Struggling to open that jar? Here are some easy tips!
- Replies 18
Stop everything you're doing and take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is a jar. Pickles, plum jam, tomato chutney, beetroot relish, olives, Vegemite - is there anything that can't be stored in a jar? It's the ultimate vessel for all of our favourite foods.
Now, let's talk about the struggle that is opening a jar. We've all been there - your stomach is growling, you're reaching for your favourite spread, and then BAM - the lid won't budge.
It's like the jar knows when you're at your most desperate and decides to play a little game of 'let's see how strong you really are’.
But don't worry, because we've done some deep diving and found some amazing tips to help you win this never-ending battle. And if you think it's as simple as just twisting the lid off, think again - we've got some serious pro tips up our sleeves!
Butter knife trick
The first trick for opening jars is pretty simple: All you need is a trusty butter knife or a heavy wooden spoon - the heavier, the better!
According to a TikTok trendsetter, instead of struggling with the jar like it's your mortal enemy, all you have to do is tap the edges of the lid as you rotate the jar with your knife or spoon. Keep tapping until you hear that satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking. And just like that, the lid should twist off with ease.
The metal spoon method
This time, for the next tip, all you need is a metal spoon.
Hold the spoon in one hand and the jar in the other, and slide the spoon into the crack between the lid and the glass. Then, push up and back to try and break the seal. If the seal doesn't budge in one spot, don't fret - just rotate the jar and try again in another spot.
Keep working that spoon until you hear that oh-so-satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking. Once you hear it, you know you've successfully broken the seal and the lid should come off easily.
Credit: Insider Tech.
Hot water trick
Still struggling to open that stubborn jar? Fear not, because science is here to save the day.
First, fill a large bowl with hot water that's not quite boiling. Then, flip the jar you're trying to open upside down and leave it submerged in the hot water for up to 10 minutes. This allows science to work its magic - as the contents of the jar heat up, they expand and lessen the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the jar.
After a while, the lid should be loose enough that you can open the jar with your hand. It may take a bit of effort, but with this method, you'll have that jar open in no time.
Heat it up
Alright, so you've tried the spoon trick and the hot water hack and still can't get that pesky jar open. Don't worry, we've got you covered with a few more tricks up our sleeves.
If you're looking to add a little heat to the equation, grab a hair dryer or a lighter. Hold the hair dryer on high and blow it around the outside of the lid for about 30 seconds. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a lighter to the lid and apply the flame for a few seconds.
Just be careful - it will be hot! Give it about 30 seconds to cool down before attempting to open the jar, and use a towel for grip.
Slap method
But wait, what if those previous hacks just aren't doing the trick? Don't worry, we've got one more tried-and-true method that's been passed down for generations.
It's a little more traditional, but it can still work wonders. Tilt the jar downward at a 45-degree angle with your non-dominant hand. And then, here's the fun part - aggressively slap the bottom of the jar with the centre of your palm. Keep slapping until you hear that satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking.
If all else fails, it's time to break out the big guns and get creative with household items.
One easy hack is to grab a rubber band and wrap it around the lid for some extra grip. This will help you get a better hold on the lid and make it easier to twist off. If you want even more traction, try using a pair of rubber gloves. Simply put one glove on your non-dominant hand, use that hand to hold the jar, and use your dominant hand to twist the lid off.
But if you're looking for a foolproof way to open jars every time, you might want to invest in a jar opener. These nifty gadgets are available at most home goods stores, such as Catch.com.au. With automatic grip and easy lid removal, they're sure to make your jar-opening struggles a thing of the past!
Or you can also check out this article to see how one mum used a $5 find from Kmart to open her jars with ease!
If worst comes to worst and you still can't get that stubborn lid to budge, just remember - jars can sense fear. (Okay, maybe not literally.) Just take a deep breath, stay calm, and give it another go. If you still can't open it, you can always ask another person for help!
So there you have it, some easy-to-follow tips you might want to keep in your back pockets the next time you need to open jars quickly and with little effort. Nobody likes a struggle in the kitchen, so members - the next time you can't open that jar of pickles, it's time to put these hacks to the test!
And if you have more to add to the list, feel free to let us know in the comments!
Now, let's talk about the struggle that is opening a jar. We've all been there - your stomach is growling, you're reaching for your favourite spread, and then BAM - the lid won't budge.
It's like the jar knows when you're at your most desperate and decides to play a little game of 'let's see how strong you really are’.
But don't worry, because we've done some deep diving and found some amazing tips to help you win this never-ending battle. And if you think it's as simple as just twisting the lid off, think again - we've got some serious pro tips up our sleeves!
Some jars can be particularly difficult to open no matter how hard you try. Credit: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch.
Butter knife trick
The first trick for opening jars is pretty simple: All you need is a trusty butter knife or a heavy wooden spoon - the heavier, the better!
According to a TikTok trendsetter, instead of struggling with the jar like it's your mortal enemy, all you have to do is tap the edges of the lid as you rotate the jar with your knife or spoon. Keep tapping until you hear that satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking. And just like that, the lid should twist off with ease.
The metal spoon method
This time, for the next tip, all you need is a metal spoon.
Hold the spoon in one hand and the jar in the other, and slide the spoon into the crack between the lid and the glass. Then, push up and back to try and break the seal. If the seal doesn't budge in one spot, don't fret - just rotate the jar and try again in another spot.
Keep working that spoon until you hear that oh-so-satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking. Once you hear it, you know you've successfully broken the seal and the lid should come off easily.
Credit: Insider Tech.
Hot water trick
Still struggling to open that stubborn jar? Fear not, because science is here to save the day.
First, fill a large bowl with hot water that's not quite boiling. Then, flip the jar you're trying to open upside down and leave it submerged in the hot water for up to 10 minutes. This allows science to work its magic - as the contents of the jar heat up, they expand and lessen the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the jar.
After a while, the lid should be loose enough that you can open the jar with your hand. It may take a bit of effort, but with this method, you'll have that jar open in no time.
Heat it up
Alright, so you've tried the spoon trick and the hot water hack and still can't get that pesky jar open. Don't worry, we've got you covered with a few more tricks up our sleeves.
If you're looking to add a little heat to the equation, grab a hair dryer or a lighter. Hold the hair dryer on high and blow it around the outside of the lid for about 30 seconds. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a lighter to the lid and apply the flame for a few seconds.
Just be careful - it will be hot! Give it about 30 seconds to cool down before attempting to open the jar, and use a towel for grip.
Tight-lid jars can be frustrating, especially when we're hungry and just want some food ASAP. Credit: Ella Olsson.
Slap method
But wait, what if those previous hacks just aren't doing the trick? Don't worry, we've got one more tried-and-true method that's been passed down for generations.
It's a little more traditional, but it can still work wonders. Tilt the jar downward at a 45-degree angle with your non-dominant hand. And then, here's the fun part - aggressively slap the bottom of the jar with the centre of your palm. Keep slapping until you hear that satisfying 'pop' of the seal breaking.
If all else fails, it's time to break out the big guns and get creative with household items.
One easy hack is to grab a rubber band and wrap it around the lid for some extra grip. This will help you get a better hold on the lid and make it easier to twist off. If you want even more traction, try using a pair of rubber gloves. Simply put one glove on your non-dominant hand, use that hand to hold the jar, and use your dominant hand to twist the lid off.
Make life easier for yourself with this handy kitchen gadget! Credit: Catch.com.au.
But if you're looking for a foolproof way to open jars every time, you might want to invest in a jar opener. These nifty gadgets are available at most home goods stores, such as Catch.com.au. With automatic grip and easy lid removal, they're sure to make your jar-opening struggles a thing of the past!
Or you can also check out this article to see how one mum used a $5 find from Kmart to open her jars with ease!
If worst comes to worst and you still can't get that stubborn lid to budge, just remember - jars can sense fear. (Okay, maybe not literally.) Just take a deep breath, stay calm, and give it another go. If you still can't open it, you can always ask another person for help!
So there you have it, some easy-to-follow tips you might want to keep in your back pockets the next time you need to open jars quickly and with little effort. Nobody likes a struggle in the kitchen, so members - the next time you can't open that jar of pickles, it's time to put these hacks to the test!
And if you have more to add to the list, feel free to let us know in the comments!
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Saves denting your worktop too. 
