Buzz
It can be incredibly frustrating to be hungry and unable to open a jar of food. Whether it's a jar of pickles that's stuck or you can't get the peanut butter out, don’t stress. You don’t need any complicated tools to open a stubborn jar lid; there are plenty of simple methods you can use with common household items to get it open.
Steps
Breaking the Vacuum Seal on the Lid
Use a wooden spoon to tap around the edge of the jar lid to break the vacuum seal. Grab a wooden spoon, preferably one that is heavy. Tap the spoon around the lid a few times to loosen the vacuum seal, then try twisting the lid.
- You might need to tap several times for the lid to loosen.
- If you don’t have a wooden spoon, try other heavy objects. While a wooden spoon works best, anything heavy should do the trick.
Use a butter knife or the edge of a spoon as a lever. Slide the flat edge of the butter knife or a flat metal object underneath the lip of the jar lid. Carefully pry the lid upward, working your way around the edge to break the seal.
Tip: Listen for a “pop” sound as you work your way around the lid. This sound means you’ve broken the seal and can now twist the lid to open it.
Tap the bottom of the jar with your palm using the ‘bare-handed’ method. Hold the jar at a 45-degree angle with your dominant hand. Give the bottom of the jar a firm tap with your other hand and listen for a “pop” sound, indicating that the seal has been broken.
- This method is called the “water hammer” technique, which works by creating pressure on the lid to break the seal.
Soak the jar lid in hot water for 30 seconds to break the seal. Pour hot (but not boiling) water onto a plate and place the lid facing down in the water. Let it sit for around 30 seconds, then try to twist it open. Repeat if the lid doesn’t open on the first try.
Tip: You can also try running hot water over the lid for about 2 minutes under a faucet if you don’t have a plate to soak it in.
Use a hairdryer to heat the jar lid if hot water isn’t working. Set the hairdryer to high heat and direct the airflow at the lid for 30 seconds to expand the lid and loosen the seal. Use a towel or another insulating material to help twist the lid open.
- This method can also help melt any jam or sticky food that may be causing the lid to stick.
- Be cautious with this method, as the lid can get very hot.
Try using a lighter as another way to heat the lid and break the seal. Carefully move the flame around the edge of the jar lid to heat it. Use a towel or gloves to try twisting the lid open once it's heated.
- The hotter the lid gets, the more it will expand, but be careful as both the flame and lid will be very hot!
Increase friction on the jar lid
Try using a dry towel to twist the lid open. Sometimes all you need to open a stubborn jar is a towel to create more friction. Hold the jar with your non-dominant hand and wrap the towel around the lid, then twist it counterclockwise.
- You might want to try this method over a sink, just in case food spills out when the lid pops off.
Wear rubber kitchen gloves to increase friction with your hands. Put on the type of gloves you use for washing dishes, ensuring they’re dry. Try twisting the lid open as usual.
- You might find it easier to use just one glove if holding the jar with bare hands feels more secure.
Wrap plastic wrap around the jar lid for better grip. Cut a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the lid. Stretch the wrap over the lid, pressing it down around the edges to stick, then twist the lid open.
- The stickier the plastic wrap is, the more effective this method will be.
Wrap a rubber band around the lid as an alternative to plastic wrap for increased grip. Choose a rubber band that fits snugly around the lid and stretch it around the edge of the jar. Hold the rubber band with your dominant hand and try to twist the lid open.
Tip: A wide rubber band works best for this method, as it increases the surface area for friction.
Try using dryer sheets to enhance grip if available. A dryer sheet is another option to increase friction for your hands. Place one over the jar lid and twist it open.
- You can combine this method with the rubber band technique by placing the rubber band over the dryer sheet to hold it in place.
Advice
- You can try different methods on particularly difficult-to-open jars. Be patient and don’t give up, and you’ll be able to open nearly any jar!
Warning
- Check the rim of the jar after opening the lid to ensure no glass shards have broken off while opening the jar (glass pieces can fall into the food).
- Be careful when using a butter knife to open the jar lid. Although a butter knife might not seem sharp, it can still cause cuts if your hand slips while applying pressure to pry open the lid.
- Avoid using a hairdryer to heat the lid of jars with plastic parts. The heat may cause the plastic to melt.
- Be extremely cautious of burns when using a lighter to heat the jar lid.
What You’ll Need
- Dish towels
- Rubber dishwashing gloves
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber bands
- Wooden spoon
- Butter knife or metal spoon
- Plate of hot water or hot water tap
- Hairdryer
- Fabric softener sheets
- Lighter
