In this article 5 sections
Rental apothecary jars go from one event to the next, so every jar needs to be cleaned, sanitized and fully dry before it holds candy again. Sticky sugar, fingerprints and the smell of last week's mints are what guests notice first.
Cleaning jars between events
- Empty and scrape: remove all candy, then soak jars in warm water to loosen sugar. Peel off old labels and soak off the glue.
- Wash: hot soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, which scratch and cloud glass.
- Rinse thoroughly so no soap taste is left.
- Sanitize: use a food-contact sanitizer and follow the label exactly for strength and contact time. Some sanitizers need a rinse afterward; others don't.
- Air dry upside down on a rack. Never pack a damp jar: trapped moisture makes candy sticky and can grow mold.
- Lids and scoops get the same treatment. Wash scoops after every event, not just when they look dirty.
Many glass jars are dishwasher-safe, but check with the maker first: lids with rubber seals and decorated or very large jars often aren't.
Inspect before you pack
- Chips and cracks: take any chipped jar out of service. A chip near the rim can cut a guest.
- Cloudy glass: usually hard-water film, which a vinegar soak and rinse often removes.
- Smell: jars that held mint or licorice can keep the scent; wash them again or keep them for strong candies only.
Storage
Store jars upright, dry and covered in padded bins, with lids off or loose so air can circulate. Keep a count per bin so you know what you have for the next booking; see Candy Inventory Par Levels & Restock Sheet.
Refill with fresh bulk candy
Clean jars deserve fresh candy. Prices as of November 2026:
| Photo | Candy | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Albanese Mini Assorted Fruit Worms 5 lb · $3.10/lb | $15.50 |
 | Albanese Gummi Bears 5 lb · $3.01/lb | $15.04 |
 | Sour Patch Kids 5 lb · $4.98/lb | $24.90 |
 | Swedish Fish Red 5 lb · $4.98/lb | $24.90 |
 | Smarties 5 lb · individually wrapped | $15.98 |
 | Dark Chocolate Nonpareils 5 lb | $43.75 |
Running a Candy Cart, Buffet, or Event Styling Business?
Sweet City Candy supplies rental operators, wedding planners, and caterers with direct warehouse bulk pricing on 5 lb bags, color-specific Sixlets, and novelty sweets. No order minimums, fast dispatch from our Long Island warehouse.
More bulk candy
Shipped from our Long Island warehouse:
See more of our candy guides when you search Google.
