The cap on my olive oil won't open. Do you have any tips?Updated 18 days ago

Opening a new bottle shouldn't feel like a workout. If you are struggling with a tight seal or a stubborn cap, follow these steps:

1. The Dry Grip Method

Before bringing out any tools, maximise your natural leverage:

• Dry it off: Make sure your hands and the bottle are completely dry. Even a tiny bit of moisture makes these smooth caps impossible to turn.
• Use a grip aid: Wrap a thick rubber band around the cap or use a silicone jar opener. This provides the friction needed to break that bottom seal without needing superhuman hand strength!

2. Breaking the Seal Manually

If the cap turns but the bottom ring stays stuck (or they turn together), the perforations have not broken:

• The Spoon Trick: Take the edge of a sturdy metal spoon and gently pry upward between the cap and the bottom ring at various points. You are not trying to pop the cap off, just stress the little bridges until they snap.
• Precision Snip: If you can see the specific bridges connecting the cap to the ring, you can use a pair of small, clean kitchen shears or nippers to carefully snip one or two of them.

A Note on Safety

Avoid Knives: Please do not try to saw the ring off with a sharp knife. The rounded surface makes it very easy for the blade to slip towards your hand.

Watch for Shards: As the cap is metal, the broken seal can sometimes leave sharp burrs. Once it is open, give the rim a quick wipe with a damp paper towel to ensure no tiny fragments fall into the oil.