The Stinky Truth About Reclaim: Why Your Clay Smells Like Farts

If you're a potter, you know that smell. That pungent, earthy, slightly sulfuric odor that can only come from your reclaim bucket. So why does your clay smell like a fart? And should you be worried?

The simple answer is bacteria.

When you reclaim clay, you're not just adding water to dry scraps. You're creating a perfect environment for microorganisms to thrive. The clay itself contains organic matter, such as roots and other plant material from its natural formation. As this organic matter breaks down in the presence of moisture, anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen) get to work. These little critters consume the organic material and, as a byproduct, they release sulfur compounds. It's these sulfur compounds that create that tell-tale "rotten egg" or "farty" smell.

It’s not just your skin cells, as you might think, but rather the natural organic materials in the clay that the bacteria are feasting on. And while the smell might be unpleasant, it's actually a sign of something good happening.

A Controlled Approach to Reclaim

I keep different clay bodies separate, you’re preventing cross-contamination and ensuring your finished pieces fire correctly. It's also smart to have a "mud mix" for your various cone 6 clays. The fact that this mix is the stinkiest makes perfect sense, as it’s a melting pot of different organic materials, giving the bacteria an even more diverse buffet to enjoy.

My process of reclaiming in small, manageable batches is also a fantastic way to avoid the truly overwhelming stench that can come from a massive, stagnant slop bucket. Letting it dry out on a single slab and then using it up quickly prevents the kind of long-term anaerobic buildup that can lead to truly foul odors.

The smell is a sign of a healthy, "soured" clay body. Many potters believe that a little bit of funk means your clay is going to be more plastic and easier to throw. So, in a way, the smell is a sign of a job well done.

And if you’re wondering about adding beer to your reclaim….don’t do it. Or do but you’ll regret it.