Regular can openers are one gadget you’re most likely to find in any kitchen. They make it easy to open up cans. But they’re infamous for leaving metal shavings. Sometimes, you may even get scratched or injured.
Wait! What if there’s a can opener that can open up cans without leaving metal shavings? Of course, that would be great. Well, there is. Tupperware can opener does a spotless job. Not only does it open cans without leaving metal shavings, the can lid also comes off with a smooth edge.
You may be wondering how a Tupperware can opener works. Well, that’s what this article addresses. You’ll get a step-by-step procedure that’ll help you learn to use one. What’s more? You’ll also learn to clean and maintain it effectively. So, let’s get started!
Steps To Use Tupperware Can Opener
The following steps will guide you on how to use a Tupperware can opener effectively.
Step#1: Open your Tupperware can opener handle
Before you place your Tupperware can opener on a can, open the handle. That’s easy to do because the can opener handle is easy to grip.
To open up the handle, you have to separate the top part of the handle from the lower one. The top part is moveable, while the lower one is stationary.
Hold the stationary part of the handle with one hand. And then pull the upper part of the handle with your other hand. That will open your can opener handle.
Step#2: Place the opener on top of the can
Now place your can opener on the top of the can. Make sure it aligns with the edge of the can. Don’t remove your grip on both parts of the handle.
Next, close the handle of your can opener. To do this, move the moveable part of the handle over the stationary one. Locking the handle allows your can opener to hold the top of the can tightly. If you do this correctly, you’ll be able to lift the can as you lift the can opener handle.
Step#3: Turn the knob
After you correctly place the opener on the can, turn the knob clockwise to open the can. The knob is at the top of the can opener. Ensure you have a firm grip on the can opener handle with one hand. And with your other hand, turn the knob.
You’ll notice the can twist around as you turn the knob. Continuously rotate the knob until the can completes a full rotation. You’ll feel a resistance from the can as it spins. But there’ll be a reduction in the resistance pressure once it rotates completely.
Step#4: Release the can lid
When it completes a rotation and no longer has much resistance, then you can release the lid. Once you open the handle, it’ll let go of the top of the can. You have to separate the two parts of the handle as you did before to open it.
Step#5: Remove the lid
You don’t have to remove the lid with your hand like you would a regular can opener. When you look at the tip of your Tupperware can opener, you’ll see a set of tiny built-in lid pliers.
Wedge the can lid between the pliers. Then close your opener’s handle to tighten the pliers on the edge of the lid. Ensure the pliers are in place.
To remove the lid, gently pull up your can opener while holding the side of the can with one hand. That ensures the can opener won’t touch the food in the can.
Unlike regular can openers, the side of the can gets punctured and not the top. So, both the lid and the can will have smooth edges.
Step#6: Use the lid to reseal the can
After using the amount of content you want, you can leave the leftovers in the can. All you have to do is to use the lid to reseal the can.
To do so, set the lid on top of the can. Then, gently press the can’s edges with your fingertips. That will seal the lid.
Why Maintaining Your Tupperware Can Opener Is Necessary
Why do you have to clean your Tupperware can opener? After all, it doesn’t come in contact with food. You’re right! Tupperware can opener doesn’t touch the food in the can. However, like every utensil in your kitchen, it gets dirty.
To maintain your can opener, you need to clean, disinfect, and lubricate it regularly. That will ensure its longevity. It’ll also minimize the build-up of rust and help it run smoothly.
Another way to increase the longevity of your can opener is to ensure it dries properly before putting it away. You can also make it last longer by sharpening the blade when required. You can do that using coarse sandpaper.
It’s best to clean and lubricate your can opener often, but there are times when it’s so necessary. They include:
- When you spill food on the blade, or it touches food.
- When it takes more effort than usual to turn the knob or worse, it jams completely. It may happen due to the build-up of dirt and dust, which clogs its moving parts.
- When it becomes harder to open or close the handle, you also need to clean and lubricate it.
How To Clean Tupperware Can Opener
You can easily wash your can opener with dish soap and water after each use. Then dry it with a paper towel. However, if you don’t wash it regularly, you can use some methods to ensure it remains clean. They include using wax paper, bleach, and white vinegar & dish soap.
Cleaning with wax paper:
To clean your can opener with this method, you’ll need a piece of wax paper. Fold the wax paper a few times. Then clamp the wax paper’s edge with the can opener, as you would a can’s edge.
Next, turn the knob of your can opener clockwise. You’ll notice the dirt or food particles on the wax paper as it turns, especially if you don’t clean it often. As it turns, the wax paper wipes and lubricates the can opener. (Note that wax paper is not very helpful for rust and corrosion).
After that, spray every part of your can opener with hydrogen peroxide. It helps to disinfect your can opener, killing any germs or bacteria.
It’s best to use food-grade 3% hydrogen peroxide, as it comes in handy for every kitchen appliance and gadget. Pour it in an opaque spray bottle. So it doesn’t decompose when exposed to light.
Now, use a paper towel to wipe your can opener. Ensure it dries properly.
Next, pour a few drops of food-grade mineral oil on a folded wax paper or paper towel. Then, clamp it with your can opener. Turn the knob to lubricate your can opener wheels.
Alternatively, you can apply some drops of food-grade mineral oil directly to the moving parts.
It’s important to note that using olive oil to lubricate your can opener is a bad idea. The oil will smell bad once it becomes stale. That will make it a perfect growing spot for bacteria.
Cleaning with white vinegar and dish soap:
White vinegar is a sure bet when you’re dealing with rust and corrosion. So, when the can opener starts getting rusted, you can use this method to clean it.
First off, place your can opener in a bowl. Then pour white vinegar until it covers the metallic parts and leave it for about an hour. If it’s in a bad state, leave it overnight.
Next, remove the can opener and use a toothbrush to scrub the gears. Focus on the rusted parts. Make sure you’re thorough, and no rust is left.
Now, pour some dish soap in water and scrub the can opener with the toothbrush again. And then rinse it on a running tap till there’s no trace of soap. Next, use a microfiber cloth to dry it. Ensure all the crevices are dry to avoid rust.
Finally, lubricate your can opener by dropping food-grade mineral oil on the metallic parts.
Using bleach:
Bleach is excellent for disinfecting and cleaning manual can openers. To use this method, first wash your can opener with dish soap and water.
However, when you want to do a deep clean, you can skip using dish soap. Instead, clamp the can opener to a piece of folded paper towel. Then turn the knob to remove excess grime.
Now, pour a gallon of hot water into a bowl and mix it with a tablespoon of bleach. Pour some quantity into a spray bottle. After that, spray the mixture on your can opener and let it sit for some minutes. That’ll help soften any particle stuck on it and disinfect it.
Wipe the can opener with a paper towel. Then rinse and dry it.
When the can opener dries thoroughly, pour a few drops of food-grade mineral oil on a paper towel or cloth. Use it to lubricate the gears and metallic parts.
Conclusion
It’s easy to use a Tupperware can opener. Once you follow the guide, you’ll use it with ease. While you use your can opener, ensure you maintain it by cleaning it often. You should also lubricate, sharpen and keep it dry to help it last longer.
Tupperware can opener is safer than the regular can opener. And because it cuts a smooth edge, you can use it without getting hurt.
