These Are the Easiest Ways to Open a Jar When It's Stuck
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If you could name the most frustrating things to happen in a kitchen, figuring out how to open a stuck jar has to be the top of the list. It doesn't matter how much upper body strength you may have—there's nothing worse than trying to open that jar of marinara to get a family meal on the table only to find it hopelessly jammed.
Sometimes, you have no idea why its stuck: It could be the seal that's suctioned too tight on a new jar from the store or you did an overly thorough job when you were making homemade jam. Maybe there's something sticky stuck in the grooves from the last time the jar was opened. Or worse, maybe it's a combination of both!
Well fret not, because there are five easy ways to open a stuck jar regardless of why its stuck in the first place. Bonus: Almost all of them use items you already have in the house. So the next time you struggle with that jar of pickles that's been in the fridge for awhile, try one of these household remedies and spend more time snacking and less time worrying whether or not you need to bulk up at the gym.
Hit the bottom of the jar.
If you're pretty sure it's the seal that's too tight, before you resort to other measures, smack the bottom of the jar like you might do with a bottle of ketchup. Yes, it's as simple as that. Hold the jar upside down and smack the bottom with the palm of your dominant hand. If it is indeed the seal, you'll hear it pop. Then just turn it right side up and twist the lid.
Run the jar under warm water.
This is probably the most popular home remedy, because hot water not only helps get rid of stuck-on particles but it helps release a seal, too. Run your tap water until it's almost too hot to the touch and place the edge of the lid under the stream. Make sure to get all sides, then dry the jar and lid with a kitchen towel or paper towel before attempting to open the lid.
Jar Opener Gripper Pads
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Grip the lid with some silicone.
Silicone jar grippers are affordable and multifunctional. They're flexible enough to cover a lid and help you sturdy your grip around it before twisting. These are excellent for anyone suffering from arthritis or bad wrists even one jar lids aren't stuck. They can double as trivets and coasters, too!
Don't have time to wait for that gripper to be delivered? Look for something you own that already has a grippy silicone backing for a quick fix. Think: an oven mitt, a dish drying mat, or those non-slip cabinet liners.
Use a butter knife to pop open the lid.
Place the jar on the counter and try easing the tip of a butter knife between the jar and the lid. This will create a wedge to help pop the seal. Once it's in there, give the lid a twist to help the process along. Another bonus of a butter knife is that it will also help scrape off some of the gunk that might be getting in the way. If your jar is particularly jammed, try a combination of both the hot water and butter knife tricks to improve your chances of success.
Use a spoon instead.
Not keen on using a knife? It's understandable, because even a dull butter knife still has a serrated edge that can cut you. Try a spoon instead! It might take a little more time to wiggle the tip under the lid than a knife, but it should help pop the seal regardless.
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