Lately, it seems like every jar I try to open has a lid that’s all-but impossible to remove. So I’ve been racking my brains trying to come up with a sanity-saving solution that’ll get lids off without any fuss. Here’s a few good ideas I’ve come up with:
- Put a piece of sandpaper, rough side down, over the lid and twist. It should come right off. And remember this: the larger the grit, the firmer your grip will be.
- Wrap a couple of rubber bands around the side of the jar. That way, you’ll have something non-slip to grip, and the lid will come off a heck of a lot easier.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves, grip the lid with one hand and the bottom of the jar with the other, and twist.
- Slip the end of a spoon under the lip of the lid and press down on the spoon handle. This releases the pressure and makes it easier (even for folks with arthritic hands) to get the lid off.
For more wonderful ways to turn common household products into super-duper solutions, check out my America’s Best Practical Problem Solvers book—FREE for 21 days! It’s filled with terrific tips and tricks for your home, health, and garden.
Hey Jerry
I have been using a lid solution for years on my own…it is tapping the lid off with solid handle of a regular knife…. tap tap tap in the direction the lid is to turn..and presto…off with the lid…so easy…
Annie
It always works for me to run the lid under hot water and it will open
Both of those work for me, too , but sometimes I don't have them near so I just call a friend and play with the jar while I'm talking and by the time my conversation is up I can get it off!This was also part of my learning patience lesson. Yesterday, I gently slammed my finger in the car door, so I opened up the car and soaked my finger in the remainder of my cold drink then went into the bank and they put clear elastic tape on it which was cool and kept my finger from swelling. Now my finger is just pretty pink!