Be sure all jars and closures are perfect. Discard any with cracks,
chips, dents, or rust; defects prevent airtight seals.
Select the size of closure—widemouth or regular—that fits your jars.
Wash glass jars in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Wash and rinse all
lids and bands. Metal lids with sealing compound may need boiling or
holding in boiling water for a few minutes—follow the manufacturer’s
directions.
If you use rubber rings, have clean, new rings of the right size for the
jars. Don’t test by stretching. Wash rings in hot, soapy water. Rinse
well.