How to Sterilize Glass Bottles & Jars

Sterilizing glass bottles is essential, especially for canning jams, pickles, vegetables, and more. Sterilizing your containers before use removes contaminants that could be harmful to consumers. There are a couple of methods to consider when sterilizing, either by using boiling water or a dishwasher. In this article, you’ll learn how to sterilize glass bottles using different methods, what you’ll need, and some tips.

Sterilizing glass bottles before food and pharmaceutical use ensures that microorganisms and biological agents are removed to avoid any unwanted bacteria.

Even if you receive an order of new glass containers, you’ll still want to sterilize them before use. This will help get rid of any particles that may have accumulated either in the warehouse or during shipping.

What you’ll need: One large pot, water, and tongs or a jar lifter.

Can you boil glass bottles? Yes! The boiling water method is a quick, common, and effective way to sterilize glass bottles.

Place your glass jars, bottles, and lids into the large pot. It is important to confirm that the liner of the lid can withstand these high temperatures. For example, metal caps with a plastisol liner are suitable for this method. Fill the pot with cold or room-temperature water until the jars and lids are completely submerged. Placing the jars straight into boiling water can cause them to shatter due to thermal shock. 

Bring the water to a boil, making sure the glass jars and lids stay underwater. Let the water boil for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, the jars and lids are sterilized and ready to be removed from the water. Remove the jars and lids using your tongs or jar lifter when you’re ready to fill them. Be careful not to touch the bottle or any hot water to avoid burns and injuries. Place them on a clean towel.

If the product you are filling the container with is hot, such as fresh hot jam, place it inside the bottle immediately to avoid breaking the glass. Then, screw the lid on tight. You can use oven mitts or similar items while doing so to avoid touching the hot jar.

What you’ll need: A dishwasher that has a sanitize cycle setting.

Want to find a way on how to sterilize glass bottles without boiling water? In order to use a dishwasher to sterilize glass jars and bottles, you’ll need one that has a set “sanitize” setting. This is because it heats up to temperatures higher than those in your standard dishwasher cycle. 

Load the glass jars in the dishwasher with the opening facing down and start the cycle. Keep in mind that sanitizing cycles can last up to an hour.

If your jars need to be at a higher temperature for filling, keep the jars in the dishwasher to keep them hot until you’re ready. Remember to be cautious when handling hot glass.

While some sources say that you can sterilize glass bottles in the oven or microwave, it’s not as safe or as effective as the boiling water and dishwasher method. Trying to sterilize glass bottles in an oven or microwave can be dangerous because the glass could break or crack, and you can’t ensure that the jars have been properly sterilized with the dry heat. 

According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia (NCHFP), the temperature varies in ovens according to the accuracy of regulators and the circulation of heat. In addition, uneven heating can cause glass jars to explode or shatter in the oven.

Now that you’ve decided on a sterilization method, here are some tips on how to prep your glass jars and bottles.

Looking for a way on how to sanitize glass bottles? While vinegar can’t be used in sterilizing glass bottles, it can be used in removing scale and hard-water films. The jars can be soaked in a solution of water and vinegar, with 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water, for several hours.

High altitudes can impact boiling and cooking times. This happens because there is decreased atmospheric pressure which causes water to boil at lower temperatures, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. This means that things will take longer to boil. Increasing the cooking time helps to balance this out. For the boiling method, the amount of time you need to boil the items can be impacted by where you live. If you live in an area with altitudes less than 1,000 feet, you’ll stick to the 10 minutes. For every additional 1,000 feet of elevation, you’ll add an additional minute.

When sterilizing glass jars, it’s important to be safe no matter which method you choose. The boiling water and dishwasher methods are the most reliable to ensure your jars are properly sterilized before use. At The Cary Company, we have a wide selection of glass jars, glass bottles, and caps available. Browse our website to find your perfect fit!

Have questions about our glass jars and their compatibility with your product? Contact our product specialists at 630.629.6600 or email sales@thecarycompany.com.