Beginner Guide
How to Store Sourdough Starter (Short and Long Term)
On the counter, in the fridge, or dried for months — here's exactly how to store your starter depending on how often you bake.
Store your sourdough starter on the counter if you bake daily, in the fridge if you bake weekly, and dried or frozen if you're taking a long break. Matching storage to your baking frequency keeps your starter healthy with the least effort.
Storage by baking frequency
| You bake... | Store it... | Feed it... |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Room temp | Once or twice a day |
| Weekly | Fridge | Once a week |
| Monthly+ | Fridge or dried | Less often / revive |
| Taking a break | Dried or frozen | Not at all |
Counter storage (frequent bakers)
Keep it at room temperature and feed once or twice daily (e.g., 1:5:5). It stays active and bake-ready, but it eats a lot of flour. Best only if you bake very often.
Fridge storage (most home bakers)
This is the practical default. Feed the starter, let it begin rising, then refrigerate. It goes dormant and only needs feeding about once a week. To bake, take it out, feed it, and let it become active (1–3 feedings over a day or two).
Long-term: dry it
To pause for months or make a backup:
- Spread a thin layer of active starter on parchment.
- Let it dry completely (1–3 days) until it flakes.
- Crumble and store in an airtight jar at room temperature — it keeps for a year or more.
- To revive, rehydrate with water and feed.
Always keep a dried backup. If your main starter ever fails, you can restore it.
Freezing
You can freeze starter in a sealed container for several months. Thaw and feed it back to strength over a few days. Drying is more reliable, but freezing works.
Frequently asked questions
How long can starter sit in the fridge unfed?
Healthy starters survive 2–4 weeks unfed, though they'll need a few feedings to recover. Don't panic over hooch — just pour it off and feed.
Can I store starter without discarding?
For long fridge storage, keep a small amount to reduce waste. Frequent feeding requires discarding to control acidity.
Will cold storage ruin my starter?
No — cold just slows it down. It's the standard way to maintain a starter long-term.
Forgetting to feed is the most common way starters get neglected. SourdoughAI reminds you when your stored starter needs attention.