How to sterilize jars: 6 simple and proven ways

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

An oven, microwave, multicooker, pot or kettle will do the job equally well.

Sterilization is needed to clear the jars of microorganisms. If this is not done, the homemade preparations will ferment, and the lids will fly off them.

How to prepare lids and jars for sterilization

Check the jars for chips, cracks, or rust. Containers without damage are suitable for preservation. The covers should be smooth and free from scratches or rust.

Wash jars and lids thoroughly with a clean sponge. Better to do this with baking soda, mustard powder, laundry soap, or natural detergent.

For washing, it is not recommended to use ordinary detergents, which can be found on the shelves of any store. They often contain chemical additives that are difficult to wash off.

1. How to sterilize steam cans over a saucepan

Fill a saucepan about halfway with water and let the liquid boil. Place the lids in the pot and place a colander, strainer or wire rack on top. Place dry jars on top with the neck down.

You can use a special sterilizer. This device looks like a flat lid with one or more holes for the cans.

Small cans should stand over steam for about 6–8 minutes, cans with a volume of 1–2 liters - 10–15 minutes, and containers of 3 liters or more - 20–25 minutes.

When large drops of water appear on the inner walls of the cans, sterilization can be finished.

Remove the cans and place them on a clean, dry towel with the neck down. The lids must be carefully removed and also put on a towel with the inside down.

Allow jars and lids to dry completely before canning.

2. How to sterilize jars in the oven

Place the jars on a baking sheet or wire rack in a cold oven. How you install them - neck up or down - doesn't really matter. The jars can be put in the oven immediately after washing.

You can put screw lids in the oven. Do not sterilize caps with rubber bands as they may melt. They need to be boiled in water for 10-15 minutes.

Close the oven and set the temperature to 100–110 ° C. Keep the jars inside for about 20 minutes. The sterilization time does not depend on their volume.

Turn off the oven and leave the jars there for a few minutes to cool slightly. You need to get them out with a dry towel. If it is wet, the cans may burst due to temperature extremes.

3. How to sterilize steam jars over a kettle

Fill a regular kettle about halfway with water and bring it to a boil. If possible, put the lids in the kettle. If they don't fit inside, sterilize them in a saucepan of boiling water.

Place a dry jar in the opening of the kettle with the neck down.

If the jar is small, you can place it on the spout of the teapot. Or put a crush in the kettle and hang the jar on it.

You need to keep the jars over steam as much as in the previous sterilization method over a saucepan. Then dry them on a clean towel.

4. How to sterilize steam cans in a multicooker or double boiler

Fill a multicooker or steamer bowl with water and put the lids on. Attach the steam nozzle and place the dry jars on top of it with the neck down.

Turn on the steamer or set the multicooker to "Steam". If the jars are small, you can close the device with a lid, but this does not play a significant role.

After boiling water, the jars should be sterilized as much as over a saucepan or kettle. Place the jars and lids on a clean, dry towel and wait until they are completely dry.

5. How to sterilize jars in the microwave

Pour 1, 5–2 cm of water into jars and put them in the microwave. Select maximum power and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.

The water should boil, and the inside of the jars should be covered with large drops. Drain, place the jars upside down on a clean, dry towel and pat dry.

Lids cannot be sterilized in the microwave.

They need to be dipped in a pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

6. How to sterilize jars in boiling water

Place the jars, neck up, in a large saucepan. Place the lids side by side. Pour cold water into the pot and cans so that it covers the necks.

If the cans do not fit in the pan, you can leave them horizontally instead of placing them.

Bring water to a boil and sterilize the jars for 15–20 minutes. Then transfer to a clean towel with the neck down to dry completely.