How to Open a Tightly Closed Plastic Kitchen Container

There are several types of plastic kitchen containers available. The most effective containers close tightly to lock in freshness, giving food a longer shelf life. However, these containers can be difficult to open, whether they have snap-on or twist-off tops. People with arthritis or weak hands can have difficulty opening these types of containers. Arthritis Today recommends using plastic containers with lightweight lids and large tabs. If these containers are not available, however, there are several ways to open tightly closed plastic kitchen containers.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber container opener
• plastic spatula or frosting spreader
• Dishwashing gloves
• Lid opener

Instructions

1. Use a rubber container opener. This works for twist-off plastic caps, but it will also help to grip a snap-on lid. The opener is a thin rubber flap that can be plain or decorative. Simply drape the rubber piece over the lid and twist. The friction from the rubber against the plastic will make opening twist-off lids easier.

2. 

   A plastic spatula can help you open a snap-on cap.

   Find a blunt, plastic kitchen utensil such as a spatula or frosting spreader for snap-on caps. Make sure it is hard plastic and does not have a lot of bend to it. Position the utensil underneath the lip of the lid, with the utensil at a downward angle. Then, push the utensil upwards to pry the cap off. Do not use sharp or metal objects such as knives or screwdrivers, as these will damage the container.

3. 

   Use rubber gloves to open plastic containers.

   Wear a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves when opening plastic containers. This works in a similar fashion to a rubber container opener, but you'll have a better grip with both hands. With one hand, grip the container, and with the other, twist or snap the cap off.

4. Push down in the center of a snap-on lid. This can make the lip of the lid pop up, depending on what type of plastic container is being used.

5. Use a store-bought lid opener. Many popular brands, such as Black and Decker®, WMF and JarPop™ have electric and manual lid openers that break the vacuum seal. Although electric lid openers can be somewhat pricey, they can be adjusted for any size lid. Manual lid openers like JarPop™ require very little effort when opening a vacuum-sealed container.

6. Tap the container against a hard surface, then try to open it using one of the steps above. The vibrations caused by the tapping may loosen the lid.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not strain when trying to open a tightly closed kitchen container. If no suggestions have worked, have a spouse, friend or neighbor help.

References

• Arthritis Today: Easy Open and Close Containers

Resources

• Buy.com: Rubber Jar Opener
• Small Electrics: Black & Decker® JW400 Lids Off Open-It-All Jar/Can Opener Combo
• Dynamic Living: JarPop™ Lid Opener