The best tips for maintaining zippers!

Tired of zippers that always break at the most inopportune moment? Don't panic, there are tips to extend their lifespan! Follow our tips and say goodbye to snags and tears.


By Maxime Da Sylva
3 min read

Les meilleures astuces pour l'entretien des fermetures éclair!

Stand the test of time: tips to extend the life of your zippers

Tired of zippers that always break at the most inopportune moment? Don't panic, there are tips to extend their lifespan! Follow our tips and say goodbye to snags and tears.

What is a zipper?

The name "zipper" comes from the way it works. The zipper's teeth slide into each other, making a sound similar to lightning flashing in a thunderstorm. The term "éclair" is therefore used here to describe how quickly and smoothly the two parts of the zipper come together. In French, the term "zip" is also used to refer to a zipper, borrowed from the English "zipper" . This word comes from the sound a zipper makes when it is opened or closed.

Keeping a zipper in good condition:

To preserve and extend the life of your zippers, it's essential to maintain them carefully. Be sure to clean them regularly with a damp cloth or using appropriate methods depending on the zipper material. Remember to lubricate them with suitable products to ensure they function properly. Finally, be careful not to exert excessive force when using them to avoid any deformation. 

Simple tips to make zippers work easier

Now for our tips and advice;

Have you ever been stuck with a stubborn zipper? Don't panic, there are simple tricks to make these little sewing wonders easier to use.

First, if operation is difficult , try applying a little dry soap or candle wax ( a cake candle will do) to the front and back surfaces of the elements, then move the slider up and down to regain smooth operation. This will lubricate the closure mechanism and make it easier to operate. If this does not work, you can also try running a cotton or nylon thread over the teeth, being careful not to force it . This technique helps realign the teeth and make them slide more easily.

If the fabric gets stuck and hinders its operation . Slowly move the slider while pulling the stuck fabric . Please leave enough space for the slider to move smoothly when closing the zipper on the fabric.

Next, it is necessary to have a proper washing procedure to properly preserve your zipper. Make sure to completely close all zippers when using the washing and drying machines. Incompletely closed zippers can get tangled with other items and cause damage to the teeth, slider, or fabric of other items. Long or thin sliding zippers can get stuck in the holes of your washer or dryer drum causing breakage, so it is recommended to remove removable zippers or use a laundry net for these items . After drying, do not use the zipper until the garment temperature has returned to normal, especially if it is made of plastic.

By following these tips, you'll be ready to tackle any stubborn zipper with confidence.

Resistance to wear and tear begins with careful maintenance of zippers!

And there we have it, we have reached the end of our article on the wear resistance of your zippers over time! As you have understood, to extend the life of your favorite sewing accessories, It's essential to take care of them and maintain them meticulously. Whether you enjoy sewing, embroidering, knitting, or simply wearing clothes with zippers, keep in mind that these little bits of zipper deserve your full attention. So, remember: resisting wear and tear over time starts with careful zipper maintenance!

You'll see, it's really worth it!