All of you have surely been there. The zipper of your favorite jacket was stuck or you have no idea why you didn’t notice how or when the zipper of your backpack turned rusty. Everyone knows how frustrating this can be.

Trying to yank the zipper back and forth may end up tearing the fabric surrounding it. After all, it is not the wisest and most economical option to constantly buy new items just because its zipper got stuck.

Debris, dust, and rust are among the reasons why zippers get stuck. Knowing what you can do once you encounter these problems can come in handy.

To help put an end to your zipper worries, below are several simple ways to lubricate a stuck zipper whatever its type might be:

Colorless Lip Balm or Petroleum Jelly

Yes, you’ve read that right. Colorless lip balm or petroleum jelly are two things are not only useful in your vanity kit, but also in saving the day as it helps the zippers slide smoothly. Here are the things you can do:

1. Take a small amount of petroleum jelly with a brush or your finger.
2. Apply this under and over the zipper carefully and make sure that it doesn’t get on the fabric.
3. Try sliding the zipper across.
4. Use soapy warm water to wash your hands to completely remove petroleum jelly.

While this solution is a great lubricant, it doesn’t do away with most of the accumulated dirt and it also doesn’t remove rust.

Crayon Wax, Soap Bar, Graphite Pencil, or Candle

What do these items share in common? All of them are easily available right in your home or even at the local stores all the time. They also have the same method of application when it comes to fixing stuck zippers. Here are the things you should do:

1. Make sure you use a candle, soap bar, or crayon that won’t leave any color residue.
2. Slide this under and over either side of the zipper.
3. Try to slide the zipper down and up.
4. Repeat the third and fourth steps if it doesn’t work right away.

Unfortunately, this solution doesn’t address the root cause of dirt and rust build-up. It only temporarily lubricates the zippers effectively.

WD-40

WD-40 is among the best cleaning agents and lubricants that can do the job on all types of zippers once they get stuck. Here is how you can use it:

1. Hold the stuck zipper at short distance away from the can of WD-40.
2. Aim the nozzle and spray at the stuck zipper.
3. Wait for several seconds and repeat if needed.

The zipper will function smoothly again after several seconds.

The Bottom Line

Cleaning zippers with the right cleaning agent will ensure that they don’t oxidize and get jammed. But, if none of the above tricks work and your zipper is already beyond repair, it is time for you to look for the best zipper replacement suppliers.

Clare Louise