Urgent advice needed.

[Kandalama6]

So I’ve been making kombucha for over a year now and I have, what I think, are two pretty good sized and healthy scobys. Work has been crazy so I haven’t really been watching my jar and today I looked at it..... there was mold all over the top! Different kinds. Just fuzzy crap everywhere. Except my two scobys were still at the bottom of my jar. Are they safe to keep using or do I need to throw them away? I’ve never had a mold problem before and I haven’t a clue what to do. I’m heartbroken because I’ve worked so hard to grow these little babies!!!!!!

 

[rushpapers]

Wow. I think that is the first picture of a real infection that has been posted.

Throw it out. Start over. In 3-4 weeks you'll be back to business.

Take it as a learning experience.

 

[Kandalama6]

Even if the main scoby didn’t have the mold? Or is it all in the liquid and the whole contents of the container is contaminated?

 

[rushpapers]

Everything is FUBAR.
Throw it out. Start over.
You've done it before and you'll do it again.
Everything will be alright .

 

[Kandalama6]

Ok.... ok... I’m just so sad this happened.
thanks for the advice though.

 

[rushpapers]

I always keep a few gallon jars of really old kombucha around for such a contingency. I let them go for 6 to 8 months. The pellicle grows thick and even. I use it as acidifier, however, if I ever had a problem like you have, there are samples of my SCOBY to start anew.

I'd suggest everyone do the same. If you don't have a lot of space, use a pint Mason jar, or two.