From the page: The forgotten bottle deserves a new chapter
Idea 9
Safe bottle sterilization
Heat sterilization is an old technique from hospitals and home canning: boiling water denatures the proteins of bacteria and fungi, and alcohol dissolves residue and evaporates without leaving any taste or smell. Medicine bottles, especially amber glass ones, were made to protect the contents from light — which is why they become top-quality containers when well cleaned.
What you need
- An empty medicine bottle (glass or heat-resistant plastic)
- Boiling water
- Neutral detergent
- A sponge or a bottle brush
- 70% alcohol (or regular alcohol)
- A clean cloth or paper towel
- A pot (for boiling, if you prefer the heat method)
How to make it
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1
Wash the bottle and lid well with detergent and warm water, scrubbing the bottom and the mouth with a brush — this is where most of the syrup or tablet residue comes off.
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2
Submerge the bottle and lid in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes: the heat kills the microorganisms that washing alone can't reach.
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3
Remove them carefully (use tongs or a fork) and let them drain mouth down on a clean cloth, so water doesn't pool at the bottom.
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4
Once dry, wipe inside and out with a cotton ball soaked in 70% alcohol and let it evaporate — the alcohol completes the disinfection and disappears on its own, leaving no residue.
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5
Store it closed in a dry place until it's time to use it, so it doesn't get recontaminated.
Finishing touches
For thin plastic bottles, skip the boiling (they may deform) and rely on the alcohol. Once sterilized, the amber bottle is perfect for storing oils, garden seeds, dried herbs, or homemade tinctures, protecting everything from light.
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