Introduction
We’ve all experienced the frustrating feeling of trying to open a stubborn jar. It seems like no matter how hard we twist and turn, it just won’t budge. Luckily, there are some tricks and tools that can make opening jars much easier. In this article, we’ll cover everything from simple hacks to a comprehensive guide on how to open any jar. You’ll never struggle with a jar again!
Top 5 Tricks to Open Stubborn Jars
Before jumping into more advanced techniques, it’s worth trying some simple hacks on how to open jars that are tightly sealed. Here are our top 5 favorites:
1. Rubber Band Method
Wrap a rubber band around the lid of the jar to improve your grip. This will make it easier to twist the lid and open the jar. Make sure to use a thick rubber band to provide more friction.
2. Hot Water Method
Place the jar under hot water for a minute or two to loosen the lid. The heat will cause the metal or plastic lid to expand slightly, making it easier to twist open. Be careful not to use boiling water, especially for glass jars, which could crack under too much thermal shock.
3. Oven Mitt Method
Wear oven mitts or rubber gloves to provide a better grip and more torque when twisting the stubborn jar. They will protect your hands from the heat and improve your grip when combined with the rubber band method.
4. Spoon Method
Use a spoon to wedge under the lid and lever it open. This works by breaking the vacuum seal that makes the lid impossible to open.
5. Tap Method
Lightly tap the lid on the edge of a countertop to loosen the seal. This will break the vacuum seal and make it easier to open.
Say Goodbye to the Struggle: The Foolproof Guide to Opening Any Jar
If the above methods don’t work for you, don’t worry. We’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to open jars that are so stubborn, they’re practically welded shut.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Some jars are difficult to open simply because they’re slippery. To prevent this, try wiping the opened surface dry or wrapping a dish towel or rubber glove around the cap to provide a better grip. Others may be too tight because of a vacuum seal that creates negative pressure in the jar. If the latter is the case, you need to hear a hiss – air entering the jar- to take down the negative pressure.
Step 2: Use a Jar Opener
A jar opener is a simple tool designed to grip jars tightly and provide extra leverage to open them. There are many types of jar openers on the market, including handheld devices, rubber or silicone grippers, and electric models. They work by creating a secure grip on the lid while you twist the jar open.
Step 3: Use Pliers or a Knife
If you don’t have a jar opener, grab a pair of pliers to get a better grip on the lid. Alternatively, use a butter or table knife to create a wedge between the lid and the jar. Wedge it a little bit at a time around the lid then hop with a spatula to do a similar movement until the vacuum seal is broken and the lid pops up.
Step 4: Wait
If none of the above methods work, try waiting a little longer to allow the lid to loosen up naturally. Sometimes, simply leaving the sealed jar alone for a day or two might do the trick.
DIY Jar Opener: How to Make Your Own Tool at Home
If you’re looking for a DIY solution to opening jars, you can make your own jar opener using common household items.
Materials:
- A wooden board
- Screws
- An old towel
Steps:
- Attach the towel to one side of the wooden board using screws.
- Place the jar on the towel and use a second hand towel to wrap around the lid for extra grip.
- Use the edge of the wooden board as a lever to open the jar.
Life Hack Alert: The One Thing You’ve Been Doing Wrong When Opening Jars
One common mistake people make when trying to open jars is twisting using their wrist and fingers only. To open a tight jar, you need to use your whole arm and body to provide extra force. This means spreading your fingers widely, placing your palm on top of the jar lid, and leaning your body weight into the turning motion.
Jars 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Opening and Storing Jars
Now that you’ve mastered the art of opening jars, it’s time to learn how to store them properly. This will maximize their shelf life and ensure that you can enjoy their contents for as long as possible.
Types of Jars
There are many different kinds of jars, including glass jars, plastic jars, and mason jars. Glass jars are ideal for storing food as they won’t melt or deform, won’t release harmful chemicals that could affect foods, or cause any kind of reaction between the food and container. Plastic jars, on the other hand, are ideal for non-food items with high moisture content like cosmetics, lotions, and some medicines.
How to Open Jars Properly
Refer to the techniques and tricks outlined in the earlier sections to open jars correctly. But the basics are to grip the jar tightly, apply enough torque to open the seal, and never force the lid open.
How to Store Jars Properly
To store jars properly for long terms, follow the following guidelines: clean it first, choose the right location, check its expiration date, and place its storage in-depth orientation in mind. Most “best-before” labels concerns the contents; airtight glass jars will delay the progression of bacteria if kept in a cool, dark location. For additional protection, place them in vacuums packed or ziplocked freezer bags before setting them down in bins or on shelves.
Conclusion
Now you know all there is to know about opening jars – from simple tricks to a comprehensive guide, DIY solutions, and proper storage techniques. You’re well on your way to becoming an expert jar-opener! Don’t forget to share your own tips and tricks as well in the comments below.