How to Refresh Your Sourdough Starter: Simple Tips That Work
If your sourdough starter looks a little quiet, don’t panic. It happens to the best of us! Whether you’ve forgotten to feed it or it’s been chilling in the fridge for a while, you can absolutely bring it back to life with just a few simple steps.
Signs Your Starter Needs a Refresh
- It’s not bubbling or rising like it used to
- There’s a layer of liquid (called hooch) on top
- The smell is a bit off or extra sour
- It’s been more than a week since its last feeding
How to Refresh Your Sourdough Starter
- Discard most of the starter—keep around 30g.
- Add 100g flour and 100g water (equal parts = 100% hydration).
- Stir well, cover loosely, and let it sit at room temperature for 6–12 hours.
- Repeat feeding once a day until it becomes active again (usually 2–3 days).
Extra Tips for Starter Success
- Use warm (not hot!) water to help boost fermentation.
- Feed it at the same time each day to build a routine.
- Don’t worry if it takes a couple of days to bounce back—it’s normal!
- Use a very little bit of rye or whole wheat flour <-- Starters love this :)
Need More Help? Check Out Our Full Maintenance Guide
If you want extra tips, a feeding schedule, and troubleshooting help, don’t miss our full Sourdough Starter Maintenance Guide. It’s a free, easy-to-follow resource packed with everything you need to keep your starter strong, happy, and thriving!
And if you are a visual learner, check out our Instagram reel below and follow our page @startmalta for more ideas and advice.
Keep a Backup (Just in Case!)
If you love your starter (and we know you do), consider drying a little bit and saving it as a backup. That way, if anything ever goes wrong, you’ve got a spare ready to go.
Ready to Bake Again?
A refreshed starter means it’s time to get baking again! If your starter isn’t bouncing back, or you just want a reliable, ready-to-go option, you can always order a mature starter from Start Malta.