Hi PT, what you are doing is totally fine! Our mature starter is quite resistant to mold and other invaders, so all you need to do is scrape down the sides of your container with a soft spatula after feeding, and then once every few months give it a more thorough cleaning with hot water. "Ripe" or "fed" starter is starter that has reached its peak of rising after having been fed at room temperature. It's considered ripe when it's at that peak, or just beginning to fall. Your starter will be ready to use in bread bake when it doubles in size after a feeding within about 6-8 hours, and has a pleasant aroma. Usually it only takes a few feedings to get it up and running, and then you can either start baking bread with it, or give it one more feeding and then let it sit out at room temperature for a few hours (or until it starts bubbling), and then put it in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

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