Can’t open this jar? Experts reveal the best tricks, including wearing a pair of rubber gloves for a secure grip.
- How to open a stubborn jar – one of the most common household problems
- Consumer champions in What? hired the best specialists
- Forget about boiling water, cling film and rubber bands, all you need is rubber gloves.
This is one of the most common and annoying everyday problems, and almost everyone has their own solution: how to open a stubborn jar.
Now consumer champions in Which? brought their best experts to the case to give the final answer.
And you can forget about boiling water, cling film, kitchen towels, and rubber bands—when brute force doesn’t work, all you need is a pair of rubber gloves.
The organization looked at all the “hacks” offered online and elsewhere and determined that the simplest and easiest solution was to simply wear gloves.
Opening stubborn cans can be a curse for some people as they struggle to open the lids.
Although there are other types of jars designed for easier access, some of them are still difficult to open.
They provide a secure grip, have an element of safety and comfort as they cushion the metal of the lid, and are convenient as they lie around in most homes.
The only advice from the experts is to make sure they are clean and dry to prevent them from slipping. Gloves are suitable even for those with arthritis and similar conditions who may find it more difficult to remove the lid from a jar.
Consumer watchdogs tested a variety of homemade offerings, including tapping a jar on a countertop or using scissor handles, with a group of volunteers, including at least one with osteoarthritis.
Which the? said: “A can that won’t open is incredibly frustrating.
“There are a number of methods, hacks and products that come with claims that they make it easy to open a stubborn can. We found out which ones actually work.”
In addition to the appliances in the box on the left, two kitchen gadgets were also tested on the panel. But silicone can openers, which you can buy for just £2, are no better than gloves, but what are they? found that the Brabantia universal opener, which costs about £8, can damage the lids slightly, which is not ideal for jars that need to be resealed.
The organization added: “The successful tricks we’ve tried to move a stubborn can lid have worked just as well for our testers as the most popular products you can buy, so there’s no need to spend money on a gadget to do the job for you.” “.
Consumer Business What? released a series of hacks that will help people open cans without breaking a sweat
Ten more life hacks that will save you time at home
Rubber gloves: Just make sure they are clean and dry. Minus: no.
Hot water: hold for 30 seconds under hot water while swirling the jug. Cons: You can burn your hands.
Dishtowels: Use to grab the lid. Minus: the grip is not as tight as with gloves.
Pitcher with faucet: Tap the lid on the counter a few times. Disadvantage: May leave marks on the surface.
Slap the jar: Tilt it down at a 45-degree angle and hit the bottom hard with your hand until you hear the seal click. Disadvantages: Discomfort from hitting the bank.
Wooden spoon: Tap the edge of the lid a few times on each side. Cons: not as easy as wearing rubber gloves.
Cling film: cover the lid and sides with cling film, screw on the lid. Disadvantage: Less comfortable than wearing gloves and more wasteful.
Elastic Band: Wrap the band tightly around the rim and open as usual. Cons: Difficult to understand and too inconvenient.
Scissors: If the handles have small, blunt teeth on the inside, use them to grab the lid and pry it open. Disadvantages: Potential danger of scissor blades.
Sharp Knives: Use to “open” the lid by maneuvering under the rim. Drawback: Potentially dangerous if the knife slips.