoilage, resulting in an unpleasant cheese-like odour. Proper storage techniques, such as using a paint can opener and storing in a cool, dry place, can help prevent this issue. If paint has gone bad, it is important to dispose of it properly and address any lingering odours.
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It could also be a result of paint being old or expired
Paint that smells like cheese is likely a result of bacteria growth. This can occur when the paint is exposed to bacteria from the outside world during manufacturing, when the colour is mixed in at the store, or when the paint can is opened by the user. Warm temperatures can also cause bacteria to breed, leading to faster souring of the paint. This is more likely to occur in paints that are over 10 years old, but bacteria can breed sooner if the paint is stored incorrectly. For example, exposing paint to extremely cold temperatures can cause it to freeze, and it won't be salvageable even if it thaws. Additionally, dents in the paint can increase the risk of air getting in, which can accelerate bacterial growth.
If the paint has gone bad, it will likely have a curdled or overly thick consistency, in addition to an unpleasant smell. It may also appear mouldy, which can give off a musty smell. In terms of health consequences, inhaling the fumes from contaminated paint can lead to allergic reactions such as headaches and watery eyes. Therefore, it is recommended to dispose of old or expired paint properly and not attempt to use it.
To prevent paint from going bad, it is important to practise proper storage methods. This includes storing the paint in a cool, dry place and ensuring that the paint can is closed correctly to minimise exposure to air.
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To fix this, you can use odour eliminators, primers, or repaint
If your paint smells like cheese, it could be due to bacteria, mould, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the paint. To fix this, you can use odour eliminators, primers, or repaint.
Odour Eliminators
To get rid of the cheesy smell, you can try using natural odour eliminators such as baking soda, vinegar, or charcoal. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstered furniture, leave it overnight, and vacuum it up the next day. Alternatively, place bowls of vinegar or activated charcoal around the room and leave them for a day or two. You can also try placing bowls of lemon water, coffee grounds, or sliced onions around the room to absorb or neutralise the paint smell.
Primers
If the paint has already been applied, you can try using a primer to seal in the smell. Zinsser's Shellac-Based BIN Primer is specifically designed for this purpose and is highly recommended, despite its high cost. You can also try their oil-based primer, which is a more affordable option. Before applying the primer, it is important to clean the walls with a mixture of bleach and water to kill any bacteria that may be causing the odour.
Repaint
In some cases, the only option may be to repaint the affected area. If the paint smells like cheese before you start, do not use it, as it is likely contaminated. Choose a paint with low or zero VOCs to minimise the odour. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation during and after the painting process to help eliminate the smell.
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If the paint is still wet, you may be able to add vinegar to remove the smell
If your paint smells like cheese, it could be due to several reasons, including the presence of bacteria or mould spores. This is more likely to occur in paints that are over 10 years old or stored incorrectly. If the paint is still wet, you may be able to salvage it by adding vinegar to remove the smell.
White vinegar, in particular, is known to be effective in neutralizing odours. Its high acetic acid concentration can kill the bacteria causing the unpleasant smell. To use this method, add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the paint and mix thoroughly. The vinegar should help to neutralize the odour and prevent it from spreading.
Additionally, you can try placing bowls of vinegar in the room to absorb and eliminate the paint odour. This method can be used both before and after painting. If the paint is already dry and the smell persists, you can also try washing the walls with a mixture of bleach and water, followed by an odour-sealing primer.
It is important to note that if the paint is old or has been stored incorrectly, it is best to dispose of it properly. Old paint is more likely to have a strong odour that is difficult to remove. Always ensure that paint is stored correctly to prevent bacteria growth and extend its longevity.
While it may be tempting to cover up the smell with scented candles or air purifiers, it is important to address the source of the odour to ensure it does not affect your health or the quality of your paint job. If the paint is still wet, adding vinegar can be an effective and direct way to eliminate the cheese-like smell.
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Frequently asked questions
Paint that smells like cheese is likely to be contaminated with bacteria or mould. This can happen when paint is stored incorrectly, or if the can has been opened and used before.
No, it is not safe to use paint that smells like cheese. Paint in this state is hazardous and should be disposed of properly.
The health risks associated with using paint that smells like cheese include allergic reactions such as headaches and watery eyes. The bacteria and mould in the paint can also be harmful if inhaled.
There are several ways to try and eliminate the cheese smell from paint, including using white vinegar, charcoal bags, or a bleach and water solution. However, it is important to note that these methods may not always be effective, and it is usually recommended to dispose of and replace the paint instead.
To prevent your paint from smelling like cheese, ensure that it is stored properly in a cool, dry place and that the paint can is opened and closed correctly to minimise air exposure.
