Hi Lisa! As this blog goes into, the float test is an inaccurate way of testing sourdough starter of this hydration, so you don't have to worry about your starter floating as a means of knowing when it's ready to bake with. It's a secondary way of knowing when a stiff, lower hydration starter is ready, (in addition to its volume growth as the primary way of knowing) but isn't a tell-all sign starter is ready. For the 100% hydration starter recipe on our site and in our recipes, the float test doesn't work as a reliable way of knowing it's ready which is what this blog explains, so no worries there! It's all about the volume it gains, which definitely often takes time and multiple feedings after it's been in the fridge. After coming out of the fridge, you don't have to wait for it to come to room temperature before feeding it, but it'll probably take 2 to 3 feedings to bring it back to life. 

As for your question, once you've used starter, you'll want to feed what's left so you have enough to keep it going. Ideally, give it an hour or so before putting it back in the fridge, but it can also go straight into the fridge if you're on a time crunch. 

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