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If you clicked on this article, you likely have asked yourself, “How do I clean my product packaging?” Either that, or you are one of those people who enjoys clicking random links on the internet and has happened to stumble across this blog post written by a packaging company. In either case, we are glad you are here and we'll do our best to teach you everything you need to know about cleaning your packaging.
To start things off, products purchased with Container and Packaging are not manufactured, shipped, or stored in a sterile facility and may need cleaning and/or sterilization depending on the packaging content and/or your specific usage. While Container and Packaging is not responsible for product sterilization, we are happy to help you determine whether your packaging needs to be cleaned or not and guide you through some best practices for packaging sanitization.
It is generally recommended that you wash any bottles, jars, or other packaging that will be used for products that are intended to go in or on a person's body. This is commonly a requirement for many products in the food or personal care industry. Washing the packaging will help to ensure that it is clean and free of any contaminants that could potentially affect the safety or quality of your product.
There are different ways to clean the packaging, but typically a hot water and detergent solution is used, followed by a rinse with clean water. It is also usually important to thoroughly dry the packaging before filling it with your product. Before starting the cleaning process, it is best to make sure that your packaging is compatible with the cleaning method you plan to use – you can do this by looking up a container's specs and by testing a sample.
Some materials may not be able to withstand high temperatures or certain chemicals. For example, most plastics cannot go into the dishwasher because dishwashers often heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and surpass the temperature tolerance for most plastic containers. However, glass items have a much higher temperature tolerance of up to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can be placed in the dishwasher.
With those general sanitation rules in mind, let's get into some of the specifics!
Plastic items are recommended to be washed using hot water and sanitizer, as opposed to being placed in the dishwasher due to dishwashers often heating up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and surpassing the temperature tolerance for most plastic containers.
Great news! Glass items have a much higher temperature tolerance of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and can be placed in the dishwasher through the sanitization cycle to be properly sanitized.
Multiple filler companies that we are familiar with such as Rainshadow labs do require the products to be sanitized prior to arrival. They will not perform a quality check of the containers.
A quick soak is the most universal way to clean plastic, remove any dirt and debris, and sanitize it. Here are a few quick steps to follow to clean your plastic containers.
In a clean and sanitized sink, create a sanitation mix of 1 teaspoon of bleach or vinegar per quart of warm water.
Dunk and shake containers into this mix to ensure the solution is touching the entirety of the inside of the bottle.
Sanitize for at least seven (7) seconds.
Dry completely (air drying is recommended) before placing the lid on or filling the bottle to avoid bacterial growth.
Due to the high-temperature tolerance of glass, there are multiple methods that you can use to clean containers made of this material. Here are a few ways to consider:
Method #1: Boiling Water
This is great for canners who only need to sanitize a small batch of containers at a time.
Use your water bath canning pot or any large pot
Place the jars on the canning rack or some type of pad to avoid breakage while the water is boiling
Pour enough water to ensure all containers are completely immersed and filled with water, and add an extra inch of water above the landing of the tallest container.
Bring the water to a boil and allow to boil for 10 minutes at around 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit (NOTE: Do not put the glass in water that is already boiling. This can cause bad things… like exploding glass).
After boiling, allow time for the water to cool a little before removing the containers.
Carefully remove containers and place them upside down on a thick towel to dry.
Dry completely before filling.
Method #2: Oven Heat
This is a super easy method for those who may not have a large pot for the water or possibly need to sanitize a larger quantity and want to be able to set a timer and not have to worry.
Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the glass containers on a roasting pan or cookie sheet.
Place them in the oven for 20 minutes.
Allow the jars to cool prior to filling (or the containers may shatter).
Method #3: Liquid sanitizer
Some people may prefer this method to ensure the items are also getting washed during the process to remove dust or debris. This is the same method used above for cleaning plastic containers.
In a clean and sanitized sink, create a sanitation mix of 1 teaspoon of bleach or vinegar per quart of warm water.
Dunk and shake containers into this mix to ensure the solution is touching the entirety of the inside of the bottle.
Sanitize for at least seven (7) seconds.
Dry completely (air drying is recommended) before placing the lid on or filling the bottle to avoid bacterial growth.
Method #4: Dishwasher
This method is one of the simplest, but you need to make sure you are using a quality dishwasher that is clean.
Using a clean dishwashing machine that offers high-temperature washing and post-washing sanitation, place your glass containers upside down on the wash racks and load them properly.
Run the dishwasher as normal.
Listen to the hum of the dishwasher and manifest within yourself an appreciation for modern technology.
Let the cycle finish and cool before removing the containers and filling them.
These are all just suggestions and starting points to help you figure out the best way to sanitize your packaging. You should always thoroughly research the specific cleaning rules for your product and packaging to ensure that you are complying with industry and government regulations.
Container and Packaging is not responsible for product cleanliness and it is your responsibility to clean items before use, depending on the use you intend for them. You are responsible for determining the sterility/cleanliness requirements for the product you intend to place within the purchased items. This information can also be found on our Policies and Terms page. That said, if you receive a shipment from Container and Packaging that has something wrong with it or is notably unclean, please let us know and we will work to make it right.
Remember, not all products require product sanitation and cleaning. But for the products that do need it, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the packaging is clean and hygienic before filling it with your product to ensure the safety and quality of your product and to maintain consumer trust.
