1 How to open bottles or jars with plastic lids
For bottles and jars such as soft drink bottles or cooking oil bottles, you can try the following methods:
Method 1: Use rubber gloves, a rubber band, dry paper, or a damp towel to wrap around the lid. Hold the bottle firmly with one hand and twist the lid open with the other.
Method 2: Use a knife to cut through the seal connecting the lid to the bottle by moving it around in a circular motion until they separate. Then open the lid by hand. This method helps release some of the compressed air inside the bottle, making it easier to twist the lid open.
2 For glass bottles or jars with metal screw lids
For jars of jam, pickled vegetables, etc., many people struggle because the lids are screwed on too tightly. Besides using rubber gloves or a damp towel to grip the lid and twist it open as with plastic-lid bottles, you can also try the following methods:
Method 1: Turn the jar upside down and place the lid in hot water (not boiling). Make sure only the lid is submerged. The hot water causes the lid to expand temporarily and breaks the vacuum seal. After leaving it for about 1–2 minutes, you should be able to open the lid easily.
Method 2: Use the handle of a knife, a ladle, or a wooden spoon to gently tap around the lid. You only need to tap evenly around it a few times and the lid will loosen and pop open. Be careful to tap lightly to avoid breaking the jar.
Method 3: Use a hair dryer or another direct heat source. First, turn on the hair dryer and heat the lid, making sure not to keep it in one spot but to warm the lid evenly all around. Once the lid feels warm, use a clean cloth or gloves to open it as usual.