How to Care for an Electric Can Opener

Standard electric can openers have blades or a wheel-type cutter and operate automatically. These can openers can last a long time as long as you properly care for them. Here is how to properly care for an electric can opener.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Unplug the power cord to your electric can opener anytime you want to remove parts or clean the unit.

2. Clean the cutter and the blade units regularly. Do this in hot soapy water. Be sure to handle the cutter and blade units carefully, because they are quite sharp.

3. Grasp the can and rotate it counter-clockwise, if the can opener stalls because you are cutting a can with a heavy rim. By grabbing the can and rotating it counter-clockwise, you can help with the cutting action. If there is a large dent in the rim of the can, open it at the other end or start cutting just beyond the dent.

4. Clean and dry any knives before you try sharpening them.

5. Take off the housing of the sharpener and clean it, if you use it. Cleaning it often is essential to remove all the metal fillings.

6. Lubricate the internal gears of your electric can opener with white lithium grease from time to time.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use scouring pads or any kinds of abrasive cleaners to clean your electric can opener or its blades.
• Don't ever immerse your electric can opener in water.
• Don't open aerosol cans with your electric can opener.