Reusing jars is one of the smartest, most eco-friendly ways to build your pantry. But before you fill them with rice, oats, or lentils, make sure they’re truly clean. That means more than just rinsing out the leftover pasta sauce.
This guide walks you through the easy ways to clean and sterilize reused jars – plus why drying them fully matters more than you might think.
Here’s the quick step-by-step in video form:
Start fresh by removing all food residue, bacteria, and lingering smells. Here’s how:
Simple Wash Method
If your jar held something greasy, oily, or fragrant (like curry paste or pickles), wash it a second time or leave it to soak in warm water with a bit of vinegar or baking soda.
Sterilizing isn’t always required for dry foods, but it’s a great idea if:
Option A: Boiling Water Method
Option B: Oven Method (for dry storage only)
Even if your jars are sparkling clean, moisture can ruin your dry goods. Here’s why:
If your jar is even slightly damp:
Always dry the lid separately, and don’t forget to wipe inside the rim.
A clean, dry jar is the best starting point for a longer-lasting pantry. Once you’ve prepped a few, it will be very easy and you can be sure that jar is “clean enough.”
Clean just one jar today—start with the easiest one.
That’s one step closer to a more lasting pantry.
Next up: Let’s tackle the best way to remove sticker glue and smells from reused jars.
