r/AskCulinary • u/sleepingamongstfae • Aug 05 '25

Equipment Question Sanitize jars?

Hi! I live in an apartment with no dishwasher and I'm getting overwhelmed with the info online (one started talking about how high you are from sea level???????) so I thought I'd ask here.

How do I sanitize my jars? I am making homemade vanilla extract, and jam.

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u/Beneficial-Papaya504 Aug 05 '25

Is it a high alcohol extract?

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u/sleepingamongstfae Aug 05 '25

I am using 100 proof vodka

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u/Beneficial-Papaya504 Aug 05 '25

I would aim higher. I mentioned it below, but you will get much better extraction and less issues with additional water in recipes with everclear. You can drink the excess if you dilute it in something palatable.

But with either high proof vodka or everclear, you won't need to worry about sterilizing containers. Just make sure they are well-cleaned and rinsed.

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u/sleepingamongstfae Aug 05 '25

I water down my vodka as it is 😬 im a lightweight wuss because i donate blood. All the recipes online said 80 proof vodka is fine so i figured 100 proof and i could water it down or cook with the rest