Canning jars are one of the most indispensable tools for any homesteader. Whether you use them for canning your garden bounty, storing homemade jams and preserves, or even as rustic decor around the farmhouse, canning jars are infinitely reusable – as long as you keep them sparkling clean.
As an avid canner myself, I’ve developed a tried-and-true method for getting my trusty jars squeaky clean and ready for the next canning session.
Why Properly Cleaning Canning Jars is So Important
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why thoroughly washing your canning jars is absolutely essential. First and foremost, clean jars are critical for safe canning. Any residue, dirt, or bacteria left in the jars can cause your carefully canned foods to spoil or even make you sick.
Properly cleaning jars also helps maintain that tight seal to keep your canned goods fresh for the long haul. The rim needs to be completely clean to get that satisfying “ping” that lets you know your jars sealed successfully.
Sparkling clean jars just make your canning pantry look so much more attractive! There’s nothing quite as lovely as rows of clear glass jars filled with the colorful fruits (and veggies) of your labor. Trust me, the time you spend getting your jars pristine is well worth the effort.
My Step-By-Step Method for Cleaning Canning Jars
Over the years of putting up countless jars of jams, pickles, tomatoes and more, I’ve perfected my process for getting jars clean and sterilized. Here’s how I do it:
- Remove the lids and rings: Before washing, take off the lids and rings. The lids are not reusable for canning, so you can store those with your recycling. Rings can be reused as long as they aren’t rusty or bent.
- Soak the jars: I start by filling up my kitchen sink with hot, soapy water. I use a mild dish soap, nothing too scented. Then in go all the jars for a nice long soak, at least 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen up any stuck-on food residue.
- Scrub stubborn residue: If any jars have stubborn stuck-on bits, I break out an old toothbrush reserved for this purpose. The small bristles are perfect for scrubbing around the grooves and getting the jars really clean. For really caked on foods, try a bit of baking soda for extra scrubbing power.
- Rinse well: Once the jars are scrubbed clean, I rinse them thoroughly under running water. Be sure to check the rims for any chips – those jars will need to be recycled. Chipped jars won’t seal properly.
- Sanitize the jars: Now it’s time to sterilize! I place my wet jars on a big baking sheet or in my dishwasher racks and heat them in a 225°F oven for at least 10 minutes. You can also sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This crucial step kills any lingering bacteria to prevent spoilage.
- Dry the jars: Using a clean dish towel or paper towels, dry off your hot sterilized jars. Be careful, they’ll be quite hot! Drying the jars prevents water droplets from diluting your food or interfering with sealing.
- Store the clean jars: If not using right away for canning, store your clean jars in a dry area with the rings off until you’re ready to fill them. I keep mine in a big wicker basket right next to where I do my canning.
Cleaning Canning Jars with Stubborn Odors
Sometimes jars can hold onto strange smells, especially if they previously held strongly scented items like pickles or garlic. To banish unwanted odors, here are a couple tricks:
- Crumple up a piece of newspaper, toss it in the jar, and put on the lid. Let it sit for a few days – the newspaper will absorb the smell.
- For really stubborn smells, try soaking the jars in a vinegar and water solution before washing as described above. The vinegar cuts through odors naturally.
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Removing Sticky Labels and Glue from Canning Jars
Nothing mars the look of a beautiful canning jar like a pesky label or sticky glue residue. Here’s how to remove them:
- Soak the jars in warm, soapy water to loosen the labels. Most will slide right off.
- Use a bit of cooking oil on a cloth to wipe away any remaining sticky glue. Wash the oil off with soap.
- For super stubborn glue, soak a rag in white vinegar, wrap it around the jar, and let sit for a few hours before scrubbing clean.
More Uses for Clean Canning Jars
One of the reasons I love canning jars so much is their endless utility beyond just preserving food. Clean jars can be used for so many things around the homestead:
- Use them to store dry goods like grains, beans, popcorn, and dog treats. The tight-fitting lids keep everything fresh.
- Fill them with homemade spice blends or flavored salts to give as gifts.
- Use jars to mix up and store your own cleaning solutions, like DIY glass cleaner with vinegar and essential oils.
- Fill them with cute farmstead necessities like buttons, nails, and twine.
- Even use jars as rustic vases for fresh-cut flowers from your garden!
The possibilities are endless. With a stash of clean canning jars, you’ll always be ready for your next canning adventure or organization project.
Clean Jars, Ready for Anything!
With this fool-proof method for cleaning canning jars, you’ll be all set for a bumper crop of canning fun. Properly washed and sanitized jars are your key to safely preserving your homegrown goodness and keeping your homestead organized. I hope these tips from a fellow canner help make your next canning session a breeze! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some blackberry jam to jar up. Happy canning!
