Have questions about sourdough? This troubleshooting guide offers practical tips and tricks to achieve a bubbly, active sourdough starter.
Without a doubt, the most intimidating aspect of sourdough baking is understanding its key element, the starter.
Simply put: a starter is a live fermented culture of flour and water. Once it becomes bubbly and active a small portion is added to a sourdough bread recipe to make it rise- no commercial yeast is required.
Sourdough is a technique that can be traced back thousands of years when instant yeast was not yet available to bakers. Doesn’t sound too scary, right? But there’s a catch…
A starter is not just this “thing” you create and walk away from forever. It must be kept alive and well with additional feedings to maintain its rising power (More step-by-step info here- Feeding Sourdough Starter: My Best Tips & Tricks).
Remember, your starter is a living culture which must be cared for with intent. Otherwise, your bread won’t rise. Think of it like a pet that needs to be fed daily, or a house plant that needs water and a sunny window.
At its core, sourdough is about understanding and committing to an ongoing relationship. As with all relationships, there lies a bit of uncertainty.
You might ask yourself: “Am I doing this right? Why does my starter look different than yours? Why is it taking forever to rise? Is it dead?”
That’s why I’ve put together this article for you. Most of the information is already covered in my book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple, but I’ve included additional details to answer any questions you might have and to open up the topic for discussion.
Two Quick Notes Before You Begin:
1.) To streamline the process, this post assumes you have a working knowledge of a 100% hydration starter, made from equal parts regular wheat flour and water by weight. This is the most common type of sourdough starter. If you don’t have one, try my Beginner Sourdough Starter Recipe.
2.) This post is very comprehensive. Take your time and read through it a few times until the aha moment strikes! Because eventually, it will.
Troubleshooting Your Sourdough Starter
Why Won’t My Starter Rise?
Ahh yes… the million dollar question. It’s like asking: “Why won’t my 2-year-old sleep through the night?”
Because a sourdough starter is a living culture, like children of a certain age, they will definitely share some similarities. Each one will have their own unique personality and the “one size fits all approach” doesn’t always work.
Some bakers use science to explain these personality differences and others observe, follow their intuition and allow the starter to teach them. I implement both techniques.
Keep in mind, when troubleshooting your sourdough starter, it’s usually a combination of factors. In my experience, the rise time is based on temperature, ingredients, feeding frequencies, type of flour & the quantity of flour used.
Temperature
Starters love warm environments. The warmer the spot the quicker it will rise. But realistically, finding a warm spot can be challenging especially when baking in the winter. The ideal temperature is somewhere between 75-85 F.
Here are a few things you can do:
Try storing your starter in a cozy cabinet. It’s warm, draft free, and I have to say, my personal starter does really well in this snug little habitat. Experiment with a cabinet that’s near your stove for extra warmth.
Another option is to wrap the starter jar in a heating pad. One of my kombucha readers (Hi, Melanie!) suggested this tip and it’s very clever. The heating pad maintains the starter at an approximate temperature which can be adjusted to your liking.
A proofing box can also be used to control the temperature. This is the one I use, which is great for your dough too (it FOLDS FLAT!).
If you don’t have a proofing box, place your starter in the oven (turned off) with the light on. But please make sure to keep an eye on it and turn the light off, if necessary. It can get very hot in there! Another makeshift proofing box option is to use your microwave; just place the starter inside (turned off) with the light on.
Finally, try using warm water in your feedings. Around 80-90 F is a good temperature.
Note: regarding temperature, if your starter is exceptionally strong and vibrant, it will have no problem rising in warm OR cold environments, even in the fridge. My starter is a workhorse and will rise ANYWHERE. This is because it’s mature, well fed and cared for starter. Keep this in mind as you continue to develop a relationship with your personal starter.
Ingredients
A sourdough starter is made from flour and water. For best results, always use quality ingredients.
For the flour, please use something that is unbleached, unbromated, and does not contain chemicals.
Most non-organic U.S. flours, including my preferred brand King Arthur Flour, are enriched with vitamins and minerals including iron, folic acid and other vitamins. This is okay to use. I also like Trader Joe’s all-purpose flour for feedings.
However, it’s important to note that not all flours perform the same. Flour from the UK is going to have different enzyme and mineral levels than flour from the U.S., Japan, Australian etc. Even organic flours perform differently.
That’s why when troubleshooting your starter, it’s best not switch back and forth between brands at first. It’s too confusing and you won’t know where you went wrong. Stick to one brand, try to rule out additional factors that might be giving you trouble, and then make changes from there.
For the water, try using filtered or bottled water to avoid any trace chemicals or chlorine if you think it’s having a negative effect on the rise. I don’t have to do this at home, my tap is fine.
Feeding Frequencies
Ever have those days where you’re just ravenous?
Starters can be ravenous too. If at one point your starter was all bubbly and happy, and now it’s not rising anymore, it’s possible that it needs a few extra feedings to boost the yeast development. Assuming you understand how temperature and ingredients can effect the rise of your starter, try feeding it 2x per day and see what happens.
Also, if your starter has been stored in the fridge for a while, it’s going to need several feedings at room temperature to become bubbly. Have patience!
What Type Of Flour Can I Feed It With?
Feed your starter with the same flour from which it’s made.
Now, let me just clarify: every baker has their own way of feeding their starter. And one method is not necessarily better than the next (just different).
To cut through the noise with reliable results, feed your starter with the same flour that’s in the jar. For example, if your starter is made with all purpose flour, feed it with all purpose flour. If it’s made with rye flour, feed it with rye flour. Easy.
By doing so, you’ll establish a consistent feeding routine and the rise time will become more predictable. Think about it this way: how would your dog feel if you fed him a different type of dry food each week? Starters are no different!
How Much Flour and Water Does My Starter Need?
For a 100% hydration starter, feed it following a 1:1:1 ratio by weight.
For example, if you have 30 g of starter in the jar, feed it with 30g of flour + 30g of water. If you have 60g of starter, feed it with 60g of flour + 60g of water. Please use a kitchen scale for this! You can easily scale the initial starter quantity up or down, depending on how much you want to maintain now or in the future.
Again, every baker has a different method, but following a 1:1:1 ratio by weight will get you reliable results. Your starter will rise more predictably, and if you’re lucky, it will stay at its peak height for quite a while before it collapses.
I Created a Starter Following the Instructions in Your Book. It Used to Be Bubbly, But Now Nothing’s Happening? Should I Start Over?
Believe it or not, this is 100% normal.
Typically, when creating a starter from scratch, you’ll see bubbles on the surface around Day #3. When you start feeding it with flour and water on Day #4 and beyond, the bubbles may or may not appear as quickly. It makes sense to think that something’s wrong! But don’t panic.
In order to cultivate and develop the yeast within your starter, you need to feed it for several days in order to see results. The process can be unpredictable, and each person you talk to will have a different experience based on their personal situation and environment. It’s easy to get caught up and compare, doubt yourself, and think it’s not working.
So, should you start the whole process over?
No! Continue to follow the instructions in the book, but make sure to read this post a few times, including Sections 1-3 to familiarize yourself with possible troubleshooting factors. If you’re still stumped, please be patient and continue to feed your starter until it bubbles and doubles in size. Eventually, you will see results. It just takes time.
What Type of Container of Jar Should I use for My Sourdough Starter?
I wrote a whole post on this. Click here.
Does the Starter Jar Need To Be Airtight?
The jar or container can be airtight or covered loosely; it’s your choice.
If it’s airtight, just make sure the jar is large enough to accommodate the starter’s growth as it begins to rise (at least double in size). Otherwise it will burst through the jar.
If you choose a loose cover such as a cloth or something else that’s breathable, and a skin forms on the surface, that means too much air is getting into your starter. It’s not the end of the world if you see this. Just peel it off and/ or choose an airtight lid instead.
What Is That Dark, Smelly Liquid On My Starter?
It’s called hooch which is an indication that your starter needs to be fed.
Don’t worry, it’s not dead. Just exhausted. This liquid is something you’ll see regularly, either on the surface of your starter or even within the culture itself (as pictured above), so get used to it! Because the liquid is unsightly and smells like gym socks, I pour it off with some of the discolored starter underneath and feed it right away. That’s all you have to do.
PS: hooch is not mold.
What Should My Starter Smell Like?
First all all, your starter shouldn’t smell too vinegary, like gym socks, or nail polish remover. If it does, it just needs to be fed. Don’t freak out over this too much. At some point your starter will smell like this.
On the other hand, when your starter is in good shape it should smell fresh, fruity and yeasty.
So, what does that even mean?
Fresh, fruity, and yeasty aromas will vary from starter to starter. Some will smell like toasted coconuts and pineapple, others will smell like apple cinnamon. It’s actually very interesting to note all of the differences. Don’t worry if yours just smells tangy and not very “exotic.” Totally normal. The aroma all depends on what’s in the jar and how it’s cared for.
9.)What Happens If There’s Mold Growing On My Starter?
If you see mold, get rid of the entire starter!
In all my years of baking, I’ve never had a problem with mold. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. In fact, several of you have emailed me regarding mold (oddly enough you’re all from eastern Australia. Weather issues?).
Mold can occur on the surface of the starter or on the jar itself. Its appearance can range from white and fluffy, to dark greenish brown, and even pink.
What gives?
Here’s what I know about mold: mold spores are everywhere. And it takes a perfect storm of variables (food, temperature, and water) to populate its growth. So, think about your current environment: is your starter jar near a fruit bowl (food source)? Is your current climate on the humid side (mold loves this kind of weather)? Are you using tap water (where trace chemicals and chlorine can be found)?
Because we all live in different environments it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause. But if you can troubleshoot any of the above, it might lead you in the right direction. Consider moving your starter to a different room if you think location is part of the issue.
Paired with the variables above, mold can also occur if your starter hasn’t been fed often enough. Consider feeding it more frequently. This will keep the naturally occurring bacteria fresh and happy.
And finally: Sometimes mold can occur when something else lands in the jar. Last summer, a fly got stuck in my starter and the whole thing turned pink (not the fly, the starter). I’m not sure if the pinkish color was true mold or just a result of the unfortunate casualty. Either way, it’s something to pay attention to.
How Do I Get Rid Of Fruit Flies?!
Short answer: you can’t.
When summer rolls around, get used to seeing fruit files because they LOVE sourdough starters. Love. Love. Love. It’s hard to prevent a fleet of flies swarming the jar but there’s a few things you can do.
First, make sure your starter is not near any fruit (for obvious reasons). Second, just relocate it. Sometimes, I keep mine in my bedroom and completely out of the kitchen where the main food sources reside- my husband thinks this is totally weird. Third, keep the lid on. This will not keep out the flies completely but it will help especially after you’ve moved the jar out of the kitchen.
If you have additional ideas on this one, I’m all ears! Please read the comment section below; you guys have THE BEST tips.
Can My Starter Be Used With Gluten Free Flours To Make GF Bread?
Short answer: NO
Most sourdough starters are made from wheat flour and water, so therefore it contains gluten. If you want to bake gluten free sourdough you’ll need a gluten free starter. Remember that. I get many emails asking if my starter can be used to create gluten free sourdough, and it’s just not the real deal.
If I Forget To Feed My Starter, Is It Going To Die?
Short answer: NO
No matter what I tell you here, the first time your starter gives you trouble, or it’s taking forever to rise, or whatever, you’re going to think it’s dead. I guarantee it. The Internet has scared people into thinking if your starter doesn’t rise instantly with a trillion bubbles on the surface, it’s completely broken and will never be usable again. EVER.
Please have a little faith. I have a starter that’s been siting in my fridge for over 1 year, unfed. I forgot it was even in there. After transferring it to a new jar, feeding it for several days in a warm spot, and just being patient, guess what?! It was still ALIVE!!! That’s all you have to do if you suspect your starter needs a little love. Starters are resilient creatures which require practice and patience.
Which brings me to my last point (hooray!)…
Be Patient!
This is THE hardest tip to follow. But it’s undoubtedly the most important.
Who has patience these days when we have access to whatever we want on demand? Sourdough will teach you all about patience whether you like it or not. You can’t rush it. There are no shortcuts. No cheat sheets. Again, like parenting, eventually your 2-year-old will sleep through the night.
So, please read through these tips slowly and carefully and see what troubleshooting factors apply to your personal situation. Some days you’ll have a beautiful bubbly starter and other days it will act like a diva. And just remember: it’s usually a combination of factors that contribute to sourdough starter issues. Your starter behaves this way not to make your life miserable; it just wants you to pay attention. Take your time, feed it a million times if you have to, move it to a warmer spot, and just honor the relationship. It’s the only way you’ll learn.
My intent with this post was to include enough information to satiate your questions, without making you feel exhausted.
Believe me, this topic can go on for ages- there’s just so many scenarios. Feel free to comment below with additional thoughts and tips. Based on your feedback, I will make periodic updates to keep this post fresh and relevant! Happy baking, friends :)
Comments
Celia says
I need help! I’m not new to sourdough baking. I made my starter 8 years ago and baked every week-fortnight since. My starter is usually strong and robust. I didn’t feed it for the past 3 weeks (instead of usual 2 weeks), I think the “hooch” was over the top. I have tried to feed it multiple times over the past 3 days and there’s still no rise. I’ve tried 1:2:2, still yet to try 1:1:1 ratio. How long can I expect it to take before it comes back to life? And how do I know if on the right track with a method?
Sharon says
I’m extremely new at sourdough so I’ve been reading a lot of your information on the subject. I know that you said to be patient and I was prepared for that. What I wasn’t prepared for was my new sourdough starter (that I made yesterday using KA bread flour and warm filtered water) to have more than doubled in size in less than 24 hours! It was actively bubbling when I stirred it today. It is very much ALIVE!
Since it is doing so well, I have a question: Can I use some of it now or should I wait until after it has been fed a few times?
Louise Carswell says
I made the mistake of using 20 gr starter and100 each gr of flour and water and discarded the rest of my starter. Can I revive this by using 1-1-1 again and feeding twice a day? And is 80 degrees too warm for the rising.(that is the temp in my microwave with the light on.
If this is possible how long do you suggest it will take to get back to bubbly again so I can make bread?
Or should I just start over.
Jessica Faraci says
So helpful! Easy to follow. I would only recommend for the cheat sheet to highlight that the ratio will leave the starter looking more fluffy and the consistency feeling more stiff. Which I had to research, and it is better for bacteria/yeast growth. But if that could be on the cheat sheet it would help busy working moms on the constant move!
Anne says
I’ve noticed that after I feed the starter, it will double in size but it doesn’t deflate back to its original level.
I store it in the microwave because it’s been chillier here, but is that still too cold? The starter still seems to work well when i use it for baking, but just curious about it not falling.
Stephanie Santillan Velarde says
I just cant seem to get my stater going. I use king arther whole wheat flour and tap water filtered through a brita and keep it next to my stove. I feed it 122 and only rises slightly with small bubbles
Robert Spicer says
Is it O.K. for me to use bleached bread flour?
Emilie Raffa says
Hi Robert! In my experience, it’s best to use unbleached flour for best results. Sourdough can be fickle.
Kristen says
Hello! I bought your cookbook and have just started with some of the recipes. However I have a question regarding your starter instructions. On most pages you say “a few days before baking feed your starter until bubbly and active. Store at room temp until ready to use.” This is confusing to me because I was under the impression you needed to use your starter when it was active and bubbly which mine is after only a couple of hours, not if I feed it and let it sit for a couple of days at room temp. If I feed my starter in the morning by the end of the day it has already risen and fallen back down to my original line where I started. So I guess I need clarification as to what you mean by “a few days before baking feed your starter”. Do you mean still feed it daily up until you bake?? And when you say “store at room temp until ready to use”, don’t you have to feed it again to get it active and bubbly to use it to bake? New at this so a lot of it is all still very confusing!
Michelle says
Everything I’ve read elsewhere indicates that anytime you are keeping the starter at room temperature, you will need to feed it at least once a day. Also, it should be showing activity as in it is currently rising well with bubbles so to get this happening it must be fed within hours of using for making bread. Feed it, monitor it for near-peak activity (before falling) and try to use it then to start your bread recipe.
Stuart says
Hi. Not sure if this covered elsewhere but if you have just used your starter to make a loaf when do you feed it again?
Emilie Raffa says
Hi there! I always feed my starter after using it. You have to- it keeps the cycle going. How much you feed it (quantity) is up to you, how often you bake, and how much you want to maintain overall.
Isabel Winter says
Hi!
Thanks for your post! I have been following your instructions for 9 days now. My starter never grows. It is a thick consistency with some medium and large bubbles on top. At the beginning it didn’t smell too great, but actually smells pretty good now. Should I just continue 1:1:1 every 24 hours? Or should I try maybe a different ratio, or longer time in between feedings? I’m not sure if it is hungry when I feed it. The house is at 72°, so maybe a bit cool for it to take off? Thanks!
Shenaye says
Hey all,
Been wanting to do this for so long and I’m finally here. Day 8: starter is bubbly small/medium bubbles, smells yeasty, yield has been correct the whole time but my baby (Bubbles) hasn’t doubled in size. Have just started warm water feeds, it’s been kept in a room that’s roughly 22degrees Celsius. Any help appreciated :)
Vic says
A little help, my starter is 2 weeks old, plenty of bubbles, a strong yeast smell, but never doubled in size, tried twice to make bread but it never raised. So I’m back to the starter, could I have to much base starter and not feeding it enough? After the trouble shoot guide I’m going to try bottled water.
I’m a true rookie so any suggestions will help!!
Kathy Robinson says
Great article thanks. My starter bubbles away and looks to be the right consistency but it never doubles in size no matter what I do with it. Doh!
Emilie Raffa says
Keep going. Depending on where you are in the process (did you just create it? Or is your starter up and running, just sluggish?). Try feeding your starter and leaving it on your kitchen counter in a hot water bath, changing out the water every so often when you can remember. You would be amazed at how efficient this tip is. It gives the starter a nice boost.
Leslie Williamson says
I have your book and just started on this journey, then by luck, and a random Google search, I found this article. My new sourdough starter is about 10 days old, it’s bubbly and seemingly happy, but never rises more than about 25- 30% before it goes back down. Am I missing something?
Thais says
I am having the same issue… meaning bubbly on and off but nowhere near doubles in size. I just read in the fine print of her feeding schedule to start feeding 2 x day at 7 days… (every 12 hours). I’m going to try that. Good luck to us both!
Judy Ridinger says
After 7 days my starter became very thick. It’s very elastic and very hard to stir
Do I need to toss and start ober?