The reason most jar lids stick is that the contents are vacuum-sealed. The vacuum is pulling down on the lid. Releasing the vacuum with the tiniest of a leak will generally render the lid easy to remove.
To quickly open most jars without any equipment, gently tap the rim of the lid at a 45-degree angle against a countertop, cutting board or surface that can’t be damaged. Don’t tap so hard that you’d risk breaking the jar.
If vacuum is not the issue, the most common reason is some of the content of the jar has dried, gluing the lid in place. Tapping will often break the bond.
Many wide-mouth food jars can be easily opened by first hitting the lid with the palm of your hand to break the seal.
Other techniques:
Run the lid under hot (not boiling) tap water for 30–60 seconds. The heat expands the metal lid slightly, loosening the seal. Dry the lid, then twist counterclockwise. This works best for metal lids on glass jars.
Rubber Grip: Wrap a wide rubber band around the lid’s edge for extra traction, or wear a rubber dishwashing glove (or even a clean sock). Grip firmly and turn. The friction helps overcome slippery surfaces.
Tap the Edge: Place the jar upside down on a sturdy towel. Gently tap the lid’s rim with a wooden spoon or the back of a knife in short, firm strikes around the circumference.
Dish Towel Leverage: Drape a dry dish towel over the lid, grip it tightly, and twist. The cloth provides grip and protects your hand from slips. For more leverage, hold the jar at a 45-degree angle against your body.
Butter Knife Pry: Insert the tip of a butter knife or bottle opener between the lid and jar edge, then gently pry upward while turning the jar. Use caution to avoid scratching the glass. Work slowly around the lid. Sometimes you can hear a slight hiss as air replaces the vacuum.
Dishwasher Hack: If time isn’t an issue, place the jar (lid on) in a dishwasher on a hot cycle. The steam and heat will often pop the lid loose upon removal. Not ideal for perishable contents.
If you ever have trouble understanding which way to turn the lid, think of it as a clock running backward.
Here is a humorous video that demonstrates some of these hacks:
