Separating Plastic Drinking Cups

By

JustPlainJo

07/31/2009

If there's any gap between the two tumbler lips, trickle warm water into that area. The water may act as a buffer and lubricant. Wiggle the two tumblers in opposing directions. You could also submerge the two tumblers in warm water (dishwater worked for me,) and try this same technique.

By

dollyslaffn

07/29/2009

Set the outside one in a pot of steaming water on the stove for a bit, remove, and quickly fill the inner one with ice.swirl around for a second or two, and tug!

By

Cyinda

07/28/2009

Try putting the outside one under hot water (so it expands), & maybe put ice-water in the inter most one (so it contracts).

If they are super-stubborn, grab them with pliers that have masking or duct tape wrapped over the ends so it won't mar the plastic.

How do you separate plastic restaurant cups? They were washed and stacked together now they won't come apart.

Barbara from Hickory, OK

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RE: Separating Plastic Drinking Cups

Put them in the freezer and after they are thoroughly frozen try carefully pulling them apart. (12/22/2008)

By Phillip A. K.

RE: Separating Plastic Drinking Cups

You can try filling the inside one with cold water and dipping the outside one in a sink or bowl of hot water. The heat will expand the outside cup. The cold will contract the inside cup. It should be enough to break the seal. (12/29/2008)

By Guest

RE: Separating Plastic Drinking Cups

The fastest solution might be to use your blow-dryer on the outside cup while trying to loosen the inner cup(s), which might take another person helping you. (12/29/2008)

By NokomisNims

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