How to Clean Glass Bottles

When bottling food products, it is important to make sure that no bacteria makes it into the bottle. Here is the best way to sanitize the bottles. This method works well for any glass jar including beer bottles and canning jars.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Empty Bottles
• Oxidation Remover (optional)
• Sterilizing solution
• Bottle Tree (optional/recommended)
• Bottle Brush (optional/recommended)

1. If your bottles are old and oxidized, most people would discard them rather than clean them. This is because the oxidation process removes minerals from the glass which cause it to become brittle. It also will leave it pitted which provides a place for bacteria to collect and breed and it leaves the glass looking foggy. However, if you wish to clean these, you will have to locate an oxidation remover. There are a number of them on the market which you can experiment with. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions as these are harmful chemicals.
2. Mix up the sanitizing solution. Iodophor Sanitizer works well. Mix the solution about one teaspoon to one gallon of hot water or as directed on the bottle. You can also purchase packets of buffered alkaline which comes pre-measured for 2-5 gallons.
3. Scrub the bottles or jars. Specialty brushes can be purchased to get inside the wine bottles. Make sure all gum from labels are removed from the outside and any residue is removed from the interior.
4. Rinse the bottles in the sanitizing solution, making sure all interior parts have been rinsed and set them upside down to dry. Bottle trees work great for this. Remember to sterilize the tree prior to use.
5. Let the bottles dry completely. You can then bottle your product and seal it with a cork or screwcap. This is great for homemade wine, beer, preserves etc. While it is important to let the bottles dry, it is also important to bottle as soon as possible otherwise, bacteria can be re-introduced to the bottles before they are put to use.