It’s never a fun experience when you go to zip something up and discover that the slider won’t budge. You can try forcing it, but that risks damaging the teeth or breaking the slider. One of the most common solutions is using a specialized zipper lubricant to get it moving again, but many people don’t pick that up until it’s too late. If you don’t have any lying around the house, worry not! Here are four DIY tips for loosening up a tight zipper.
One helpful way to get your zippers moving again is by using baby powder. If you don’t have that on hand, other similar powders like talcum powder or corn starch can work too. Gently sprinkling small amounts of the powder near the slider will help get things moving.
One problem with this solution is that it can be messy, and trying to get the white powder off your fabrics may be a hassle. One solution is to mix the powder with a small amount of water and use a small brush to apply it around the zipper to make less of a mess.
The natural consistency of olive oil is a great way to lubricate a zipper. Olive oil is aromatic and easy to apply, and you should only need a drop or two to get things moving again. Once your zipper is unstuck, use a warm, damp paper towel to wipe off the excess oil.
WD-40 is widely considered one of the most essential household items. If you have something that should move and it’s not, a small spritz of WD-40 will probably get it going. This is an all-purpose chemical, but it works better for things like scuba suits and tents instead of your favorite dress.
If you have a pencil in your home, you can access one of the best DIY tips for loosening up a tight zipper. Take the pencil, tilt it slightly to the side, and lightly scrub the graphite on both sides of the zipper. The shavings help loosen things up and allow you to open and close your stuck zipper easily.
If you do find yourself needing new zipper parts or want to learn more about the maintenance and repair of zippers, FixnZip has everything you need. Please contact a member of our team anytime with any questions, comments, or concerns.
