Can’t open that jar? Experts lift the lid on the best tricks

IT’S one of the most common and frustrating household problems – and one to which almost everyone will have their own solution: how to open a stubborn jar.

Now the consumer champions at Which? have put their best experts on the case to come up with the definitive answer. And you can forget boiling water, cling film, tea towels and elastic bands – when brute strength fails, all you need is a pair of rubber gloves.

The organisation studied all the ‘hacks’ on offer online and elsewhere, and determined that the easiest and simplest solution was just to don the gloves.

They provide a sturdy grip, have an element of safety and comfort as they cushion against the metal

of the lid and are convenient as most homes lying around.

The experts’ only tip is to make sure they are clean and dry to prevent them slipping. Gloves even

work for those with arthritis and similar ailments who may find it harder to get the lid off jars.

The consumer watchdogs tested a variety of homespun suggestions,

including tapping the jar on a worktop or using the handles of scissors, with a panel of volunteers, including at least one with osteoarthritis. Which? said: ‘A jar that won’t open is incredibly frustrating. There are a number of methods, hacks and products accompanied by claims that they make it easy to open a stubborn jar. We’ve found out which ones actually work.’

As well as the techniques in the box, left, the panel also tried two kitchen gadgets. But silicone jar openers, which you can buy for as little as €3.50, are no better than the gloves, while Which? found the Brabantia Universal Opener, which costs about €10, can damage the lids slightly, which is not ideal for jars that have to be resealed.

The organisation added: ‘The successful hacks we tried for shifting a stubborn jar lid worked just as well for our testers as the most popular products you can buy, so there’s no need to splash out on a gadget to do the job for you.’