Maintaining your starter is very important to keep it healthy and happy. 1 - Feed it - Once a week, take it out of the refrigerator, use half the starter and discard the remaining starter (or use it to make bread) then add more fresh flour and water. 2 - Clean it - Make sure to clean the glass container or jar at least once in a few weeks. I clean my container at least once in two weeks. This way there is never a bad smell or discoloration in my starter.