Use oven mitts, pot holders or thick cloths to handle hot jars. Keep your fingers away from the rims once jars are sterilised. Scald a clean cloth for wiping. I have a few old clean tea towels ...

To clean the jars, preheat the oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1. Wash the jars well in warm soapy water then rinse thoroughly under running water. Leave the jars and lids to dry, upside down, in the oven.