Unlike other delicate glassware, mason jars can be washed in a dishwasher. See, mason jars are manufactured using strong glass that can withstand high temperatures in a dishwasher. The strong glass is also heatproof.
Aside from the jars, you can also wash the lids in the dishwasher. The lids are also manufactured to endure high temperatures.
Nonetheless, there are several guidelines you should adhere to before placing the Mason jar in a dishwasher.
The first guideline is to ensure that your mason jars are modern. The modern Mason jar is better than the old model Mason jar because it is manufactured without a wire bail mechanism.
In the past, the old model was manufactured with a wire bail mechanism that wasn’t dishwasher friendly.
Now that we know the guidelines to adhere to, let’s highlight steps to follow when washing mason jars in the dishwasher.
How To Wash Mason Jars In Dishwasher?
Mason jars are also known as Kilner jars, ball jars, fruit jars, and glass canning jars. And washing mason jars are very easy using the dishwasher.
Requirement Equipment
- Mason Jars
- Dishwasher
- Water
- Dishwasher detergent
- Rinse Aid
Buy This Requirement Equipment
Step 1: Rinse The Mason Jars Before Placing Them In The Dishwasher
A dishwasher cannot detach excessive food glued inside a jar. Therefore, rinse the mason jars to loosen the glued junk before putting it in a dishwasher.
Step 2: Put The Mason Jars In The Dishwasher
We recommend that you place the 8oz jars on the top rack. Then put the 16 oz & 32 oz on the lower rack of a dishwasher.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Before you start cleaning the mason jars, add the detergent. Remember that mason jars are fragile; therefore, use delicate detergents for cleaning.
Use regular dishwasher detergent; liquid soap can leak or leave the dishwasher with soap studs.
After the detergent is in place, switch on the dishwasher and ensure that the settings are appropriate. Leave the jars to clean for some time.
Step 4: Clean The Mason Jar Lids
After cleaning the jars, you can clean the lids in the dishwasher. Just put the lids in small compartments or dishwasher holders. Add some detergent and allow the lids to clean.
However, most people prefer hand washing the lids to prevent them from rusting.
If you adhere to the above cleaning steps, your glass jars will remain sparkling clean. However, there are a few scenarios where the glass mason jars remain cloudy after cleaning.
So what is the problem? Well, you might be using hard water that clings on the mason jars.
Instead of struggling to scrub the Mason jar, add rinse aid to the water to prevent the residue from clinging to the glasses.
Thankfully, you can now clean your mason jars in the dishwasher with ease. Just follow the above simple steps, and your mason jars will be sparkling clean!
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1. Do You Need To Wash New Mason Jars Before Use
A short and precise answer to this question is yes! We know you are wondering why you should wash new mason jars, yet you will subject them to high temperatures during canning.
However, you need to realize that cleaning the mason jars is a vital step in food preservation. Cleaning your jars is essential to remove any bacteria or yeast that will contaminate the canned food.
If the food is contaminated, it is likely to go bad at a faster rate than usual. Furthermore, you can acquire diseases after eating in contaminated mason jars!
It doesn’t matter if the mason jars are new. A clean wrap doesn’t guarantee a clean environment.
Clean mason jars can be contaminated by chips, debris, dust, and microorganisms during manufacturing or packaging.
Washing the mason jars is obligatory before you start the canning process. In fact, national food preservation agencies insist that at the very minimum, mason jars should be washed in hot water with a detergent.
As you wash the jars, inspect them thoroughly for existing cracks. Also, remove any existing films by soaking them in a vinegar solution.
After washing the jars, make sure you rinse them thoroughly to prevent the detergent from damaging food.
Now let us discuss three main ways of cleaning new mason jars before use.
2. Cleaning In Boiling Water
Put the mason jar in boiling water and leave it for some minutes. Then, turn off the heat source as soon as steam starts emerging from the pot.
Leave the mason jars in hot water for 5 minutes so that they can remain hot. After 5 minutes, flip the jars on a towel and allow them to dry.
However, ensure that the jars remain hot. It is recommended that you only use the Mason jar when it is still hot.
3. Cleaning The Mason Jar In A Dishwasher
This is the most efficient method.
Start by putting the mason jar in the dishwasher. Then rinse the jars at a high-temperature setting. It is also vital to lock the dishwasher to ensure that all the heat is locked inside.
Pull the jars outside slowly, one at a time, so that they remain hot while packing the food.
4. The Oven Method
Though this is the easiest method, it consumes a lot of time.
To clean the Mason jar, heat the oven to 280 degrees F. Next, put the jars inside the oven for a period of twenty minutes.
However, ensure that you place the jars on a cookie sheet to prevent them from breaking due to increased heat.
Don’t heat the oven above 280 degrees F. The mason jars will crack if you surpass the recommended temperatures.
Once twenty minutes are over, remove the jars with a heatproof mat. Fill in the food contents while the Mason jar is still hot.
You are free to select any cleaning method from the three options. However, you need to remember that cleaning new mason jars is a requirement!
5. Can Mason Jars Be Washed In The Dishwasher
Yes, they can. As we mentioned earlier, Mason jars are manufactured with heatproof materials that enable the jars to withstand high temperatures.
Nonetheless, before you put a mason jar in a dishwasher, you must ensure that it is modern. The old model mason jars were manufactured from a wire bail mechanism that made it difficult to withstand high temperatures.
Now, we know you are wondering if it is possible to detach the wire bail mechanism. Well, the good news is it is possible.
However, this is only possible in a limited number of glass jars. Once you detach the wire bail mechanisms, your mason jar will be dishwasher safe.
To effectively clean your mason jars, put them in the dishwasher. Then run the dishwasher on a minimum time setting. Afterward, rinse the jars in a high-temperature setting.
Within a few minutes, your mason jars will be sparkling clean. You can now pull them out of the dishwasher.
Important Note: For this cleaning to be done correctly, you must ensure that the mason jars are the only utensils in the dishwasher. The dishwasher should not contain other dirty dishes. Also, note that this cleaning method is expensive. It consumes an exceptional amount of energy and water.
Final Thoughts
Cleanliness is mandatory for all kitchen wares. Whether you are using new or old utensils, you need to ensure that your kitchenware is clean.
In the above article, we have highlighted the importance of cleaning mason jars. We have also confirmed that it is safe to wash mason jars in the dishwasher.
However, before putting the jars in a dishwasher, you must ensure that they are made from modern material. Modern jars are manufactured from quality materials that can withstand high temperatures.
However, the old mason jars cannot withstand the high temperatures. Therefore, we recommend that you hand wash the old model mason jars.
We hope you will follow our guidelines so that your mason jars can increase their lifespan. All the best as you clean your mason jars!
I’m new to canning and got lost in all the details and advice. I purchased new mason jars and forgot to wash them, I boiled the jars, lids and bands and let them sit in the hot water until I was ready to start the canning procedure. Will the contents keep and be safe to eat?