🥖 Sourdough Starter Not Rising? Here’s What to Do
Introduction
You’ve followed all the steps, measured the flour and water perfectly, and even whispered words of encouragement to your jar… but your sourdough starter is just sitting there. Flat. Silent. Unimpressed.
Don’t panic—this happens to the best of us! Let’s troubleshoot exactly what’s going wrong and how you can fix it fast. And if all else fails, there’s always a shortcut to get you baking today. 😉
Common Reasons Your Starter Isn’t Rising
1. It’s Too Cold
Wild yeast loves a warm, cozy spot. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing your starter in a warmer area—somewhere between 24-26°C (75-78°F) is ideal.
2. Your Starter Is Hungry
If you haven’t been feeding it regularly, it’s probably low on energy. Try increasing feedings to twice a day for a quick boost. Especially in Hot Climates, the culture gets hungry quickly and you need to double up on that feeding or keep it refrigerated.
3. Wrong Flour Type
Whole wheat or rye flours help kickstart fermentation faster. Mix in a bit with your regular flour to encourage activity. You can also add a little percentage of rye flour - sourdough starters really like that - but not too much because your bread will end up with a gummy texture.
4. Water Issues
High chlorine levels in tap water can suppress fermentation. Try using filtered or spring water instead.
Pro Tip: Check the Float Test
Drop a spoonful of starter into a glass of water. If it floats—great news! You’re ready to bake. If it sinks, it needs more time and feedings.
When to Start Fresh (or Take the Shortcut!)
If your starter still isn’t rising after several days of extra love and care, it may be time to start over—or better yet, skip the frustration entirely and grab our mature, dehydrated sourdough starter.
✨ And the best part? Every purchase comes with a FREE downloadable Rehydration Guide and Starter Maintenance Guide. You’ll know exactly how to bring your starter to life and keep it healthy for future bakes—no second-guessing required.
Our dehydrated starter is mature, balanced, and ready to rise beautifully. Now shipping worldwide! [Order yours here]
Don’t let a sluggish starter hold you back—revive, refresh, or fast-track your way to perfect sourdough loaves today! 💕