There is an easy solution to un-stick 5 gallon buckets and keep them from sticking again. Set a hair dryer on highest heat and airflow. You want to warm up the bottom bucket to make it expand. Slowly, move the hair dryer around the top rim of the bottom bucket. It should only take a minute or so. Works like a charm!
To keep the buckets from ever sticking again, put something in the bottom of the bucket before adding another bucket. I used a small 4 inch tall container from a purchase made at the "Deli" as spacers. Maybe cottage cheese, yogurt or similar would work, too. This will prevent a vacuum from occurring causing that frustrating stuck bucket syndrome.
By Linda from San Diego, CA
Try storing the buckets upside down stacked on top of each other. This also works on plastic storage bins.
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Does anyone know of a FOOLPROOF way to treat 5 gallon plastic buckets before stacking and storing them so they will come apart easily when I need one.