Do you also feel helpless when trying to open a stubborn glass lid? Some mason jars simply won't open - no matter how much force you use. When this happens, you don't necessarily need to look for someone to help you get the lid off. We have somesimple household tricksselected that have proven to be particularly helpful when you need to open a stubborn jar. With these methods, stuck lids no longer stand a chance - try them next time!
Many foods are packaged in screw-top jars. WhetherMarmalade, tomato sauce or pickles, everyone surely knows the struggle with the jar that just won't open. The reason for this is usually the negative pressure that is used to protect the food from spoiling. Furthermore, the smooth edge of screw lids means that you cannot get a good grip and the lid slips off your hands. If you don't have enough strength to open a jar, it's worth knowing a few tricks to combat stubborn lids. Because sometimes you need a bit of brains instead of effort.
1. Open jar with a rubber glove
Everyone probably has household gloves at home. They not only protect our hands from bacteria, but also from strong cleaning agents. But did you know that household gloves can also help when opening preserving jars? Simply put on a (clean) rubber glove and use it to turn the lid. With the glove you have a better grip on the lid and it is easier to screw on.
2. Use a towel
In most cases, it is not the strength that is needed to open preserving jars, but rather the handle. You may already know this simple trick, but it needs to be mentioned because it almost always works. Place the kitchen towel or a rag over the stubborn lid to get a better grip and try opening the jar again.
3. Silicone coaster as a glass lid opener
If you have a silicone trivet or pot holder made of this material, use it to open a stubborn jar! Silicone is really helpful when you need to have a good grip on something.
4. Open jar with a rubber band
It's always worth having a large rubber band in your kitchen to open stubborn jars. Simply place the elastic band around the outside edge of the lid and it will usually give you enough extra grip to get the lid open. Read about what else you can use rubber bands for in the householdin this article.
5. Use the mouse pad
It may sound strange, but you can also use a mouse pad to open the lid of a jar! Simply place it face up on the glass, grasp it with your hand and twist. The non-slip material on the bottom of the mouse mat gives you the additional grip you need on the lid.
6. The trick with the fabric tape
You can also use a piece of duct tape to remove a jar lid! Wrap a piece of wide cloth tape around the edge of the lid, leaving one edge exposed. Pull on the free edge of the tape and the lid should unscrew with minimal effort.
7. Hot water also helps
Using hot water is a proven solution to remove stubborn lids. To do this, hold the lid of the jar under hot running water for about 30 seconds. The heat will cause the lid to expand slightly, which should loosen the seal. Then simply twist the screw cap on (but be careful not to burn yourself!)
8. Tap the lid to open a jar
If the jar lid just won't come off, tap it with a spoon. Sometimes food gets stuck near the lid and it becomes difficult to unscrew. When you tap the lid with a spoon, the food comes loose and the jar can be opened easily!
9. Opening the jar Trick: Turn the jar over
Here's another simple trick that many people swear by to open stubborn jar lids. Turn the glass upside down and hit its bottom with your hand. This can damage the seal to such an extent that the lid twists open easily.
10. Break the seal
If all else fails, you can always use a bottle or can opener to remove the lid from the jar. You won't be able to use the lid anymore, but at least you'll get it off! (Always use a can opener, never a knife).
Another way to release the vacuum in the jar would be to make a small hole in the lid. All you need is a sharp object, such as a needle, the tip of a knife or a screwdriver. Without the vacuum you can then easily get the lid open.
11. Use a special kitchen aid
If you often have trouble unscrewing mason jar lids, it might be worth investing in a special jar opening tool. Screw lid openers are suitable for different lid sizes and only cost a few euros. Simply slide it over the lid, hold it and turn!
