Kilner Oil Bottles with Metal Rack: Storage and Cleaning Tips

Quick answer

Wash the glass bottles by hand in warm soapy water, rinse well and let them air-dry upside down before refilling. Wipe the metal rack with a damp cloth and dry it immediately so it does not stay wet under the bottles. If a bottle leaks, check the cap seal and the pourer first, because the glass body rarely fails.

Everyday washing routine for oil bottles

Oil leaves a thin film that water alone will not shift, so start with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid. Fill the bottle about a third full, fit the cap, and shake for ten seconds. Pour the sudsy water out, then use a bottle brush to reach the base and the shoulder where residue collects. Rinse twice with warm water, because any soap left behind will taste of soap in the next batch of dressing.

Turn the bottle upside down on a draining rack and leave it overnight. Oil bottles need more drying time than water glasses because the neck is narrow and air moves slowly inside. If you need the bottle again the same day, stand it upright after ten minutes and let the last drops fall to the base, then wipe the inside of the neck with a clean paper towel.

Caring for the metal carry rack

The rack holds the bottles at the table, so it collects drips from the pourer and fingerprints from daily handling. Wipe it with a cloth wrung out in warm soapy water, then dry it straight away with a second cloth. Do not leave the rack standing in a puddle on the draining board or sink, and do not put it in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer's instructions for your specific rack say it is dishwasher safe.

If the rack lives on the table between meals, empty the bottles back into the kitchen cupboard first. Oil left in a warm dining room oxidises faster than oil kept in a cool, dark cupboard, and the rack stays cleaner when it is not holding half-used bottles for weeks.

Storing infused oils safely

Homemade garlic, chilli or herb oils are not the same as shop-bought flavoured oils. Fresh garlic and fresh herbs carry moisture, and moisture in oil can support the growth of harmful bacteria, including the type that causes botulism. The safest approach for home infusions is to make small batches, keep them in the fridge, and use them within a few days. Dried herbs and spices are a lower-risk choice for oil you want to keep at room temperature.

Label each bottle with the contents and the date you filled it. A strip of masking tape and a pen is enough. When you cannot remember when a bottle was filled, throw the oil away rather than tasting it. A sour, bitter or fizzy smell means the oil has turned and the bottle needs a full wash before reuse.

Storing the rack set when it is not in use

The rack is designed to sit on a table or counter, but it also works as a compact storage caddy inside a cupboard. Keep the bottles empty and dry when the set is stored for more than a few weeks. A dry bottle will not grow mould in the neck, and a dry rack will not develop marks under the base.

If your cupboard is short on space, store the rack flat with the bottles beside it rather than forcing it under a shelf. Glass bottles that are jammed against a shelf edge are more likely to chip at the rim, and a chipped rim will not seal properly the next time you fill it.

Diagnosis: what is actually going wrong

• Symptom: oil seeps around the cap after filling: The cap or pourer is not seated squarely, or the rim of the bottle has a chip or a dried crust of old oil. Clean the rim with a warm damp cloth, check it against a light for chips, and refit the cap firmly but not so tight that the seal distorts. If the rim is chipped, stop using that bottle for oil and replace it, because no amount of tightening will seal a damaged rim.
• Symptom: the rack leaves rust-coloured marks on the counter: Water has been allowed to sit under the rack, usually after washing or after a bottle was put back wet. Dry both the rack and the bottles fully before they go back together, and lift the rack rather than sliding it across a wet surface. If marks keep appearing after a week of drying properly, the coating on your rack may be worn, and it is time to use the rack for dry storage only.
• Symptom: a cloudy or gritty film inside the bottle: This is usually dried oil, not mould. Soak the bottle in warm soapy water for twenty minutes, then brush the base and shoulder and rinse twice. For herb or garlic infusions, treat any cloudiness as a sign to discard the oil rather than trying to rescue it. If the film returns after two proper washes, retire the bottle for oil and use it for vinegar or dressings instead.

Product facts

• Kilner Set of 2 Oil Bottles & Metal Rack 0.3 Litre: The Kilner Set of 2 Oil Bottles & Metal Rack 0.3 Litre is designed to infuse a touch of elegance on the dining table and store salad dressings, vinegars and more. Because the set is meant for the table, the rack and bottles will see daily handling, so a quick wipe-and-dry routine after each use keeps the metal looking presentable and prevents drips from drying onto the base.
• Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar 2 Litre: The Kilner Universal Push Top Storage Jar 2 Litre has a curved and graceful silhouette and is described as perfect for dry food storage such as biscuits and sweets, and a stylish alternative to plastic. If you mix dry rubs or spice blends to add to oil, this jar keeps the dry ingredients separate from the bottles, so you are not opening the oil bottle with wet or oily hands.