A method of cleaning and coating at least one surface of a container for storing a medicament or other ingestible non-pharmaceutical product, the method comprising the steps of using a water-based cleaning composition in conjunction with a water-based crosslinked acrylic resin containing coating material. The process makes the cleaning and coating technology consistent with present environmental regulations and workplace safety requirements, including control of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, the concentration of extractible organic compounds has been reduced to the lowest practical level. The process is also applicable to other substrates where it is desired to have low-extractable organics and high adhesion of the subsequently applied coating.