Updated: March 15, 2022

Why Does My Gas Stove Smell Like Lighter Fluid

Written by:
Timothy Spencer
Edited by:
Brian Dean
Fact-Checked by:
Josh Reynolds
Table Of Contents
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Gas stove owners often interact with the problems of smell like Lighter Fluid / Kerosene etc. You have a gas stove and there is a gas small around it which propels you to think or check what is happening to your stove.

Have you wondered what the reason behind this is? We have tried to provide the best possible reasons via which you can find the core of this problem and rectify it as soon as possible.

Key Highlights

If you feel that your gas stove is smelling funny like kerosene, charcoal or lighter fluid then try to remember when you have used any kind of spray, paint or varnish in your home (garage included).

If you do then there is nothing to worry about as the fumes from paint come in contact with the natural or propane gas of your stove and create such smell.

If you do not then there is a time to check your stove properly (keep reading to find out more).

Why using Paint or Varnish is the Reasons for Gas stove smelling like lighter fluid?

One of the most frequent things that can lead to this issue for you. The problem could be that numerous thinners are used with the paint to give it the proper viscosity needed for it to adhere to the surface. 

You may smell kerosene and experience a number of issues, including a false alert on your stove, if you have recently painted a surface near your stove or if there has been direct exposure to the paint there.

If you have used or opened some kind of stain, paint, varnish, or equivalent product, including cleansers, rubber cement somewhere in or around the residence. 

The molecules travel across and interact with air, contaminating any kind of air, before being burnt off by an open flame. Hence creating a smell like lighter fluid.

One of the most frequent causes of kerosene aromas in homes is oily paint. Another is household cleansers with petroleum-based ingredients. It smells like kerosene when carbon dioxide is inhaled into the atmosphere. You don’t need to worry about it, but make sure your house is spotless before you use it.

Remedy:

If you have already contracted with the this smell then try to use fan, Lamp Berger or activitated Charcoal.

Or better yet we have there is best possible solution better than that which is asking help from the best professional:

Why Paint can result in lighter fluid smell?

Well all the credit here goes to polyurethane, Majority of the times it happens to the people who use natural gas on their stove. The fumes from the oil-based polyurethane can get stuck into the surroundings of your kitchen or it can even travel from your garage into your whole home.  Polyurethane reacts with the gas and produces a pretty horrid smell.

And what about smelling Kerosene?

If your gas stove starts smelling like kerosene after finishing your cabinets, you are not going crazy. If after using paint in your home, you smell weird burning kerosene-like smell whenever you cook on gas stove.

According to reports, the gases (or VOCs) stay around in the air for a while before “flashing off” in an open flame to produce that unsettling smell.

When drying paint reacts with residues of natural gas in the air (from your stove, water boiler, etc.), it emits a kerosene-like stench.

So you don’t need to freak out if you smell kerosene when using your gas stove and recently stained cabinets.

WHY DOES MY GAS STOVE SMELL LIKE LIGHTER FLUID

So Why Does My Gas Stove Smell Like Lighter Fluid After using paint?

What is happening is referred to be a product of combustion (it is referred to as an exothermic reaction involving an oxidant and a fuel along with heat production). That is why your stove smells funny

For example, if you light a candle or a lighter, you will smell the same stench, but not as strongly—the larger the flame, the stronger the odor. The odor will fade over the following several days until no more molecules from the source remain in the air.

? Point to Ponder:

If you are using a laser printer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit then there are chances of smelling the smell of lighter fluid from your gas stove due to the particles of Polyurethan coming from it. The fuser inside gets up to 400F, apparently enough to combust the vapors.

Or your daughter drying her hair everyday with the dryer.

But I haven’t used any spray or Polyurethane?

If you haven’t used any kind of spray or paint anywhere in your home, not even in your garage and still smelling lighter fluid smell from your gas stove then it could be attributed to:

Minor Gas Leak:

Then it could be a reason that there is minor gas leak in your home that you are not aware of. Natural gas and propane have a distinctive smell for a reason.

For safety purposes, and to make gas leaks easier to detect, gas companies add chemicals called odorants to create a natural gas smell similar to sulphur or rotting eggs these are called ethyl mercaptan (ethanethiol) which gives the colorless and odorless gases a smell that is hard to miss. This process is called Staunch.

As per the observation of most people they describe this smell like something like rotten eggs, sewage, or sulfur.

Advice here:

Whether your gas stove is leaking gas or not it is always a best approach to have a spare gas detector in your home to avoid any calamity whatsoever.

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Improper Venting:

One possibility is that the gas oven in your range is not properly vented. Hence, the improper venting causing the smell to stay in your home and resulted into lighter fluid like odor in home.

Zip Ties

For securing the grilling and other oven components during shipping and transit, zip ties are built into the new stoves, ovens, and ranges. Therefore, there is a chance that the zip ties are burning, which is the source of the stench, if you just bought a new electric oven and didn’t check it before using it. Because of this, you must turn off the oven, let it cool, then remove the zip ties.

Igniter Issue:

One possibility is that the gas pipe has a tiny leak. If the oven is not properly ventilated, this may occur.

Best way to get rid of annoying smell of lighter fluid?

If you have used any kind of paint in your kitchen then there is nothing to be worry about. The paint fumes have contracted with the gas and resulted into this smell.

If you have not used any kind of paint then call the professional. Just do not get yourself indulge into those DIY hacks where they tell you to use a can of coke with half cup of baking soda etc etc. instead call a real professional to avoid any dangers of gas stove. Or as stated above you can:

Before proceeding any further we think it’d be better to discuss what exactly is a lighter fluid.

Why is it OK if smell is coming from New Stove/Oven/Range?

This is due to the protective oils that are coated on the ovens, stoves, and ranges; when these oils burn, an unpleasant odor may develop. It is therefore preferable to wash the oven with soapy water, but don’t forget to dry it afterwards.

Relevant FAQs

GAS STOVE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION

WHAT IS LIGHTER FLUID?

Butane, a highly flammable, colorless, readily liquefiable gas used in gas-style lighters and butane torches, can be referred to as lighter fluid or lighter fuel. In wick-style lighters and burners, naphtha, a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon combination, is employed.

WHAT DOES LIGHTER FLUID SMELL LIKE?

All-natural fluid (especially lighter fluid) has a “Heavy Whiskey” fragrance since it is derived from a biofuel. Lighter fluid and other forms of fuel typically have a pungent scent.

Ethanol, which is generated from maize rather than coal or petroleum, is an example of “biofuel.”

IS KEROSENE AND LIGHTER FLUID THE SAME THING?

More oil is present in kerosene than in lighter fluid. Without getting too scientific, the majority of lighter fluid brands are often alcohol- or methanol-based and produced of refined petroleum that is similar to kerosene or a “lighter” grade of kerosene.

Kerosene, commonly known as paraffin, paraffin oil, or coal oil, is a common multipurpose lighter fluid. It is used as a carrier in insecticide sprays, as fuel for jet engines, and for lighting lamps, igniting outdoor charcoal grills, and burning wood. It also has a variety of chemical compositions.

Does a new gas Oven/Range smell?

If you’ve recently purchased a new oven, you may have noticed an unusual odor that permeated your home when you first switched it on. As frightening as it may seem, it is totally normal as long as the stench/odor is greasy/oily or of something like burning.

It is pertinent to mention here that if you feel the smell of gas rather than these mentioned smells, then you should immediately try to contact the support company of your gas stove.

How long does it take for the new Oven/Range smell to go away?

Most manufacturers would advise you to heat your new oven/range to a high temperature (about 200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes to help remove any residue from the oven’s surfaces.

Furthermore, proper ventilation prior to this whole process is mandatory in order to avoid the smell getting stuck in your house for days.

Weird Smell Coming From New Stove

In the case of New Stove, It is natural to perceive a strange odor. This is created by gas combustion at the burner and will dissipate in a minute or two. The odor of unburned gas is similar to that of rotting eggs. The scent of unburned gas in your kitchen is not natural. Why?

Smell From Old Stove

In the case of Old Stove, it has nothing to do with the combination of a mixture of gases or any other chemical reaction, whatsoever, rather it is the indication from your gas stove that it needs your immediate attention and you should clean it at the very first instance.

Did You Know!

Lighter fluid has no expiration date. This is so because crude oil is the primary component of the petroleum that makes up lighter fluid.

It takes millions of years for the crude oil to run out. Yes! due to the fact that it is deeply buried beneath the earth and is not exposed to air, humidity, or heat. Storage of lighter fluid is the only issue.

How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace Is Leaking?

No matter how many videos, you have seen or how many hacks / DIYs you have read on the internet, you should not try to detect any gas leakage on your own.

If you feel that your stove is smelling like rotten eggs or sewage, even after getting clean. You should immediately open some windows, doors and leave the area call your company’s support or any other professional to get it checked instantly.

Never try to turn off the gas if it is turned on, you may risk causing a spark or damaging pipes and equipment.

Do not use any electrical or lighters, matches, or appliances. Don’t even try to start your automobile. Even a single spark might set off a massive explosion.

Evacuate any home members and pets and contact your local gas provider. If they are unable to be contacted, contact your local fire department.

However, there are some other signs that you must keep in mind:

  • Stinky smells
  • Dead Plants
  • Hissing Sound
  • Small Bubbles from the gas pipe

Carbon Monoxide related symptoms etc.

Final Thoughts

Long story short, if you are smelling lighter fluid from your gas stove and you are using some kind of chemical as described above, then there is nothing to worry about. Moreover, weird smell from your gas stove is an alarm that you should clean it but a serious thing to concern about.

However, if your gas stove is not new and you have not used any chemical in your home for any purpose but still you are smelling like lighter fluid then evacuate as soon as possible. 

We have thrived hard to answer your query with regard to why your gas stove smell like lighter fluid with different possibilities. Nevertheless, if you think you have a case other than that, then tell us by commenting below and we will try to answer to your query as fast as possible. 

External Sources:

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This article has been drafted by Team BurnEssa. This said team comprises of experts in their relevant fields having sole objective of providing a solution based on facts and figures. We are also running a local store with regard to providing certified services of Gas Cooktop repair & installation. So the advices we provide in this forum are legitimate and genuine to the extent of our best knowledge, experiences and expertise. You can join us on our social media platforms to contribute in helping others.
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