Why Isn't My Sourdough Rising? Fixing a Flat Starter or Dough

If your sourdough starter is bubbling but not rising - or worse, not bubbling at all - you're not alone. “Why is my sourdough not rising?” is one of the most searched questions among beginners. This post will guide you through the most common causes and proven solutions to get your fermentation back on track.

First, Check for Fermentation: Is It Bubbling?

The first clue: bubbles. A bubbly sourdough starter indicates that fermentation is occurring. No bubbles at all? Your culture may be inactive, and you should consider restarting using our guide: How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch.

A bubbly but non-rising starter usually means the bacteria are active, but the wild yeast isn’t strong enough to create volume. Fermentation isn't just about bubbles - it's about rise, too.

Did you know? According to Harvard Health, fermented foods like sourdough can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Fix Your Feeding Ratio

A strong starter needs food. A lot of it. A 1:2:2 ratio (starter:water:flour) is ideal during maintenance, but you might want to go heavier (like 1:3:3) when troubleshooting.

Feeding too little means your starter starves - bubbling slows, and rising stops. Learn the exact method in our post on how to feed and strengthen your sourdough starter.

Is Your Flour Helping or Hurting?

Flour isn’t just fuel - it’s the starter’s entire environment. Conventional white flour can sometimes be treated with chemicals or stripped of nutrients to support fermentation.

We recommend switching to organic bread flour or trying to find a local mill, maybe you can buy some non-chemical flour. 

A study published by the NIH highlights how flour type affects microbial diversity in sourdough, influencing both rise and flavor.

Chlorinated Water Can Ruin Your Culture

If your tap water smells strongly of chlorine, it might be interfering with your sourdough. Even small amounts of chlorine can kill beneficial yeast and bacteria.

What to do:

• Use filtered water

• Let tap water sit uncovered overnight

• Boil and cool tap water before using

Chlorinated water is one of the most overlooked sourdough issues, but also one of the easiest to fix.

Temperature Troubles: Find the Right Spot

Starters love consistency. The optimal temperature for sourdough fermentation is 21–26°C (70–78°F). Too cold, and your microbes will slow to a crawl. Too warm, and you risk over-fermentation or even microbial death.

Avoid:

• Drafty windowsills

• Direct sunlight

• Refrigeration (unless your starter is mature and on a break)

If your kitchen is chilly, consider using a proofing box or the oven with just the light on for gentle warmth.

Don’t Underestimate Time

Some starters take longer to mature. If yours is not rising well after 7 or even 10 days, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dead. Keep feeding it consistently and don’t skip days.

If it bubbles but doesn’t rise, that’s a clear sign it just needs more time, feeding, and love.

Is the Dough the Problem?

Let’s say your starter is fine, but your sourdough bread isn’t rising. Consider these:

• Overproofing can collapse the dough structure

• Cold dough straight from the fridge might not spring in the oven

• Too much water can make the dough too slack to hold its shape

Explore our full beginner’s sourdough bread guide and our post on folding dough to improve structure.

Recap: 5 Must-Checks for a Rising Sourdough Starter

✅ Are there bubbles?
✅ Are you using the 1:2:2 ratio (or stronger)?
✅ Is your flour organic and nutrient-rich?
✅ Are you using filtered or dechlorinated water?
✅ Is your kitchen warm but not hot?

If all these are in place and you’re still stuck, our post on strengthening and maintaining your starter can help you rebuild from the ground up.

You Might Also Like These Posts:

How to Feed Your Sourdough Starter for Perfect Baking Results

How to Feed Your Sourdough Starter for Perfect Baking Results

How to Make Homemade Sourdough Bread: A Beginner’s Guide

Folding Dough: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

The Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Focaccia (Easy & Fluffy)