Because metal expands when it’s heated, applying hot water to the lid can loosen things right up. Either place your lid under running water, or hold it in a bowl of hot water for a few seconds. This works for unopened, vacuum-sealed jars, and can help loosen dried, adhesive-like food particles on already-open jars.
Open flame
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Spin the lid’s jar over a flame for 30 seconds to expand it. When heated, the metal lid of the jar expands slightly, loosening the seal.[11] Hold the jar with pot holders, and position the lid of the jar just over an open flame, like from a stove or lighter. Slowly rotate the lid over the flame for 30 seconds. Then, wearing your pot holders to protect your hands, twist the lid off.
- We recommend you only use this method as a last resort, since an open flame can be dangerous.
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Things You Should Know
- Get a better grip on the lid by using a rubber glove, oven mitt, or a dish towel to provide some traction. Or, wrap a rubber band or cling wrap around the lid.
- Try tapping a spoon around the circumference of the lid to dislodge any dried food and loosen the seal before unscrewing it.
- Or, hold the lid under hot, running water for 1 minute before unscrewing it to dissolve any dried food in the seal and expand the metal lid slightly.
How To Open A Stubborn Jar Lid
FAQ
How do you open an airtight seal?
Dip your container far enough into the hot water so that just the lid is submerged. You’ll feel the pressure release when the seal is broken. It took me about two minutes of soaking the lid in the hot water. If your container is heavy, feel free to take breaks or switch hands.