How to Expand a Cork Stopper

Cork stoppers provide you with the ability to seal a bottle of wine or carbonated beverage to save for later use. A cork stopper can be as simple as a single cork or as complicated as having a lever in the center for expansion of the cork. You can expand a cork stopper without a lever using water. The cork absorbs the water and thus expands. It is possible that an old cork stopper will no longer expand because of long use compressing the cork in a bottle opening.

Things You'll Need

• Cork stopper
• Bowl
• Water

Instructions

1. Place a bowl on a flat work surface.

2. Place the cork stopper in the bowl.

3. Cover the cork stopper with water.

4. Allow the cork to soak for five minutes.

5. Remove the expanded cork stopper from the water.