A jar lid that has seized onto the glass can defeat even the strongest hands. The usual culprits are dried syrup, salt or rust on the metal thread of an old lid that has spent years in a cellar or on a balcony, where cold and damp alternate all winter.
Start with simple mechanical tricks, and if they fail, bring in WD-40 Multi-Use. It creeps into the tiniest gap between lid and glass, softens the deposit and loosens the grip.
What you will need
Important: Apply the product only to the outside, on the seam between lid and jar. If any lubricant gets inside, do not eat the contents. Wash the jar thoroughly once it is open.
Step 1
Try a rubber band for extra grip
A tea towel or a jumper sleeve gives very little friction, so a tight lid will not budge. Wrap a wide rubber band around the lid instead: it does not slip in your hand and lets you apply much more force.
Hold the jar with your other hand through a towel and turn steadily, without jerking. If the lid still refuses, move on to the next step.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 to the seam
Use the thin straw of WD-40 Smart Straw to apply a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use exactly along the line where the lid meets the glass. Work all the way round, not just in one spot.
Keep the jar upright, lid on top, so the product runs into the gap rather than inside.
Step 3
Give it a few minutes
Leave the jar for a few minutes so the lubricant can penetrate under the lid and dissolve the dried residue and rust on the thread. Wipe off any excess running down the sides with a paper towel straight away.
Step 4
Wash the jar
Wash the jar in warm soapy water. Scrub the seam between lid and glass with an old toothbrush to remove the remaining WD-40 together with the loosened dirt.
Rinse under running water and dry thoroughly with a microfibre cloth so your hands do not slip.
Step 5
Unscrew the lid
Try opening the lid the normal way, and if it resists, use the rubber band again. Really stubborn lids may need the whole cycle repeated once or twice.
Patience beats force here: do not bang the jar on the worktop or lever the lid with a knife, as you risk breaking the glass and cutting yourself.
Tip: To stop lids seizing next season, wipe the rim of each jar dry before closing and store jars somewhere dry. Metal lids that have already started to rust are best replaced with new ones.
What next
Keep WD-40 Multi-Use handy in the kitchen or pantry: it also sorts out squeaky cupboard hinges, sticking locks and zips. For precise application into small gaps, WD-40 Smart Straw is the more convenient choice.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».