Sometimes you need a soda, but you don’t need a sharp hiss snapping noise!… How to open a pop can quietly is what we’ll cover here.
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Why the noise?
To master a quiet opening, you first need to understand the mechanics. A soda can is pressurized.
Inside, carbon dioxide is dissolved in the liquid under high pressure. When you pull the tab, two things happen:
🔊 The seal breaks – the thin aluminum disc under the tab punctures, releasing the pressurized gas.
🔊 Gas escapes – the carbon dioxide rushes out quickly, making the hissing sound.
The pop comes from the metal snapping inward, while the hiss comes from gas rushing out.
If you can control these two moments – slowing the release of pressure and softening the puncture – you can reduce or nearly eliminate the noise.
Here’s how to do it…
4 steps to open can quietly
1. Prepare the can
👉 Make sure it’s not shaken. Movement increases carbonation release, which leads to a louder hiss.
👉 Wipe the top dry. A slippery surface can make careful control harder.
👉 Instead of yanking the tab upward in one motion, wedge your fingernail (or the edge of a key/coin) under the tab gently.
👉 The goal is to have precise control, not brute force.
2. Lift slowly and gradually
👉 Apply tiny pressure upward.
👉 You want to hear the faintest hiss—barely noticeable. Pause here.
👉 This is the controlled release of carbon dioxide. By letting it seep out over time, you prevent the sudden burst of sound.
3. Stop and hold
👉 Once you hear the initial hiss, stop pulling. Let the gas escape slowly. This might take 10-30 seconds, depending on how carbonated the drink is.
👉 Think of it like letting the air out of a balloon quietly – you don’t let it all out at once.
4. Finish the opening
👉 Once the pressure equalizes, continue pulling the tab. By now, the loud hiss is gone, and the puncture will be softer.
👉 You’ll still hear a little sound, but it will be far quieter than a normal crack.
Other methods
Of course… the technique we’ve showed you above isn’t the only way. Here are some ‘leftfield’ methods that you could try:
🥫 The thumb cover method
Place your thumb firmly over the opening area as you lift the tab. Your thumb will act as a muffler, softening both the pop and the hiss. The gas still escapes, but it’s diffused and quieter.
🥫 The side pressure method
Press down slightly on the tab while pulling it upward very slowly. This keeps the puncture partial at first, releasing pressure gradually before fully opening the can.
🥫 Use a pin or needle first
If you’re desperate for silence, use a small pin to prick the lid near the tab first. This makes a tiny vent hole and slowly releases gas over time. Once most pressure is gone, you can pull the tab open without a loud sound. (Be careful – this compromises the can’s integrity and isn’t always practical.
FAQs: Opening a pop can quietly
Why do soda cans make such a loud hiss?
The hiss comes from carbon dioxide rapidly escaping as the pressurized seal breaks. The louder the release, the more noticeable the sound.
Is it possible to open a can completely silently?
Not entirely, but you can reduce the sound so much that it’s barely noticeable. A faint hiss or soft pop may remain.
Does shaking the can make it louder?
Yes. Shaking increases the carbonation release, meaning the hiss will be stronger and harder to control.
How long should I wait when releasing pressure slowly?
Usually 10–30 seconds. You’ll know it’s safe to continue when the hiss fades almost completely.
Can using a pin to vent the can be dangerous?
It’s not dangerous if done carefully, but it can be messy and compromise the can’s structure. It’s only recommended as a last resort.
Will covering the opening with my thumb really help?
Yes. It muffles both the pop of the seal and the hiss of escaping gas, making the opening noticeably quieter.
Is there a difference between soda brands or types?
Yes. Some sodas are more carbonated than others, so highly fizzy drinks (like sparkling water) may be harder to open quietly compared to less carbonated ones.
