Fix a Stuck Zipper

Ever had to battle a stuck zipper? Then you know how annoying it can be! Luckily, fixing a stuck zipper is easy and you can use common household items to do it. If you want to learn how to unstick a zipper right now, or just for future reference, read on!

Steps

Fixing A Stuck Zipper by Tugging at Obstructing Fabric

  1. Inspect your zipper. Look at the front and back of your zipper and see if there is any fabric obstructing the zipper's path. Figure out where the obstruction starts and ends.
  2. Attempt to remove the fabric from the zipper's path. Try to loosen the fabric by tugging gently at it. Start by tugging gently near the start of the obstruction and work your way down the length of the caught fabric.
  3. Move zipper pull as needed. In order to remove the obstruction, you may need to tinker with the zipper pull. Try to unzip it and gently tug on the fabric at the same time. Be careful not to pull too hard or you may rip your garment.
  4. Reevaluate the situation. If you cannot loosen the fabric or loosening the fabric does not improve your zipper's function, you may need to try a different method or replace the zipper entirely.

Fixing a Zipper Using a Lubricant

  1. Find a lubricant. Zippers can be lubricated with many common household items. Find one of the following items before you proceed.
    • Vaseline
    • Candle wax
    • Lip balm
    • Bar of soap
    • Crayon
    • Hair conditioner
  2. Coat the front and back of the zipper with lubricant. Once you have found one of the suggested items, rub a bit of it onto both sides of the zipper. Make sure that you coat all of the zipper’s teeth thoroughly with the lubricant. Use a small amount at first and increase the quantity if you find that this amount is not enough to loosen the zipper. Use enough lubricant to unstick the zipper, but don’t overdo it! If you glob on too much, you may end up staining or ruining your garment.
  3. Zip and unzip gradually. After you have applied an adequate amount of lubricant, try to zip and unzip the zipper. You may only be able to zip and unzip the zipper in small increments at first, so be patient. Continue tugging the zipper pull back and forth--zipping and unzipping--until the zipper moves fluidly. You may need to apply more lubricant during this process.[1]
  4. Brush or wipe away residue. After you have fixed the zipper, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any excess lubricant that is left your garment.
  5. Repeat this process as needed. If you have a finicky zipper, you may need to re-lubricate it now and then to keep the zipper working properly.

Fixing a Zipper Using Windex

  1. Apply Windex. If your zipper still will not budge, apply Windex to both sides of the zipper. You may find it easier to pour the Windex into a bowl and dip the zipper into the solution. Thoroughly coat the zipper in the Windex, but be careful not to get any onto the surrounding fabric because it may stain your garment!
  2. Zip and unzip gradually. After you have applied an adequate amount of Windex, try to zip and unzip the zipper. You may only be able to zip and unzip the zipper in small increments at first, so be patient. Continue tugging the zipper pull back and forth--zipping and unzipping--until the zipper moves fluidly. You may need to apply more Windex during this process.[2]
  3. Wash your garment. After you have fixed the zipper, wash your garment right away to get the Windex residue off of the fabric.
  4. Repeat this process as needed. If you have a finicky zipper, you may need to repeat this process now and then to keep the zipper working properly.

Tips

  • If you decide to use a crayon, bar of soap, candle, or lip balm, make sure that the color you choose will not show up on your garment. Before you begin, you may want to do a spot test somewhere on your garment that is not too noticeable.
  • If you have tried everything and your zipper still won't budge, it may be broken beyond repair and need to be replaced.You can try to replace the zipper yourself or check your local listings for garment repair shops and seamstresses.

Warnings

  • Be careful not pinch yourself when you are zipping and unzipping your zipper!
  • Keep Windex out of the reach of children and pets.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://thekrazycouponlady.com/style/7-ways-to-fix-a-stuck-zipper/
  2. ↑ http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/10/fix-stuck-zippers-with-windex/
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