Sofia Martinez
Plastic packaging can be notoriously difficult to open and can cause a lot of frustration. It is designed to be strong and lightweight, as well as inexpensive for manufacturers, but it can be challenging for consumers to open. There are several methods to open sealed plastic containers or packages, ranging from using your fingers to applying heat to the container. This article will provide an overview of the different ways to open sealed plastic containers or packages, including the use of tools such as scissors, can openers, and knives, as well as alternative methods like using hot water or leaving the container at room temperature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inspect the package | Look for perforations, tabs, marked lines or icons that indicate the intended opening area |
| Tools | Fingers, butter knife, spoon, cloth, scissors, utility knife, can opener, pliers, aviation snips, tin snips, box cutter, heavy-duty shears, micro-ceramic-blade, pen cutter, hairdryer, hot water |
| Techniques | Twisting, prying, applying heat, steam or pressure, cutting, slicing, scoring, bending |
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What You'll Learn
Using a knife or spoon
Another method is to insert a knife between the two layers of plastic and cut all the way around. This is safer than trying to stab through the plastic and wedge the tip inside. With a sharp knife, the plastic should be easy to cut. However, it is important to recognise the dangers of using sharp objects, as people frequently cut themselves.
If you are using a metal blade, ensure that it is sharp enough to cut through the plastic smoothly and safely. Dull blades require more force and increase the risk of injury if they slip. Aviation snips or tin snips are designed for cutting thin metal and will also work on rigid plastic. These tools have a compound hinge that provides extra leverage, and the blades are not too sharp, reducing the risk of injury.
For blister packs, you can use a sharp knife to cut along the side of the pack between the product and the packaging. This will help prevent accidental cuts or pokes. You can also try using a spoon by inserting the tip under the edge of the plastic packaging and lifting with a bit of force to tear it open.
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Applying heat
Using Hot Water:
- Invert the container and dip it into hot water so that only the lid is submerged. Soak the lid for about two minutes or until you feel the pressure release as the seal breaks.
- Place the heated container on a dish towel to catch any splatters, then use your fingers or the towel to pry the lid off.
- If the seal is particularly stubborn, repeat the process of heating the lid in hot water.
Using a Hairdryer:
- If you want to avoid potentially spoiling the contents of the container, use a hairdryer to apply heat to the sealed edge.
- Hold the hairdryer on a low setting and move it across the sealed edge for 15-20 seconds until the glue or seal softens.
- Once the plastic is warm but not hot, use your fingers to separate the edges, peeling and folding the package open.
Using a Microwave:
- For containers with vacuum seals, microwaving the container with a small amount of liquid inside can help release the pressure and make it easier to open.
- Be cautious as heating the container in a microwave may cause the contents to splatter or spill.
It is important to exercise caution when applying heat to avoid damaging the contents of the container or injuring yourself. Too much heat can melt plastic or create toxic fumes. Always handle hot containers and liquids with care to prevent burns. Additionally, be mindful that heating the contents may spoil perishable items, so consider this method only if you don't mind losing the contents.
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Using scissors or a utility knife
When using scissors, ensure they are sharp and suitable for cutting plastic. Common household scissors may work, but for thicker plastic, you may need stronger, sharper scissors or tin snips. Aviation snips or tin snips are designed for cutting thin metal and will also work on rigid plastic. Scissor blades are typically made of steel, so be aware that they may dull quickly when used on plastic. Applying a significant amount of force may be necessary, which can be tiring and may cause your hand to slip and contact the sharp plastic edges.
If using a utility knife, ensure it is sharp and suitable for cutting plastic. A craft knife, box knife, or box cutter can be used, but be aware that these tools can be dangerous and cause injury. A utility knife is particularly useful for cutting zip ties and thick plastic straps, which can be difficult to cut with scissors. When using a utility knife, do not mishandle it, pull it towards yourself, or use it while sitting with the product on your lap. For safety, press the blade flat against the strap and allow it to slowly cut through, rather than sawing or pulling at it.
Whether using scissors or a knife, always cut with caution and avoid damaging the contents inside. Cut carefully along the seams or edges of the package, avoiding jerky movements. Cut between the product and the packaging to avoid accidental cuts or damage to the product. If opening a plastic bag, cut as close to the seal as possible to avoid accidentally ripping it.
If you are opening a clamshell package, start cutting on the right side of the package if you are right-handed, or the left side if you are left-handed. Cut carefully around the perimeter of the package until it easily opens. Do not cut across the middle, as you may damage the product or instructions inside.
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Opening vacuum-sealed containers
Using Hot Water:
- Find a pot with a diameter larger than your container's lid.
- Fill the pot with water and place it on the stove to boil.
- Allow the water to cool slightly until it is no longer boiling or steaming. (This is important to prevent steam burns.)
- Invert your sealed container and dip it into the hot water, making sure only the lid is submerged. Soak the lid for about two minutes.
- Remove the container from the hot water and place it on a dish towel.
- Using your fingers or a dish towel, gently pry the lid off. If it's still difficult to open, repeat the process of heating the lid in the hot water.
Using a Microwave:
- Microwave your sealed container with the lid on for a short time.
- Remove the container from the microwave and use something dull and flat, like a spoon, to carefully pry the lid open. Be cautious of hot steam when opening.
- If the lid doesn't come off easily, heat the container again in short bursts until the seal loosens.
Leaving it at Room Temperature:
- If you're not in a hurry, you can simply leave the vacuum-sealed container at room temperature for one to two weeks.
- Over time, the food inside will spoil, causing the air inside the container to expand and eventually break the seal.
- This method may not be suitable if you need immediate access to the container's contents.
Using a Knife or Spoon:
- If your container has a lid with perforations or tabs, start by gently prying these open with your fingers.
- If that doesn't work, use a butter knife or a spoon to carefully pry under the lid and gently lift it open.
- For more stubborn containers, try applying gentle heat to the lid by running it under hot water or using a hairdryer to soften the plastic before attempting to pry it open again.
Always exercise caution when using sharp objects or handling hot containers. It is recommended to wear oven mitts or use a dish towel to protect your hands from hot surfaces and steam.
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Using a can opener
Plastic packaging, especially the clamshell variety, is notoriously difficult to open. While there are products sold specifically for this purpose, they are not always effective. A manual can opener, however, can be used to open such packages.
To open a sealed plastic container or package with a can opener, start by inserting one edge of the package (bottom, top, or side) into your hand-held can opener, just like you would do with a can. Turn the can opener until you reach the end of that edge. The can opener will cut the plastic without cutting your hands, but it won't go around the corners, so focus on cutting open just one side.
With one side cut open, you will have plenty of room to insert a knife between the two layers of plastic. Cut all the way around, keeping the blade inside the package and pointing towards the center. This is much safer than trying to stab through the plastic and wedging the tip of the knife between the layers.
Remember to stay focused on what you are doing. Rigid PVC packaging is capable of causing serious cuts, especially if you lose patience or try to open the package while distracted. Always put away your can opener and any other sharp tools after you are done with them, especially if you have children at home.
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Frequently asked questions
If the package has perforations or tabs, start by tearing those open with your fingers. If not, slide your fingers down the sides of the package to get a grip on the sealed areas and pull along the edge to create leverage. For cake boxes, apply pressure on the edges of the package with your fingers to help break the seal.
Some tools that can be used to open a sealed plastic container or package include scissors, utility knives, can openers, tin snips, pliers, and heat.
To open a vacuum-sealed container, you need to increase the temperature of the contents so that they expand and exert a pressure force on the lid, allowing it to release. You can do this by dipping the container into hot water, microwaving the container, or leaving it out at room temperature for one to two weeks.
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