Sourdough Starter FAQ: Activation, Feeding, Storage & Troubleshooting
If you’re new to sourdough, you’re in the right place. This FAQ covers the most common questions about dehydrated sourdough starter—from activation to feeding schedules, storage, and troubleshooting.
If you don’t see your question, email us anytime at support@sourdoughstarter.com.
Looking for a quick-start? See our Activation Instructions and Shipping & Storage pages by clicking the buttons below.
Getting Started
What exactly am I receiving?
You’ll receive a dehydrated sourdough starter culture (dry starter) plus step-by-step activation instructions so you can turn it into a fully active starter at home.
Is the starter alive if it arrives dehydrated?
Yes. Dehydration puts the starter in a dormant state. When you add water + flour, the natural yeast and bacteria wake up and begin fermenting again.
How long does it take to activate a dehydrated sourdough starter?
Most starters activate in 48–72 hours. Timing depends on:
- Temperature (warmer kitchens activate faster)
- Flour type (whole wheat/rye can speed things up)
- Water quality (chlorine can slow activity)
Do I need special flour to activate it?
No. You can activate and feed with all-purpose flour or bread flour. Whole wheat or rye may boost activity, but it’s optional.
Do I need special equipment?
No. You only need:
- A jar
- A spoon
- Flour + water
- A kitchen scale (helpful for consistency, but not required)
Activation & Feeding
Why isn’t my sourdough starter bubbling yet?
Common reasons include:
- Too cold: move it to a warmer spot (many starters prefer a warm room)
- Chlorinated water: use filtered water or let tap water sit out before using
- Inconsistent feeding times: stick to a consistent schedule
- Not enough time: some cultures take closer to 72 hours
If you’re within the first 1–3 days, slow bubbling can still be normal.
What does “active starter” mean?
Your starter is considered active when it:
- Shows consistent bubbles
- Rises after feeding
- Smells pleasantly tangy/yeasty (not rotten)
Do I have to feed it every day forever?
No. After it’s activated, you can store it in the refrigerator and feed it about once per week. If you bake more frequently, you may feed more often.
What is “discard” and do I have to throw it away?
Discard is the portion you remove so the starter stays a manageable size. Once your starter is established, you can:
- Use discard in discard recipes
- Compost it
- Or dispose of it if you prefer
My starter smells weird—what’s normal?
Normal smells: tangy, yeasty, lightly sour, sometimes fruity. Not normal: strong rotten/putrid odors, fuzzy mold, or pink/orange coloring.
If you suspect mold, see “What if I see mold?” below.
Storage & Maintenance
How do I store my starter once it’s active?
Refrigerator (recommended for most home bakers):
- Feed about weekly
- Best if you bake occasionally
Room temperature:
- Great if you bake daily or near-daily
- Requires more frequent feeding
What’s the liquid on top of my starter?
That’s usually hooch—a sign your starter is hungry. You can:
- Pour it off (milder flavor)
- Or stir it in (stronger flavor), then feed as usual
Can I pause baking for a while?
Yes. A healthy starter can be kept in the fridge with routine feeding. For a longer break, you can also dehydrate a portion as a backup.
Troubleshooting & Safety
My starter isn’t rising much—can it still work?
Yes. Bubbles = fermentation. Rise often improves as the culture strengthens. Keep feeding consistently and maintain a warm environment.
I think my starter is dead. Is that possible?
Starters are surprisingly resilient. Before giving up, try:
- Moving it to a warmer spot
- Using filtered water
- Doing a couple of consistent feeds
If you followed our instructions and it still won’t activate, see our Activation Guarantee page.
What if I see mold in my starter?
If you see fuzzy mold (green/white/black) or pink/orange streaks, discard the starter and contact support@sourdoughstarter.com for help.
Ordering & Support
How fast do you ship?
We ship via USPS. Delivery timing depends on your location and USPS transit times. Please see our Shipping & Storage page for details.
What if I need help activating or maintaining my starter?
Email support@sourdoughstarter.com with:
- Your order number + name
- A quick description of what happened
- Photos (recommended for troubleshooting)
We’re happy to help.