After each batch (after having this same thing happen to me) I made sure to separate the babies every time and keep them in their own "hotel" if you will or make different flavored batches all at the same time or even share if possible. I've also just pulled apart chunks of the SCOBY but I do think I ended up making it work more slowly in the first few brews because of it. Gotta catch it earlier is what I figured out. The tea below it I tossed once I broke up the big ole mama jamma because it was vinegar too but it's your call if you think you can use it for anything else!