Tried to make a sourdough starter and it grew mold instead on day 3

I left it on the counter in my tiny apartment kitchen near the trash can (bad idea, I know) and now I'm wondering if I should just toss everything and start fresh with a different container, has anyone else had their starter get contaminated that fast?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordan_webb3d ago

Yeah you gotta toss it, mold that early means the environment is too hostile for the good bacteria. Move your starter to a clean jar and stick it in a cabinet away from the trash and any fruit bowls. A little patience and a cleaner spot will sort you out, just keep the feedings consistent.

grantp283d ago

Three days seems pretty quick for serious mold though... I've had starters look sketchy before and they bounced back after I scraped the top off. Maybe try moving it to a different spot first before you nuke the whole thing.