The purpose of the present invention is to provide a container sterilization method, washing method, and system which retain food hygiene manufacturing standards and a required production line speed, as well as reducing the amount of treatment fluids used such as pharmaceutical fluid, hot water and aseptic water. The container sterilization method and washing method of the present invention is a method in which a container is sterilized/washed using a treatment fluid, and the sterilization step and/or washing step are divided into at least two parts. By storing and pumping upwards the treatment fluid supplied from one part of the divided sterilization or washing step after use, the treatment fluid can be supplied in series to the other part of the same divided sterilization or washing step.