Ball Canning Jars: Use them over and over?
A simple question:
Can I seal and reseal Ball canning jars over and over? How long before the seal gets busted usually?
Also, how do you clean the rubber seal ring without damaging it?
Best Answer
Sure you can use the jars over and over, but the lids should never be reused. That rubber seal is damaged the first time you use it. They are designed to soften during the canning process in order to form an air-tight seal. They may not form that seal upon reuse. You should always use new lids when canning.
Pictures about "Ball Canning Jars: Use them over and over?"
Can Ball canning jars be reused?
You can reuse glass canning jars, but don't be tempted to reuse canning lids, she advises. The gasket compound in used lids may fail to seal on jars, resulting in unsafe food.Can Mason jars be used more than once?
Regular and wide-mouth Mason-type canning jars are always the best choice for home canning. With careful use these jars may be reused many times, requiring only new lids, and have excellent sealing and little breakage. Always check the rim of the jar for cracks or chips.How many times can you reuse canning jars?
If you're planning on canning, you can reuse your purpose-made glass jars and screw bands, as long as they're in good condition. The metal snap lids, on the other hand, are made to be used once. Once the gummy, rubbery seal on the lid is heated and cooled, it can't make the same quality of seal again.Date Old Ball Mason Jars
More answers regarding ball Canning Jars: Use them over and over?
Answer 2
I have reused the lids for years. They work fine and have never ever created a problem.
Answer 3
If you're new to canning, it's best to throw the lids away after one use. If you've had enough failures to know what a damaged rubber seal looks like on a lid, the sense to toss lids that have been corroded by food acids, and the ability to notice compromising dents and bends in lids, then you can reuse some of your lids. I've been canning for 20+ years, and I think I get about 3 or 4 uses out of a typical lid before it goes in the trash.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Monstera, Max Mishin, Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina