Proper Care of your Can Opener

Don’t you hate it when this happens? If your can opener isn’t properly taken care of, it can make your life miserable. Someone tell me how I open this can that is open in four spots and still attached in four spots! It’s what food storage nightmares are made of. So, since food storage is so dependent on having a can opener that actually works, let me share with you three easy tips to ensure your can opener works like new whenever you need it.

1. Start with a good can opener.  And by good, I mean cost more than $2.99.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good deal but not when it means a struggle to get dinner going.   We like the Swing-a-way brand (if you can find one that was made in the USA) or the EZ-Duz-It brand are great for those hard-to-open #10 food storage cans.  It will only cost a few dollars more but I guarantee you it will last so much longer than other brands.  
2. Keep it clean.  Cleaning your can opener is as easy as letting it soak in vinegar over night and using a toothbrush to scrub any grime or rust off.  After you are done cleaning, dry completely (you can even use a blow dryer, just be careful of the metal parts getting too hot).
3. Keep it well oiled.  You remember the tin man?  Well think of your can opener the same way, if it isn’t properly lubricated, it won’t work.  Just use some mineral oil keep those gears loose.