- Get a better grip on the lid by using a rubber glove, oven mitt, or a dish towel to provide some traction. Or, wrap a rubber band or cling wrap around the lid.
- Try tapping a spoon around the circumference of the lid to dislodge any dried food and loosen the seal before unscrewing it.
- Or, hold the lid under hot, running water for 1 minute before unscrewing it to dissolve any dried food in the seal and expand the metal lid slightly.
Rubber gloves or a dish towel
Use rubber gloves, a rag, or a jar-opening tool to add traction. Often, it’s just a problem of getting a good grip on the jar’s lid, which can be a bit slippery or awkward to hold. Get a better grip by covering the lid of the jar with a dish towel, or wearing rubber dish gloves or grippy oven mitts. Then, twist away. As you twist, hold the jar close to your body to increase your leverage, prevent slips, and engage your back and arm muscles, rather than just your wrists. Or, pick up a specialized jar opening tool to twist the lid off with the help of some clever engineering.
Rubber bands or cling wrap
Wrap a rubber band around the lid or drape saran wrap over it. Sometimes you need to add some grippy material to the jar itself, rather than adding grip to your own hands. Wrap a rubber band (or several rubber bands) around the circumference of the jar’s lid to add some friction. Or, drape 1-2 layers of cling wrap over the jar to envelope it in a stickier material that lets your fingers get a better grip. Set the jar itself on a non-stick surface, as well, like a rubber dish drying mat or a silicone baking mat, to make sure the jar doesn’t go anywhere as you twist it open. Place cling wrap over the jar’s opening before you replace the lid to make it easier to open next time.
Tapping on the lid
Tap the lid firmly with a spoon to loosen the seal. Put the closed jar on a flat surface. Use a spoon to firmly tap all around the circumference of the lid (both on top and on the sides) about 6-12 times. Then, screw the lid off with your dominant hand. This helps break up any dried or jammy food matter around the seal of the jar, making it easier to open. If it doesn’t work immediately, keep tapping around the edge of the jar for 30-60 seconds, then try to twist the lid off again. Sometimes it just takes a little encouragement.
Hot water
Run the lid under hot water for 1 minute to dissolve any stuck food. It’s possible that some food bits got into the threading of the lid and dried there, effectively sealing the cap. To unseal it, turn your kitchen tap as hot as it’ll go, then stick the lid’s seam under the running water for about 1 minute before twisting it off. Just be sure to dry it with a towel first to get the best grip. If you don't have a source of constant hot water, make a hot water bath instead by filling a deep pan or dish with just-boiled water, then setting the jar upside down in the bath for 1 minute. The hot water also makes metal lids expand slightly, loosening the seal.
Bottle opener
Use a bottle opener to break the vacuum seal on your can. Most bottle openers have a hooked edge to pry under the lids of bottles, and it’ll work on a glass jar in a pinch. Jam the hook under the lid of the jar and pry it upwards. If you hear an audible hiss, you've managed to break the air seal. Twist the lid off counterclockwise, using a rag for added grip if you need it. Alternatively, put on work gloves and safety goggles and use a butter knife to pry the lid off. Just slip the tip under the lip of the lid and press the handle toward the jar. It’s a common fix, but we don’t particularly recommend it, given the safety hazard.
Smacking the jar
Hit the bottom of the jar with your palm to create air bubbles in the seal. Hold the jar by the lid at a 45-degree angle with your non-dominant hand. Then, smack the bottom of the jar firmly with your palm 10-15 times. Place the jar upright and twist off the cap. The force of the smack sends air bubbles to the lid’s seam, breaking any vacuum seal that may have formed since you last opened it. Alternatively, set a kitchen towel on a hard surface, and gently but firmly hit the bottom of the jar down onto the kitchen towel 10-15 times.
Open flame
Spin the lid’s jar over a flame for 30 seconds to expand it. When heated, the metal lid of the jar expands slightly, loosening the seal. Hold the jar with pot holders, and position the lid of the jar just over an open flame, like from a stove or lighter. Slowly rotate the lid over the flame for 30 seconds. Then, wearing your pot holders to protect your hands, twist the lid off. We recommend you only use this method as a last resort, since an open flame can be dangerous.
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