For “push down and turn,” the lid will have an arrow pointing down or a label that says “push. " A “squeeze the sides and turn” lid will have grooves around the lid to help you squeeze and turn it. For “push down the tab and turn,” the lid will have a small raised tab that says “push” and possibly arrows to indicate a turning motion. A “line up the arrows” lid will have an arrow pointing downward and another arrow on the lip of the container pointing upward.
This is how you would open a bottle of Tylenol, for example, which has a “push down and turn” bottle. [2] X Research source
There are notches inside both the cap and mouth of these bottles holding the cap in place. Those notches avoid one another when you squeeze the cap, and the cap slides free.
A lot of pharmacy prescription bottles use this design. There’s a tiny angled piece attached to the tab that holds the cap in place—but when you push the tab down, the angled piece lowers and unlocks. Remember: if you struggle with childproof locks due to arthritis or other conditions, ask your pharmacist to deliver prescriptions with non-childproof lids. [4] X Research source
This method can work with any bottle type, as long as there’s enough space between the bottle’s cap and body to accommodate the hard surface. A wide-edged table is ideal since it gives you the most leverage when using this method. However, you can do this with any hard-edge surface in your home.
Instead of a counter or table, you could also wedge a spoon under rim of the cap and press upwards until you hear a “click” as the cap comes loose. [8] X Research source
This method works with a “push down and turn” bottle since you need to apply pressure to the top of the cap to open it.
Holding the cap in place with your other hand can help if you have the ability to use it. Alternatively, you can ask someone else to do it. You can also place a non-slip surface on the counter or table. A silicone baking mat or something with similar texture would work. [10] X Research source
Hold the bottle close to your body while you rotate and keep a firm stance; this will help you engage more of your arm muscles, not just your hand and fingers. [11] X Research source
This works with any type of bottle cap, especially those that require you to push or twist the cap. It’s also a handy way to open a liquid bottle, since turning it upside-down or using a hard edge to pull it could spill the liquid. The Dycem Bottle Opener is designed for individuals with limited arm mobility, as it only requires you to use your fingers or the palm of your hand and light pressure to open a container. If you have an extra rubber mat, place it under the bottle to better hold it in place while you open it.
You can use this technique to open a “push and turn” bottle of Tylenol. [16] X Research source “Push down and turn” bottles have two caps, an outer cap that moves freely and an inner cap that can only be unlocked when pressure is applied to the outer cap. Inserting a thumbtack into them disables the lock.
As always, practice proper safety precautions when using a hammer. Wear goggles if you have them; look before you swing, grip the hammer’s rubber handle firmly, and strike the thumbtack squarely. [19] X Research source
Liquid bottles like cough syrup and mouthwash often have “squeeze and turn” caps, so this is a handy way to keep your liquid products accessible in the long term. Leaving the caps partially open exposes the pills to air and allows them to spill more quickly, so clipping off tabs is a more convenient workaround!
For extra protection, consider wearing knife guards on the fingers holding the cap. Once finished, check that you can pop the lid at any angle, not just when the arrows are aligned.
