Passing a difficult jar onto strong, able hands usually does the trick but sometimes, even the most capable hands are no match for stubborn lids.
In most cases, all you really need is a good grip on the lid. You can do this by making use of a dish towel, damp cloth, rubber bands or rubber gloves.
Here are a few tips on how to crack open tough jars…
1. Get some traction
In most cases, all you really need is a good grip on the lid.
To get some traction going, use a dish towel or damp cloth and wrap it around the jar’s top.
You might also want to try snapping a few rubber bands around the circumference of the lid or using rubber gloves, which create the same resistance needed to successfully open jars.
From there, you can apply a bit of pressure and twist – just remember not to strain yourself.
2. Invert the jar
If the lid won’t budge, run it under hot water, which helps melt away any lid-gripping substances such as sugar.
Completely invert your bottle of contents and give the base a good smack – this may help break the seal. Tip the jar right-side up and give the lid a twist.
3. Run under hot water
If the lid won’t budge, run it under hot water. If you’re dealing with a metal jar lid, the warm temperature will help the lid expand, making it easier to open.
The hot water also helps melt away the lid-gripping sugar which makes it near impossible to open jam, honey and peach jars.
To get a tough jar open, hold it under a hot-water tap for a minute or let it sit, upside down, in a small bowl of water for a few minutes.
4. Try a butter knife
Simply place the round part of a spoon against the neck of a jar and edge the lip under the lid. Rock the teaspoon back and forth a few times and the jar should pop open.
If you have no luck with the other methods then you might want to try using a small butter knife.
Carefully slide the knife between the lid and the jar and twist the cap to break the seal.
Remember to always exercise a fair amount of caution when using a knife even if it is not sharp.
5. Use a bottle opener
If you have no plans on reusing the lid then you can use a bottle opener to pry it open.
You could also punch a hole in the lid to break the seal or use a teaspoon to wedge the jar open. Simply place the round part of the spoon against the neck of the jar and edge the lip under the lid. Rock the teaspoon back and forth a few times and the jar should pop open. – Katlego Sekano
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