Easy DIY fixes for sticky zippers at home

Garments with zippers are among the most convenient options. They fasten rapidly, require no tying, and the mechanism seldom malfunctions. However, over time, smooth operation may start to decline. For instance, the pull, which we use to move the slider, may come off in our hand, making it hard to zip the jacket. We'll guide you on how to effortlessly tackle such issues.

Have you ever had the slider fall off the teeth of the zipper? If so, you need to try the straw trick. For this, you need a plastic straw. Simply cut off a piece about 0.8 inches long and slice it lengthwise. Then, bend the plastic in half and press it firmly. Now, all you have to do is glue the plastic to the slider and thread it onto the teeth. Nothing will come loose now!

Moving onto the next typical issue: a zipper that fails to connect enough teeth, leading to the jacket unzipping with each sharp movement. To solve this, you should have a pair of pliers ready to adjust the device. Slide the zipper all the way down and gently press the pliers against it to improve its grip on the teeth. Try zipping up next time, and you'll notice that an unzipped jacket is no longer a problem.

If the pull, the part you grasp to move the slider, ends up in your hand, you'll need to create a new one. Ideally, use a piece of string that matches the color of the clothing. Thread it through the loop and tie a knot to make grabbing the slider easier.

Over time, the mechanism can lose its efficiency, impeding smooth movement. Instead of struggling and yanking forcefully, try a home remedy using cosmetic petroleum jelly. By merely rubbing the zipper with some lip balm, everything will instantly revert to normal. This trick also works with candle wax — just make sure it's a neutral color and scent. Regular zipper waxing can enhance the mechanism's performance.

Sometimes, the issue with the smoothness isn't with the teeth, but the zipper itself. If something is obstructing its course, you might experience resistance while zipping. Don't forget to check if anything is lodged, as a tiny particle of dust or a pinch of jacket padding could be hampering the zipper's function.