How to Use a Rubber Band to Open Stubborn Jar Lids

Look, cooking can be stressful. Things go wrong in the kitchen — milk spoils, crusts burn, you realize you have baking soda, not baking powder. It happens to the best of us. But one of the most frustrating things about cooking, or even just grabbing a quick snack, is when you can’t even open a jar. If that lid won’t budge and you’ve run out of options, keep reading to discover a quick and easy way to loosen a jar lid using a simple household item.

How to Use a Rubber Band to Open a Lid

Opening a stubborn jar lid with a rubber band is a great skill to keep in your repertoire. Whether the jar is simply stuck or you have mobility or joint issues that can affect your grip, having a kitchen hack to make your life easier can come in handy when others aren’t around to assist.

Step 1: Select the Right Rubber Band

You want a thick rubber band that’s wide enough to stretch around the lid. A band with more surface area will provide better traction against the metal, helping you concentrate your strength around the rim for more effortless opening.

Step 2: Prepare the Jar

Your rubber band won’t be able to get a firm grip if the lid is wet. Wipe off any moisture from your hands (or condensation if the jar has been sitting out for a while). This will help the band “hold” to the lid better.

Step 3: Open the Lid

Once you have the right band and the jar is dry, simply wrap the band around the outer edge of the lid. Make sure the band is as snug as it can get — wrap it around the lid twice if you have to — and apply a firm grip, twisting with downward pressure counterclockwise. You may have to do this a couple of times to get your grip just right to get the most traction under the rubber band. Ideally, the lid should pop right off with a little force.

If you’re still having trouble, run the stuck lid under hot water for a few seconds, turning so that every part of the lid is warmed through. This will help expand the metal of the lid a bit. Wipe off the excess water and try again.