What is the best process for preparing bottles in-house before filling?

Members emphasize that bottle preparation is essential to remove particulates and contaminants. The method depends on what you're bottling and your operation size.

**Rinsing methods:** - **High-pressure air** — used by commercial bottlers; preferred for alcohol products because water can affect final ABV and circulate contaminants between bottles. Air also eliminates the need for drying time. - **Sterilised water** — simpler entry-level approach, but requires drying racks/towers afterward; less suitable for high-ABV products due to ABV dilution risk. - **Vodka wash (high-ABV bottle wash)** — used by some producers as an in-house alternative; records kept for SALSA compliance.

**Equipment:** - **2-head washer machines** (e.g., from Vigo) — recommended as affordable entry-level automation; step up from hand pumps. - **Hand pumps** — very basic starting point for small operations. - **Drying racks/towers** — required if using water rinse.

**Key considerations:** - Primary concern is particulate removal. - If bottling alcohol, avoid water rinses due to ABV dilution. - Larger operations favour air over water for efficiency and product integrity. - Document your process for compliance (e.g., SALSA records).

Members offer links to specific suppliers on request.