(See Reference 1) If this happens, your gaskets may become cracked and brittle, and will lose their effectiveness. Keeping your gaskets pliable requires a little bit of maintenance, but it will save the costs of replacing them frequently.
Things You Will Need
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Store your gaskets inside whenever possible, out of direct sunlight and away from the heat.
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Clean your gaskets when they get dirty by washing them with mild soap and hot water, using a sponge.
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Dry the gaskets by placing them in a dish rack or on a towel. Do not dry them in the dishwasher or place them in the sun to dry.
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Condition the gaskets with olive oil. Place a little bit of olive oil on a clean polishing rag and rub in a circular motion on the gaskets. (See Reference 2)
The Drip Cap
- Rubber gaskets are rings commonly placed between the lid and the opening of a jar or bottle to produce an airtight seal.
- Like many rubber products, rubber gaskets are vulnerable to drying out when exposed to sun, heat and dirt.
- ( Dry the gaskets by placing them in a dish rack or on a towel.