How to clean a sourdough starter jar

Learning how to clean a sourdough jar is an important step of owning a sourdough starter. With regular feeding and maintenance, a sourdough starter can last for generations to come. 

One of the most heavily debated topics outside of the best ratio to feed sourdough starter is how to clean a sourdough jar. The frequency and method are highly discussed between individuals, making it difficult to know what the right method is as a sourdough beginner. 

There is so much information about how often to clean a jar, how to clean a jar and whether to use hot or cold water to clean a sourdough jar. On this blog, I will help you leave the sourdough stress behind. After you make a sourdough starter from scratch, follow these simple rules to ensure your sourdough starter stays healthy and mold free by cleaning the jar on a regular basis.

How often to clean a sourdough jar?

When considering how often to clean your sourdough jar, consider the storage method for your starter and how often you feed and maintain your starter.

If you continue to switch between storing the starter in the fridge and maintaining on the countertop, you may only use your starter when you bake. If you leave it on the countertop and feed it every day, your jar may build up starter on the sides faster than someone who bakes weekly or monthly.

Now, if mold or fruit flies which have made contact (or grown) on a starter. If this is the case, discard the starter, clean your jar well and and begin a starter from scratch.

As you can see, the frequency of cleaning a starter is highly variable. It depends on how often the starter is used and feed, along with how clean the jar is when done using. This can make someone want to clean their starter jar daily, weekly, monthly or longer – all based on personal preference!

Why should you clean your sourdough starter jar?

There are many reasons you should learn your sourdough starter jar. From cleanliness, to experimentation and ease of sharing with others, it is a good practice to make a part of your regular routine maintenance. These are some reasons why it is important to have a clean container.

• Regular maintenance is quick to move starter between two jars.
• You can build a mature starter and change the acidity level by transferring over a small amount and feeding it well. We love using dry feeding to give the sourdough starter a boost!
• Cleaning a sourdough starter container can help to reduce the chance of bad bacteria or mold growing on your starter. Any kind of mold is beneficial to wild yeast. It can ruin your starter and make you sick. However, if you have Kahm yeast, it is not pretty to look at, but it is not harmful.
• A clean jar can arguably be prettier to look at
• If you want to experiment with one of the 14 different types of sourdough starters, it can be fun to have a small batch as back up 
• You can even add honey to sourdough starter or make a pineapple juice sourdough starter to see what happens 
• Having a clean jar can be a quick way to share sourdough starter with others easier 

Tutorial: How to clean you sourdough starter jar

There are a few steps to take when cleaning a sourdough starter jar. 

1. Remove your sourdough starter and transfer it to another container.
   • Did you know it is a myth you must have a large starter? You only need a dime size of starter to carryover and maintain your starter. 
2. Soak your sourdough starter in water. Add soap or white vinegar if you would like. This can help to break down any starter stuck on the sides of the container to help it remove easier.
3. Scrub the inside of the container and use a scraper to remove any crust bits from the rims. Be sure to wash the outside as well
   • Repeat steps 1-3 as many times as necessary to release crusty bits. 
4. Dry with a tea towel or leave on the countertop before using again.

Tips to keep a starter container clean

• Removing crusty bits
  • When the jar begins to have crusty bits built up on the sides, consider transferring to a new jar. You can save the crispy bits to make dried sourdough starter 
• Hot vs. cold water
  • The finite decision is not out on whether cleaning a sourdough jar with hot water or cold water is better. People say cleaning with cold water is best because hot water can make the sourdough starter like a paste and stick to your pipes.
    • We find if the jar sits soaking with water and soap for the day and is swirled around, all the sticky parts will become loose and combine with the water. As long as globs of starter are not thrown down the drain, it should not clog.
• Clogging pipes / garbage disposal
  • It is heavily debated if sourdough starter can clog your pipes. This plays along with hot vs. cold water but there are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances.
    • It is ok to run sourdough starter down the drain! But, make sure it is not straight starter – add a little water to the mixture.
    • Make sure to run your garbage disposal. This can help so the sink does not become clogged as it sits overnight. 
    • If you are nervous about cleaning your sourdough starter jar without clogging the drain, be sure to take off big chunks of dried starter. Run lots of water to combine with the starter and water. 
      • Jokes aside, if all else fails, clean your starter jar outside. 
• Dish Soap and Vinegar
  • Use dish soap as well for the final clean. Ensure no flour is left behind after the jar has sat to dry. Sometimes it can be difficult to see the flour build up when the jar is wet.
• Using and feeding:
  • Refrain from pouring starter out the side of the container. Use a spoon or measuring utensil to retrieve it from the jar instead.
    • Consider baking in bulk to use more starter but keep it from sticking to the sides often.
  • Use a rubber spatula or silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the jar after using and re-feeding your starter 
  • Keep the top of your sourdough starter jar clean by wiping down the exterior and lid after. It can be helpful to use a paper towel to wipe away the starter to throw away the excess stuck to the side of the container.

How often do you clean your sourdough jar? Let us know in the comments below!