How to Open a Difficult Jar

This has happened to all of us. The simple act of opening a jar can be a real nightmare as the jar can be really stiff. 5-Minute Crafts has 7 easy solutions to this problem so you’ll never need to ask someone to open a jar for you again.

1. Wrap the lid in a dish towel.

Wrap the lid of your jar in a dish towel to get extra traction when opening the jar.

2. Use rubber gloves.

Put on some rubber or latex gloves and start twisting the lid. These kinds of gloves grip very well when doing this action.

3. Run the lid under hot water.

Let the hot water run through the lid, straight from the sink’s faucet. Rotate the jar so that all sides of the lid get wet. Hot water will make the metal expand, which makes it easier to unscrew the lid.

4. Use a hairdryer.

Use a hairdryer to apply heat directly to the jar’s lid to make it easier to open.

Note: Don’t do this if your jar has a plastic lid, as it can melt.

5. Dent the lid.

Using a spoon, start rotating the jar and denting the lid as you go. It might take a while, but it’s effective.

6. Tap the lid.

This is a good method for jars that have been opened before. Tap the lid on top and around the edges with a heavy object, such as a chef’s knife or a wooden rolling pin. This will loosen up the jar.

7. Pry it open.

Use a knife and wedge it under the lid to pry the jar open. The knife will work as a lever.