That frustrating moment when you go to toss your garbage on a cold morning, only to find the lid completely frozen shut. It’s a common winter headache, but don't worry—you don't need to wrestle with it or risk breaking the plastic. Here are a few simple, effective solutions.
First, for a quick fix, gently pour warm (not boiling) water around the seal of the lid. The heat will melt the ice acting as glue without cracking the plastic. You can also use a hairdryer on a warm setting, keeping it moving to avoid concentrating heat on one spot.
Prevention is even better. After a pickup day when the can is empty, wipe the lid's rim and the can's top edge dry to remove moisture. A light coating of cooking spray or silicone lubricant on the sealing edge can also work wonders to prevent ice from forming a strong bond. For a more permanent solution, consider switching to a bin with a simple, loose-fitting lid rather than a tight-sealing one, as these are far less prone to freezing shut. With these easy tips, you can save yourself the morning struggle all season long.