Tell me more ×
Seasoned Advice is a question and answer site for professional and amateur chefs. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 7 down vote favorite

I'm making tomato relish and am wondering if I can sterilize jars adequately by putting them in the dishwasher?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 13 down vote

Absolutely not. You need to boil them if you're even THINKING about canning. Chances are you'd be fine, nice acidic relish to keep the bacteria down...But do you want to take the chance?

Even if you have one of those dishwashers with a nuclear "sterilize baby bottles" cycle, don't trust it. For canning, you need them as close to medically sterile as is possible.

share|improve this answer
4  
You can use the oven too, I find that much more convenient: ehow.com/how_5109586_sterilize-canning-jars-boiling.html – Henrik Söderlund Feb 28 '11 at 9:35
Yeah totally agree - bacteria like Clostridium Botulinum - Botulism breed in low-oxygen environments like contaminated cans. The results can be fatal. – stephbu Mar 1 '11 at 8:18

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.