If you squeeze it is it still hard or mushy inside
I germinate seeds that are 10+ years old with minimal issue. Clean hands, wear gloves keep things clean and sterile. And old crusty pop bottle is prob not the cleanest thing you could think of.
There's really no need to soak them in water. It generally does more harm then good. Just pop right into a plug or better yet right into the medium. Keep it moist not wet. And warm not hot. I cover mind with a clear party cup to keep any pathogens out and hold the moisture in just until I see it popping out the top of the medium. Then it's hats off.