Reusing glass jars properly around the house

A clean, crack-free jar is fine for dry goods, but not every jar is made for heat or for canning.

This article focuses on steps you can apply straight away, while pointing out what to check so you do not follow them mechanically. Adjust them to your actual circumstances, to the manufacturer's instructions and to the rules where you live or are visiting.

How to do it, step by step

1. Check the rim, the body and the lid, and discard anything chipped or cracked

Check the rim, the body and the lid, and discard anything chipped or cracked. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

2. Remove the label, wash the jar and dry it completely

Remove the label, wash the jar and dry it completely. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

3. Only use it for food when its origin and material are suitable

Only use it for food when its origin and material are suitable. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

4. Do not pour very hot liquid into a jar not designed for heat

Do not pour very hot liquid into a jar not designed for heat. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

5. Label the contents and date, and avoid reusing jars that held chemicals

Label the contents and date, and avoid reusing jars that held chemicals. Get all the tools ready before you start, look at the result after each step, and stop if anything looks unsafe or different from what you expected. Going slowly the first time usually saves the time it would take to put mistakes right later.

A quick checklist

• Check the actual conditions and have a fallback ready.
• Put safety and hygiene first, along with the official instructions for the device or from the local authorities.
• Try it on a small area before applying it everywhere.
• Write down what worked so it goes faster next time.

Common mistakes

The usual mistakes are skipping the checking step, using too much product, or pressing on after the conditions have changed. Do not mix chemicals, do not take on electrical or structural repairs without the expertise, and never trade safety for a few saved minutes.

In closing

A clean, crack-free jar is fine for dry goods, but not every jar is made for heat or for canning. Start with the simple version, review it once you have done it, and keep it up as a habit that suits your household or your travels.