Troubleshooting
Sourdough Sticking to the Banneton: Causes and Permanent Fixes
Dough that tears coming out of the basket ruins your scoring. Here's how to season, flour, and time it so it releases clean.
Sourdough sticks to the banneton when the basket is poorly floured, not properly seasoned, or the dough is too wet or overproofed. The reliable fix is a well-seasoned basket, a rice-flour-and-wheat-flour dusting, and turning the dough out gently within the right proofing window.
The fast fix: rice flour
Wheat flour absorbs moisture and turns gluey. Rice flour doesn't absorb water the same way, so it stays powdery and slick. Use a 50/50 mix of rice flour and all-purpose, or pure rice flour for very wet doughs. Dust generously — more than feels necessary.
Why dough sticks
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| New, unseasoned basket | Season it (below) |
| Not enough flour | Dust heavily, into the grooves |
| Wrong flour | Switch to rice flour |
| Dough too wet | Lower hydration or flour more |
| Overproofed | Bake sooner; slack dough sticks |
| Long proof, dried surface | Cover the basket |
How to season a new banneton
- Lightly mist the basket with water.
- Dust thickly with flour, pressing it into the coils.
- Let it dry fully (overnight).
- Repeat once or twice before first use.
- After each bake, don't wash it — just knock out crumbs and let it air dry. The flour buildup is what makes it non-stick over time.
Turning out cleanly
- Dust the top of the dough before flipping.
- Invert in one confident motion onto parchment — don't peel slowly.
- If it clings, gently work your fingers around the edge first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a bowl instead of a banneton?
Yes — line it with a flour-dusted tea towel. The towel grips less than bare wood and is forgiving for beginners.
Should I wash my banneton?
Rarely. Only if it gets moldy (which means it wasn't drying fully). Normally, just brush out crumbs.
Why does it stick more in summer?
Humidity keeps the flour dusting damp. Use more rice flour and make sure the basket dries completely between bakes.
A clean release sets up a clean score and good ear. If your dough is sticking because it's overproofing in the basket, SourdoughAI can time your final proof so you turn it out at exactly the right moment.