How to Sterilize Glass Jars at Home (Step by Step)

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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