Wooden spoon hack for opening stubborn jars is blowing people’s minds

Tough jar lids are a great leveller. Who hasn’t found themselves both amused and also faintly devastated to watch a burly family member go scarlet as they wrestle with a lid that just won’t twist off?

How many illusions of parental invincibility have been dashed by a dad who can’t get into the Branston?

While we’ll have to leave that trauma to your therapist’s sofa, we have some good news: there’s a way to forever avoid such shameful displays of failed grip strength.

It’s all thanks to a miracle move involving a wooden spoon.

The more you contort your face, the more power you can use (dragon_fang/Getty Images)

The hack in question has gone viral on Instagram after first making an appearance on BBC Radio 2 and, as viral posts go, it’s a pretty good one.

It comes courtesy of Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri, who was in conversation with Claudia Winkleman on the radio show: “You take the jar, I really struggle getting jars open, take a wooden spoon, and smack the rim at the side once, and the jar goes ‘pop!’ and it just opens.

“It’s insane. Give it a good smack.

“I FaceTimed my sister, I was opening every jar in my house that I could find just to show people.”

Could it really be so simple? Claudia initially said was ‘impossible’, but the evidence that it works soon mounted.

"Omg it works, my pickled onions are open!!" said one social media comment.

"Couldn’t believe it but her tip actually bloody works!!!” enthused another. “What a revelation!!!!"

It’s not the only option if you’re stuck wrestling with a jar of Bonne Maman jam that you’ve just rediscovered at the back of your fridge.

Cling film is another solid bet: wrap it around the jar lid, apply some pressure, and you should get the grip you need to twist the lid free.

Elastic bands are another option. Stretch it around the lid of the jar, and it should give you enough grip to do the deed.

Nan en route to stirring herself out of a jam (jar) (SteveLuker/Getty Image)

You can also try running the jar under hot water before twisting the lid off with a tea towel.

Finally, you can kick it old school and march boldly into battle with nothing but your palm, your ego, and a head full of dreams. Just don’t do it in front of your kids or you might find your authority significantly undermined.