Sterilizing Jars for Long-Term Storage
To sterilize jars for storage, submerge clean, empty glass jars in a pot of boiling water, ensuring they are covered by at least an inch of water. Boil them for ten minutes, then keep them submerged in the hot water until you are ready to fill them with your preserve.
Clean first, sterilize second.
Sterilization only works on jars that are already scrubbed clean of any leftover food or film. Ensure your jars are free of chips or cracks, as the high heat will shatter damaged glass.
- Large stockpot with a rack or folded towel in the bottom
- Tongs with rubber-coated grips
- Clean drying rack or lint-free towel
Avoid the shock
Keep your jars in hot water until the very moment you fill them. Moving a cold jar into boiling liquid or filling a room-temperature jar with boiling preserves can cause the glass to crack.
The method.
Inspect the jars
Run your finger around the rim of each jar to check for nicks or cracks. Discard any compromised jars; they will not form a reliable seal.
Position the rack
Place a rack or a folded kitchen towel at the bottom of your stockpot. This prevents the glass from resting directly against the metal floor of the pot, which is the hottest point.
Submerge and boil
Place the empty jars upright in the pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least one inch. Bring to a rolling boil and set a timer for ten minutes.
Maintain heat
Once the ten minutes are up, turn the heat to the lowest setting to keep the water hot. Leave the jars inside until the moment you are ready to ladle your preserves into them.
Drain and fill
Use your tongs to lift the jar, tipping it slightly to drain the water back into the pot. Turn it upright and fill immediately while the glass is still hot.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Always sterilize lids separately in a small saucepan of hot (not boiling) water for a few minutes to soften the rubber gasket without damaging it.
If you live at an altitude higher than 1,000 feet, add one minute to your boiling time for every additional 1,000 feet of elevation.
Never use a towel to dry the inside of a sterilized jar, as this can introduce fibers or bacteria back into the glass.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use the dishwasher to sterilize?
If your dishwasher has a sanitize cycle that reaches high temperatures and runs for an extended period, it is often sufficient for jars that will be processed in a boiling water bath later.
Does this work for all jar types?
This method is only for heavy-duty, heat-tempered glass jars specifically designed for home canning. Do not attempt this with standard glass food jars, such as repurposed sauce or pickle jars, as they are not made to withstand these temperatures.
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