Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sterilizing Your Containers & Instruments



When making your own cosmetic products, protection goes beyond using Preservatives.   You must also use clean and steriize your instruments and storage containers and clean your working area.

How To Sterilize Your Containers & Instruments
  • DO NOT use the same pots, spoons, measuring cups, etc as those you prepare food
  • Wash hands while preparing products and/or use gloves
  • Make sure work area is clean
Sterilization Method 1
  • Clean containers, instruments and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
  • Place jars/containers/instruments in room temperature bleach water (use 5% bleach)
  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes ( my personal preference)
  • Remove containers and lids and place on drying rack
  • Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use
Sterilization Method 2
  • Clean containers and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
  • Boil Glass Jars and lids (heat safe jars/lids only) in large pot making sure they are covered by water for 10-15 minutes ( Be careful when removing, use tongs, etc)
  • Set on drying racks upside down
  • Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use
Sterilization Method 3
  • Clean containers and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
  • Boil Glass Jars and lids (heat safe jars/lids only) in large pot making sure they are covered by water for 10 minutes ( Be careful when removing, use tongs, etc)
  • Pre-heat oven around 280 F, so that the oven is warm, not hot
  • Line up jars on cookie sheet with tea towel lining the cookie sheet
  • Place heat safe jars/lids in oven for 5-10 minutes
  • Remove jars/lids and let cool.
  • Use or store in zip lock bags for later use
Sterilization Method 4
  • Clean containers, instruments and jars with soap water if removing grim, old product, etc
  • Place jars/containers/instruments in room temperature bleach water (use 5% bleach)
  • Let sit for 5-10 minutes ( my personal preference)
  • Remove containers and lids and place in microwave on lowest setting until dry ( make sure jars/bottles are microwave safe)
  • Once dry, use or store in zip lock bags for later use
Sterilization Method 5
  • If your containers and utensils are not heat resistant, wipe with alcohol and let dry


    Enjoy!

    4 comments:

    1. Awesome post, Ms. DIY..great helpful info

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    2. Glad you liked the post, I recently read about cutting the oven out and using the microwave. Once I do some more reseach I might add!

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    3. Dammit. This is what I forgot to do. Sterilization. I should've realized sooner when I was making a solution with DIY skincare ingredients over days ago. No wonder I had more acne instead!

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    4. can i use a baby bottle steriliser?

      ReplyDelete