I have the worst luck with a starter, it always looks so simple. I got a starter from a friend. I fed it everyday with 30g of flour and 30g of water everyday per her instructions. It would rise up above my rubber band mark. Eventually a blackish mold formed on the top.
Three possibilities.
1: It’s not mould.
2: You’re introducing contaminates.
3: Your sourdough maintenance needs to change.
So firstly… post pics.
Also, if it is indeed mould when getting some more starter use a different container and sterilise everything.
Finally, please give more detail on starter maintenance.
Well, I discarded it.
Guess it’s time to start over. I use a glass jar I purchased from breadtopia (blue lid). It has a metal bale. Just curious should the bad be fastened down? I use a glass jar to measure the flour and water in to get the 30g of weight for each. Then I transfer it and mix with a danish wisk. Apparently I should rinse and dip everything in boiling water before use.
Clean everything fully. Sterilise. Then try this method…
Many thanks, this will be my focus as I try again.