My sourdough starter just gave up on me after 8 months

I mean, it was going strong since last fall, survived a move and everything. Then last week I went to feed it and it was just this flat, gray liquid on top. I tried feeding it twice a day for three days straight with my usual 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose, but nothing. It's weird, it felt like losing a pet. Anyone have a good method for restarting one from scratch that doesn't take forever?

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the_robin6mo ago

My friend's starter did that once, and she actually got it back by feeding it with pineapple juice for a few days (sounds weird, I know).

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spencer_thomas46mo ago

No way, that actually works? I've heard of using a little whole wheat or rye flour to kickstart a sluggish starter, but pineapple juice is a new one. The acid might help fight off whatever bad stuff is growing in there. Honestly, if it's looking that rough, sometimes starting over from scratch is less hassle than a week of weird juice feedings.

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