The short answer — Yes, you can reuse old canning lids. However, when doing so there will be a higher risk of seal failure.
At the time of this writing there is currently a major shortage of canning supplies, including canning lids, due to the pandemic. These lid shortages have forced home canners across the world to consider using old lids. While the reusage of canning jar lids is not recommended among manufacturers, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. With that being said, it is a good idea to take some things into consideration to ensure safe home canning when reusing lids.
Why is it not recommended to reuse canning lids?
Okay, let's first address the elephant in the room.
I get it, it can feel extremely wasteful to not reuse canning lids after a first time use. But, there are good reasons why safe canning guides and manufactures recommend this.
According to Iowa State University, canning lids are designed for one-time use and should not be reused for canning. The sealing compound becomes indented by the first use preventing another airtight seal.
You can read more about what Iowa State University has to say about safe canning amid canning supply shortages here.
If the jar fails to seal properly, you are risking food spoilage which can cause botulism. And if that isn't enough of a selling point for you, think about the food that will potentially go to waste and the time you will have spent canning those jars for nothing.
Let's discuss how a jar actually seals during the canning process. This will help you better understand the importance of the lid quality.
So, a good seal ensures that the food inside the jar is preserved correctly, thus lasting a long time. When you place a lid on a jar of food and it is processed, the lid has a component that with heat, allows it to soften and mold itself to the jar rim. As the jars cool, the metal canning lids will be sucked down and the rubbery seal will adhere to the jars. This process creates a vacuum seal that preserves the food long term.
So, using new canning lids each time you can is definitely the best choice. However, with the shortages we are currently facing, sometimes you don't have a choice but to utilize used canning lids. And luckily, there are a few different things you can do to minimize the risk associated with this and avoid the real danger of food spoilage.
How to reuse canning lids
At this point we've learned that yes, we can reuse canning lids in a pinch but there are some extra precautions that need to be taken.
Check the lids before use
You need to always thoroughly examine each lid before you use it for a second time to ensure it's in good condition. There are three things you should be looking for.
The first is making sure that the metal does not have any dents, cracks or deep scratches. If any of these are present, do not use. The second thing is to check for any rust or corrosion. You'll definitely want to toss the lids if you find any. And lastly, examine the rubber seal for any abnormalities. The rubber ring should be completely intact and appear new in order to be used.
Sterilize the lids
Sterilizing the lids before reusing them is an important step. To do this, first wash them well with soapy water. This is to remove any food and other residue from the previous canning. Then, rinse. Next, place the canning lids in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Boiling them will help soften the seal and give you less seal failures.
Checking for a seal
Whether you are canning jars with new lids or reused lids, you should always check the seal after processing the jars. But it is especially important to do with reused lids because the seal failure rate is higher.
How to check for a seal
After you have processed the jars, let them sit out for 24 hours. This allows them ample time to cool and time for the seal to break if it's going to. After 24 hours, press the center of each jar lid with your finger. If the lid pops back up, it is not sealed. With the jars that are sealed, the rings can be removed and the jars placed in food storage. The jars that are not sealed should be refrigerated and the contents eaten as soon as possible.
Tips for reusing canning lids
Never use a canning lid more than twice. After the second use the seal will start to deteriorate and should not be used again.
If you plan to reuse lids, mark them in a way that will help you remember how many times a particular lid has been used.
Inspect the jar and lid well before consuming food from the jar. Not only should you check the seal again at this time, but also examine the contents of the jar before consuming it. Make sure it is free of mold and smells okay.
How to remove canning lids without damage
Knowing how to remove lids without damaging them is the key to being able to use them a second time. There are a couple different ways to do this.
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BRIX jar opener
This gadget is favorite little tool. It's a jar opener that's made out of a soft plastic. The soft plastic allows you to open jars without damaging the lid. Whereas a traditional can opener dents the canning lid and makes it unusable.
Butter knife method
Before I found the BRIX jar opener, I used a butter knife and it worked just fine! It just takes a little more effort.
To use a butter knife to open a canning jar, use the flat side of the knife and wedge it under the rim of the lid. Apply pressure by pushing upwards. The pressure placed with the knife will allow the seal to be broken. You'll hear a pop when this has happened.
Don't use any knife other than a butter knife. The rounded sides of the butter knife will prevent any damage to the lid.
Reusable canning lids
Reusable lids were created specifically to be used multiple times and have grown in popularity over the past few years. With the canning supply shortages that we are currently facing, it may be a good idea to keep a small stockpile of these reusable lids around. There are two popular choices when it comes to reusable lids.
Tattler lids
This is the brand of lids that I keep in stock in our pantry. The company states that they are good for 10-12 uses, however the website where I purchase mine from claims that they can be reused indefinitely.
If I'm being honest here, I don't have a good system of keeping track of how many times I use a lid so I've probably used some of them more than 10-12 times and have never had an issue with the seal.
Unlike conventional canning lids that are one piece, these reusable lids come in two pieces: a plastic lid and a rubber seal.
They come in two sizes
Reusable lids work much like regular canning lids. However, the manufacturer provides some helpful hints when using their lids that you can find below.
Helpful Hints:
Jars with nicks or chips in tops will not seal properly.
Approx. 1 inch of headspace should be allowed for sufficient vacuum.
Using a towel or something similar while tightening metal band, after processing, will help prevent accidental contact with hot contents.
Leave metal band on processed goods until contents cool completely.
Allow processed goods to cool at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
If you leave metal bands on during storage, store in dry area to prevent rust.
The rubber rings can be reused if no damage is visible. We suggest they be turned over each use. Previous placement will be evident by seal ring grooves left by lid.
Harvest guard
These lids are very similar to Tattler lids. I can't speak to their efficacy because I have not personally used them, but I know people who use and love Harvest Guard lids.
What to do with old canning lids
If you're anything like me then you feel extremely wasteful just tossing old canning lids. And you should! Because there is still a great use for them. Those older lids that may have some blemishes (as long as they're not destroyed) can be used for vacuum seal canning!
Vacuum seal canning is the most obvious use for old canning lids, but I'm sure if you really thought about it, you could come up with some creative ideas. Garden markers? Coasters? Christmas ornaments? The possibilities are endless.
Buy in bulk
One way to avoid having to reuse canning lids is to prepare for future shortages. When canning lids are available, you should purchase them in bulk. Buying in larger quantities will save you money in the long run and ensure that you have stock when manufactures don't.
These are the lids that I buy in bulk. They come in regular mouth and wide mouth.
Final thoughts on reusing canning lids
So, we've learned that canning lids can be reused in a pinch. Keep in mind though, that reusing lids should not be a common home canning practice. After lids are used once, they start to deteriorate and the chances of them being able to seal properly again significantly decreases.
If you are left with no choice but to use old canning lids, it can be done but proper steps must take place. It is important to only use lids that appear like new and contain no abnormalities to the rubber seal or metal. You should also check for a seal 24 hours after the jar has been processed and again before the contents of the jar are consumed.
I personally try not to reuse lids whenever possible because the risk of the jar not sealing is greater. I can't factor spending hours canning only to have a jar not seal and the food inside be wasted. To avoid this issue I keep a small stockpile of Tattler reusable canning lids and I buy metal lids in bulk when they are available.
I know this topic is a big controversy in the canning world. So, please let me know in the comments below if you reuse your canning lids or not. I'd love to hear your opinion.