My sourdough starter went completely flat for a week straight

I was in my kitchen in Austin, trying to get a new starter going for a rye loaf. After 5 days of good activity, it just stopped bubbling and smelled like old gym socks. I panicked and almost threw it out, but I decided to try feeding it with warm water and a bit of whole wheat flour instead of my usual white. After two more days on the counter, it finally came back to life. Has anyone else saved a starter that seemed totally dead?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendyprice1mo ago

Oh man, been there. That gym sock smell is the worst. When mine did that, I moved it to a warmer spot, like on top of the fridge. Also, try using bottled water if your tap water has chlorine. That stuff can really knock it out.

tara_patel1mo ago

Glad you switched up the flour. Starters can get lazy on the same food. Changing the diet shocks it back to work.

gavinwells1mo ago

Yeah, it's like they get bored or something. Mine always perks up with a different type of rye. Makes you wonder if they have tiny taste buds.