Sanitize

Definitions

Cleaning is getting the container free of visual debris such as food, lotions, soaps, etc. It is basically the removal of foreign material from areas and objects. Cleaning reduces organic matter and can be done by removing any labels and scrubbing the container with soap and water. You can clean your containers in the dishwasher but it does not sterilize them. Cleaning must be done before you can sterilize!

Disinfecting (or sanitizing) is the process of destroying and removing most organisms that are present on surfaces, reducing them to a safe level.

Sterilization is any process that eliminates or kills all forms of life, including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and spore forms.

Steps

1. Prepare Your Container: Once the labels are completely off, dismantle your containers, take the lids off, etc. Place them into a pot of warm soapy water and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. 

2. Clean Your Container

3.Sterilize Glass: Fill the clean containers with hot water and submerge into a large pot of hot water and bring to a boil. Boil for about 15 minutes.

4. Sterilize Plastic: Soak in hydrogen peroxide (3%) for about 10-15 minutes, give them a quick rinse and leave them out to dry in a clean environment.