Quick answer: how do you clean glass containers and bottles?
Wash glass containers with warm water and dish soap or dishwasher powder. Use white vinegar for cloudy mineral marks, bi-carb soda for lingering smells and a bottle brush for narrow bottles. For stubborn baked-on food, use a wet Redecker Copper Scourer on suitable uncoated glass.
Simple ways to keep glass cleaner
- Rinse containers before food has time to dry.
- Remove lids and seals before washing where possible.
- Use a bottle brush rather than repeatedly shaking soapy water inside.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack glass.
- Allow every part to dry before closing or storing.
- Store bottles and containers with lids loose when not in use.
For everyday cleaning: dish soap or dishwasher powder
Rinse glass containers soon after use, then wash with warm water and dish soap using a natural dish brush, loofah or sponge. Pay attention to corners, lid grooves and silicone seals where food can collect.
If the container is dishwasher safe, use the recommended amount of Kin Kin Dishwasher Powder. Using more detergent than needed can leave residue rather than making glass cleaner.
For cloudy glass: white vinegar
A white film on glass is often caused by hard water minerals or detergent residue. Fill the container with equal parts white vinegar and warm water, leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then brush, rinse and dry.
If the cloudiness does not improve, the glass may be permanently etched rather than dirty.
For lingering smells: bi-carb soda
Glass does not usually hold smells, but lids, seals and hard-to-reach areas can retain the aroma of coffee, smoothies, sauces or pickles.
- Add one tablespoon of bi-carb soda to the container.
- Fill with warm water and leave for several hours or overnight.
- Brush, rinse and allow every part to dry completely.
Wash lids and removable silicone seals separately, as these are often the real source of the smell.
Good to know: Bi-carb soda and vinegar create plenty of fizz when combined, but they also can neutralise one another. Use vinegar for mineral build-up and bi-carb soda separately for smells and gentle scrubbing.
For narrow bottles: use the right bottle brush
Reusable drink bottles, preserving bottles, jars and oil bottles can be difficult to reach with an ordinary sponge.
Add warm water and a small amount of dish soap, then scrub the base, sides and shoulders with a long bottle brush. Use a smaller detail or straw brush around threads, lids, seals and narrow openings.
Leave the bottle open until the inside is completely dry before replacing the lid.
For baked-on food: soak, then gently scrub
Allow glass bakeware to cool completely, then soak it in warm soapy water for at least 15 minutes.
For stubborn food on suitable uncoated glass, use a wet Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer. Its fine woven copper fibres help lift stuck-on residue while cleaning and polishing the glass.
Always use it wet, test a small area first and avoid using copper scourers on printed, tinted, mirrored or specially coated glass.
For sticky labels: eucalyptus oil
To reuse a glass jar, first soak it in warm soapy water and peel away as much of the paper label as possible.
For remaining adhesive, add a small amount of eucalyptus oil to a reusable cloth and gently rub the sticky area. Once the residue has lifted, wash the jar thoroughly with warm water and dish soap so no oil remains.
Avoid using it on printed designs, painted lids or materials that may be affected by concentrated essential oils.
What to use for each glass-cleaning job
Everyday washing
Use an adjustable amount of dishwasher powder for regular loads of glass containers and kitchenware.
Narrow bottles
Reach the base, shoulders, lids and small openings with long bottle and detail brushes.
Baked-on food
Use a wet fine copper scourer for stubborn residue on suitable uncoated glass.
Everyday scrubbing
Choose long-lasting natural brushes, loofahs and reusable sponges instead of disposable plastic scrubbers.
Make your glassware easier to care for
Find bottle brushes for narrow openings, natural dishwashing products, reusable cleaning cloths and long-lasting scourers for everyday kitchen cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Can you clean glass with bi-carb soda?
Yes. Bi-carb soda is useful for freshening glass containers and loosening some residue. Dissolve it in warm water and leave it to soak before brushing and rinsing.
Can you clean cloudy glass with vinegar?
Yes. White vinegar can help dissolve cloudy mineral deposits. Soak the glass in equal parts vinegar and warm water, then rinse thoroughly.
Can you use a copper scourer on glass?
A fine copper scourer can be used wet on suitable uncoated glass. Test a small area first and do not use it on printed, tinted, mirrored or coated surfaces.
How do you clean inside a narrow glass bottle?
Fill it with warm soapy water and use a bottle brush long enough to reach the base. Use a smaller detail brush for the neck, threads, lid and seal.
How do you remove sticky labels from glass jars?
Soak the jar in warm soapy water and peel away the paper. Rub remaining adhesive with a small amount of eucalyptus oil on a cloth, then wash the jar thoroughly.
Why does my glass container still smell?
The smell may be trapped in the lid or silicone seal rather than the glass. Remove and wash these pieces separately, then allow them to dry fully before reassembling.
Related reads
How to choose the best glass food storage containers
Find the right glass containers for lunches, leftovers, freezing, baking and pantry storage.
Which reusable food container is safest?
Compare glass, stainless steel, silicone and plastic food storage materials.
Complete guide to freezing food in glass
Learn how to freeze soup, leftovers and batch-cooked meals without cracking the glass.
How to clean a reusable water bottle
Clean bottle lids, straws, mouthpieces and hard-to-reach areas properly.
