How do YOU sanitize

[SimplyE]

your containers?

 

[Deda]

New ones shouldn't need to be sanitized/sterilized.

 

[Dixie]

The dishwasher is a good sanitizer, other wise a dip in a sink of really hot water with a capfull of clorox and then into cool water with a capfull of clorox....let air dry.

 

[carebear]

I don't sanitize containers - they are clean enough when received and if properly stored stay that way.

You won't have sterile containers no matter what you do, and by getting them wet you are providing something the nasties need to grow - and further by drying either with something or in the air you are providing the opportunity for further contamination. So in effect, trying to wash them will get you either in about the same place or maybe a worse one.

 

[Bigmoose]

Being a homebrewer I use the sanitizer I have for that. It is a product called Star San made by Five Star. It is a acid based sanitizer that is very easy to work with because it is a no rinse product. If you have a homebrew supply store where you live chances are they will have it. If not here is a link you can order from or just learn about it. http://www.northernbrewer.com/sanitizers.html
I sanitize everything when I make lotions, no ifs, ands, or buts. Everything!

Bruce

 

[carebear]

moose, do you then leave your containers to air dry?

 

[Guest]

I don't do anything to them , they stay in a lidded tote in the plastic wrap they come in until I am ready to use them.


Kitn

 

[Bigmoose]

moose, do you then leave your containers to air dry?

When I start lotions the first thing I do is to sanitize the containers. I do set them upside down to allow them to drain. The Star San will create alot of suds if you give it a chance. I always fill my pot with water then add the Star San and stir softly to mix but not create suds. I have been told over and over do not worry if suds are left in any containers as it will not mess with whatever you are doing. I noticed in the link it says wear rubber gloves, I never have and have no issues due to that.

Bruce

 

[SimplyE]

Coming from a food-service background, everything gets sanitized and then let air dry. Absolutely no towels because of the contaminants in the towels. There is a food-service sanitizer (quaternary) that is safe to eat off of, better than bleach, and you can let it sit on the surface, no rinsing. Now, it has been a long time since I have used it, so can't remember all about it.

Thanks for the tip on the Star San.

 

[Dixie]

I have a food service background too Simply E

Anyway, stuff coming from factories are not steril. They are handled for inspection and packaging. The stuff they have floating around the air like badboard particles and no telling what else. That's why when you buy something at the store they always label 'to wash before using'. (even canning jars)
Turning your jars upside down on a drain is the best way to let them air dry. Then use as soon as they are 100% dry. If not, then seal them away.

 

[carolynp]

I totally agree, you must take every step possible to get as sterile as possible with all containers. You can't achive absolute sterility but to do nothing is irresponsible.

 

[pink-north]

Will the star san also work for lip balm containers?

 

[Bigmoose]

Star San will work fine for lip balm containers.

Bruce

 

[carebear]

is it approved for use in cosmetic applications? is it being used in a manner consistent with the instructions?

beyond being patently unnecessary (especially for lip balms!!!) there may be legal implications.

 

[pink-north]

beyond being patently unnecessary (especially for lip balms!!!) there may be legal implications.

Please forgive my ignorance but, legal implications like what?

 

[carebear]

You are in Canada, so you'll have to check with Health Canada about what you can legally use for your products if you intend to sell them.

 

[carolynp]

Your not ADDING the sanitizer to your product so why would it not alright with the FDA. It is approved by the USDA as a safe no rinse all purpose sanitizer so what's the problem?

 

[SimplyE]

I am only taking a stab in the dark here, but I would imagine that the product/sanitizer is only approved for certain uses. Meaning that if you use it on something other than what it is approved for, you could run into trouble. This would be the case with things other than just sanitizers, too.

like given a drug approved for depression to somebody to take for pain, instead.

 

[Deb]

My preference goes for home brand baby sterilising tablets (nto for babies- for their bottles).

I assume if its baby-safe, its adult safe, and it doesn't need to be washed after that. I drip dry.

 

[Deda]

That's just it, Drip Dry = no longer sterile. Paper towels = no longer sterile.

I used to work for a cosmetic company. The labs that produced our formulas (lotions & creams) provided them to us in either gallon jugs or 5 gallon pails, once in a while a 55 lb drum. Decanting was done on premise, by pump into bottles or jars, then labeled. I asked the Lab Gods SPECIFICALLY if the bottles needed to be treated before being filled. The answer was a clear and definitive NO. For exactly the reasons Carebear stated. Properly stored CLEAN, DUST FREE, DRY, NEW packaging shouldn't need to be treated.

I suppose that if you don't have proper storage and your packaging is exposed to contamination while being stored you could have a problem.