How to sterilise jars for jam

There’s nothing better than a homemade jam or chutney. However, as any good jam-maker knows, the first task is always sterilising jars. To help you do so, we’ve put together a great go-to-guide on how to sterilise jars for jam, chutney or any other kind of homemade treat.

Cooking up other homemade treats or interested in jumping on the homebrew bandwagon. Check out our guide on sterilising glass bottles.

Key Steps

1. Before you begin sterilising jam jars, remember to remove the rubber seals and lids to avoid them becoming misshapen by the heat.

2. Be extra careful of the heat involved in each method of sterilising jars for jam, so as to avoid burning yourself.

3. If you are using Kilner jars, we recommend scroll down to the section on sterilising jars in a water bath.

How to sterilise jam jars

The first step whenever you are sterilising jam jars is to remove the rubber seals and lids. That’s because any heat could push them out of shape. Next, decide which of these three useful options works best for you. We’ve outline three easy and effective methods for sterilising jars below.

Method 1: How to sterilise jam jars in the dishwasher

1. Use the dishwasher.

   Place your jars on the top rack of your dishwasher.

2. Use a high heat.

   Run the dishwasher on hot without detergent.

3. Get the timing right!

   Your jars will be ready to fill as soon as the cycle has finished – so try to time it for when your recipe will be suitable for packing.

Method 2: Sterilising jars in ovens

1. Use hot and soapy water.

   Wash the jars in hot, soapy water and then rinse.

2. Bake!

   Next, place them on a baking tray and put it into an oven pre-heated to 140-180°C.

3. Fill immediately.

   Fill the jars immediately, being careful not to burn yourself on the hot glass.

Method 3: Sterilising jam jars in a water bath

1. Remove lids and seals.

   Remove the lids and seals as before and then place the jars in a large pan.

2. Bring the pan to the boil.

   Put the pan on the hob and slowly increase the temperature until it boils.

3. Be very careful.

   Never place jars in water that is already boiling as this can cause them to explode and spray dangerous broken glass in every direction.

4. Boil for a maximum of 10 minutes.

   Keep the water boiling for a maximum of 10 minutes then turn off the heat and cover the pan.

5. Take your time.

   The jars can remain in the water until you’re ready to fill them.

Can you sterilise jam jars in the microwave?

1. Step 1:

   Wash the jar in soapy water.

2. Step 2:

   Place the jar in the microwave and turn onto the ‘high’ setting (around 1,000 watts) for 30-45 seconds.

3. Step 3:

   Place upside down on a dishtowel or absorbent kitchen paper to dry.

And there you have it – a simple and easy guide on how to sterilise jam jars for safe and hygienic homemade jam! Remember to make sure your kitchen is clean and ready to make jam by using Cif’s germ-killing kitchen products for peace of mind.

Have your jam-making methods left you a bit messy? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with these articles on how to remove fruit stains from your clothing and how to get strawberry stains out of clothes!