Q: There is a white film on my starter. Is this mold?

You’re likely seeing kahm yeast , a harmless wild yeast that forms a thin, white or matte film across the surface of your sourdough starter rather than the fuzzy patches of mold. It’s not ideal for flavor, but it’s not generally harmful.

Question 1

My starter is bubbling but not rising much

Accepted Answer

This usually means the bran is weighing the starter down. Sift your flour through a #50–60 sieve so the mixture can trap air and rise more visibly.

Question 2

My starter smells overly sour or vinegary, like nail polish

Accepted Answer

That’s a sign the starter has gone too long without food. Increase feeding to twice daily, or feed a larger ratio (like 1:2:2 starter:flour: water) to give it more fresh food.

Question 3

My starter has no bubbles at all after several days

Accepted Answer

Don’t panic. Some starters take longer to wake up. Make sure you’re using filtered or mineral water (not chlorinated tap water), keep it warm, and stick with daily feedings. Many suddenly come alive around day 4 or 5.

Question 4

My starter rises quickly, then collapses

Accepted Answer

This is common with freshly milled flour because it ferments faster. It simply means the starter is running out of food. Feed more often (up to three times a day), or keep a smaller amount at room temperature and store the rest in the fridge

Question 5

My starter has spots of what looks like mold

Accepted Answer

If you see fuzzy growth or colors like pink, orange, or green, the starter can’t be saved. Clean your jar well, start over, and be sure to cover loosely to keep dust and pests out.

Question 6

There is a white film on my starter. Is this mold?

Accepted Answer

You’re likely seeing kahm yeast, a harmless wild yeast that forms a thin, white or matte film across the surface of your sourdough starter rather than the fuzzy patches of mold. It’s not ideal for flavor, but it’s not generally harmful.

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