Before filling jars with honey, jam or pickles, sterilizing them removes bacteria that cause spoilage. Here are three safe methods to sterilize glass jars at home.
Method 1: Boiling
Wash jars in warm soapy water, then submerge in boiling water for 10 minutes. Air-dry on a clean rack. Simple and reliable.
Method 2: Oven
Wash jars, place them upright on a tray and heat in the oven at 140°C for 15–20 minutes. Let them cool slightly before filling.
Method 3: Dishwasher
Run a hot cycle with no detergent residue and use the jars while still warm. Convenient for larger batches.
Important tips
- Sterilize the metal caps too (boiling water is safest).
- Fill jars while both jar and product are warm for a better seal.
- Never put cold jars into a hot oven — thermal shock can crack glass.
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