I began a starter 3 days ago, and am finding that the top drys out despite having it partially covered, and a white mould on the surface. The mould doesn’t penetrate the entire starter so I’ve just been discarding the surface when feeding.
Do I need to be worried/start again? It’s not the pink or orange mould that I’ve heard is more serious.
Why are you partially covering it?
Abe,
Most guides I’ve read recommend partially covering to allow any gas to escape and also oxygen flow. Should I be leaving it uncovered?
Not completely airtight but at the same time you don't wish for it to dry out uncovered and at a young stage start growing other things.
If your starter is not yet active and strong you don't have to be too concerned yet about it exploding.
When feeding give it a good mix and keep it covered, not partially, but not airtight either. My starter jar has a screw lid and when bubbling up its screwed on but not tightly. About half way so the lid can rattle but not fall off.
When its peaked and going in the fridge (which you'll do at a later stage) the lid is properly on.
The past day or so I’ve started over it it with a paper towel, which seems to prevent it drying out.
Thanks for the advice!
No worries. And funny, I happen to know an IzzyR. Enjoy!
Looks fine to me. It looks like a yeast bloom on top of the mixture.