Wendy, by your descriptions, it sounds like your ferment is ok. A little pink sludge is probably Kham yeast biofilm. As long as your ferment smells like apples, it is good. Discard if the liquid develops a rotten or sour fragrance. Mold will appear powdery and fuzzy. If you notice blue, black, or pink mold on the surface of your apple scrap vinegar, discard it and start over with fresh ingredients and clean equipment.

Mine was started in a crock with weights and cheese cloth on top. It smells like apple vinegar. I poured it from the crock, and noted a pink “ sludge” on the weights. No mold, but slightly cloudy.
Did the straining with colander and then cheese cloth. It’s cloudy but smells good and the fruit flys are trying to get into it. Does this sound okay? I gave a picture of both the scraps and the strained product. Is there a way to share?
Thanh’s!
Wendy

Daneen, Airlocks are OK to use. A little sediment is normal. It should settle to the bottom of the jar as the apple cider ferments.

I noticed, the strained vinegar is separating. Is that normal? I did use a fine mesh strainer and then poured through same strainer lined with cheesecloth.

Thanks

Melanie, If you see a white or slightly pink film on the surface, it is probably a Kham yeast biofilm. The pink tinge could be from the red apple peels. Remove it with a spoon. As long as your ferment doesn’t smell rotten or sour, you are ok. Mold looks powdery. If you see fuzzy, blue, black, or pink mold on the surface of your apple scrap vinegar, discard it and start over with fresh ingredients and clean equipment.