I do not sanitize any containers ahead of time. As long as you're buying from a reputable supplier like MMS, there's no need for concern. If buying from Ebay, a small operation, or another soaper, I would definitely sanitize. Do whatever you need to do for your own peace of mind.
Great, that's where I was headed but I wanted to make sure. I was a little worried about those tiny containers getting completely dry or I'd have water in the mix. Lastly, I noticed that my lip balm recipes don't mention preservative. I'm getting ready to do the Java Juice Recipe (and can't wait!) If selling to the public, would you leave out the preservative or put it in? I will leave it out of my personal stock but I'm unsure about my public precautions.
Most containers are blown out with a puff of air or a bit of steam. If that doesn't satisfy your OCD monster, then dip in Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (use this straight from the bottle) and allow to air dry. Then fill.
I think it is easier to do than most people think.
As far as lip balms you may want to label that the product has no preservative and is intended for a single user. With all oil mixtures we don't worry about preservatives like we do with water and oil mixtures.
Tina wrote: "dip in Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (use this straight from the bottle) and allow to air dry."
Great tip Tina! That deserves a point so I gave you one. I use a sanitizer used in wine making. Nice to know when I run out I can just use 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Thanks for the info. I happened to be at a beer making store today and they sell a powdered santizer so I purchased some but it's good to know peroxide will work too.
Dawn, is it Sodium Metabisulfite? That's what I have. It's in powder form. I use 1 oz. per half gallon water. I keep it in a 2 liter colbalt blue vodka bottle -- I made hubby buy that brand vodka for the bottle! LOL
In case the beer makers didn't give directions, here's what I do:
I lay a tea towel on a tray. Say I'm doing forty 2-oz. containers. I simply pour 2 oz. sanitizer into the first container; pour the contents of #1 into #2; #2 into #3; #3 into #4... and so on. As each container is emptied, I turn it upside down on the tea towel to air dry. I do the same thing with the caps, making sure the sanitizer touches all surfaces. I do this before making the product. The containers are ready to fill by the time my cream or whatever is ready to pour. So, since I only used 2 oz. it's very economical.
As Tina said: "I think it is easier to do than most people think."
Actually, I thought this product was a powder but it's a liquid. It's an iodifer but pretty much the same as far as having to dilute it. A little goes along way and it ought to last me just about forever. The smallest I'll be able to mix up is 32oz as that's what .125 ounce makes. I'll just throw it in a small tub and soak them for a minute. Then I'll dump it down my disposal and let it go to work there ;).
I know Dirk uses Star San™ for his home brewing. According to some information I have found, Star San™ can be used via immersion or spraying. Will sanitize clean surfaces in 30 seconds. Allow to drain before use; does not need to be rinsed.