How to Disinfect Spice Jars in 5 Steps

Over time, spice jars can collect residue, bacteria, and moisture—especially around the lid threads and pour spouts—if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Disinfecting them periodically helps maintain food safety standards, especially for jars stored near heat sources or used with wet hands.

The method varies depending on jar material and lid type. Glass jars tolerate higher heat and stronger disinfecting solutions than plastic. Metal lids may corrode with prolonged soaking. Rubber seals require separate handling to avoid degradation.

The steps below cover manual disinfection using diluted bleach or isopropyl alcohol, with adjustments for glass versus plastic and removable versus non-removable lids. This applies to both empty jars being reset for reuse and jars being cleaned mid-use.

Tools and Materials

Tools:

• Bottle brush
• Small detail brush or old toothbrush
• Dish rack or clean towel
• Measuring cup
• Large bowl or basin
• Tongs (for hot water handling)
• Microfiber cloth

Materials:

• Unscented dish soap
• Household bleach (5–6% sodium hypochlorite)
• Isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration)
• Clean water (warm to hot)

Optional:

• Dishwasher (for glass jars only, heat-dry cycle)
• Small funnel (for refilling after cleaning)
• Drying rack with individual slots

How to Disinfect Spice Jars

Disinfecting spice jars is not the same as washing them. Washing removes visible residue. Disinfecting reduces microbial load on surfaces that contact food or hands repeatedly. This section applies whenever jars are being repurposed, show visible residue inside the lid threads, or have been stored in humid conditions.

Step 1: Empty and Disassemble the Jar

Remove all remaining spice before cleaning. Even small amounts of residue interfere with disinfecting solutions.

You will need:

• Trash bin or compost container
• Small brush or dry cloth

1. Empty the jar completely. Tap out remaining powder or seeds.
2. Remove the lid. If the jar has a shaker insert, pull it out separately.
3. Separate rubber gaskets or seals if present.
4. Do not mix disassembled components from different jars until each piece has been cleaned.

If the jar has a built-in grinder mechanism, do not submerge it. Wipe internal components with a dry or slightly damp cloth only.

Step 2: Pre-Wash All Components

Disinfecting solutions work on clean surfaces. Residual oils and spice particles reduce their effectiveness.

You will need:

• Dish soap
• Bottle brush
• Detail brush
• Warm water

1. Rinse each jar under warm running water to loosen dry residue.
2. Apply a small amount of dish soap and scrub the interior with a bottle brush.
3. Use a detail brush to clean lid threads, pour spouts, and shaker holes.
4. Rinse thoroughly. No soap residue should remain.
5. Set components upside down on a clean towel briefly before the disinfecting step.

If a spice has stained the glass or plastic, soak in warm soapy water for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.

Step 3: Choose a Disinfecting Solution Based on Jar Material

The solution depends on material type. Bleach is suitable for glass and most hard plastics. Isopropyl alcohol is preferable for plastic jars or lids that may react to bleach, and for metal lids that could corrode with prolonged soaking.

For glass jars — bleach solution:

You will need:

• Household bleach
• Cool or lukewarm water
• Measuring cup
• Large basin

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Do not exceed this concentration. Mix only as much solution as needed to fully submerge your batch of jars.
2. Submerge jars, lids, and shaker inserts fully in the solution.
3. Allow components to soak for 2 minutes minimum.
4. Do not mix bleach with vinegar or any other cleaner. This produces toxic chlorine gas.
5. Remove components with tongs. Do not rinse after bleaching — rinsing removes the disinfecting residue before it has fully acted.
6. Allow to air dry completely on a clean rack.

For plastic jars or metal lids — isopropyl alcohol:

You will need:

• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Microfiber cloth or clean cotton pad

1. Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Wipe the interior, exterior, lid threads, and shaker components thoroughly.
3. Allow to sit undisturbed for at least 30 seconds. Alcohol requires contact time to disinfect.
4. Do not rinse. Allow to air dry completely before reassembly.

If plastic discolors or shows surface cloudiness after alcohol application, discontinue use and replace the jar.

Step 4: Disinfect Rubber Seals and Gaskets Separately

Rubber components require gentler handling. Bleach solutions at high concentration and prolonged soaking can degrade rubber over time.

You will need:

• Unscented dish soap
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton pad or soft cloth

1. Hand wash rubber seals with soap and warm water only.
2. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
3. Wipe each seal once with a 70% isopropyl alcohol-dampened cloth.
4. Allow to air dry fully before returning to the lid.
5. Inspect each seal for cracking, warping, or discoloration. Damaged seals should be replaced, not reused.

Rubber gaskets in contact with strong bleach solutions repeatedly tend to degrade faster. Limit bleach exposure to the hard components.

Step 5: Dry Completely Before Reassembly

Moisture trapped inside a reassembled jar accelerates mold and bacterial growth. This step is not optional.

You will need:

• Drying rack
• Clean microfiber cloth (optional)
• Adequate drying time (minimum 1–2 hours, longer in humid conditions)

1. Place all components opening-side down or at an angle on a clean drying rack.
2. Allow to air dry for a minimum of 1 hour at room temperature.
3. Do not dry spice jars in an oven or with direct heat unless the manufacturer specifies the material is heat-safe.
4. Check interiors before reassembly. Any remaining moisture indicates more drying time is needed.
5. Reassemble only when all components are fully dry, including lid threads and rubber seals.
6. Label and refill as needed.

Depending on ambient humidity, drying may take longer than expected. In high-humidity environments, running a fan nearby can speed the process.

Maintaining Disinfected Jars Between Deep Cleans

Routine habits reduce how frequently a full disinfection cycle is needed.

• Avoid inserting wet measuring spoons directly into jars. Moisture accelerates contamination.
• Store jars away from the stove. Heat and steam cycles affect both the contents and the jar material.
• Wipe lid exteriors with an isopropyl alcohol-dampened cloth monthly, particularly around threads.
• Replace plastic jars showing scratches on interior surfaces. Scratches harbor bacteria that surface disinfection may not reach.
• Glass jars without rubber seals or grinder mechanisms can typically be run through a dishwasher on a high-heat cycle as an alternative to manual disinfection. Confirm the lid material is dishwasher-safe before doing so.
• Shaker inserts with multiple small holes are difficult to fully disinfect manually. Soaking in bleach solution for 2–3 minutes, followed by complete air drying, is typically adequate.

Depending on how frequently jars are handled and what conditions they are stored in, a full disinfection cycle every 3–6 months is a reasonable interval for active spice collections.