Isn’t Velcro among the greatest inventions! This hook and loop system of fasteners is one of today’s most popular products. You probably own at least several items that utilize Velcro fasteners; think about your favorite gym bag, for example, or your kid’s shoes. So it is pretty safe to say that Velcro is present in everybody’s life one way or another. But have you ever stopped to wonder how to clean Velcro? Or if it should be cleaned at all? We’ll be sharing with you all your Velcro questions in today’s post.
This comes in handy for anyone, especially moms with little kids trying to figure out how to clean Velcro. Velcro on so many things around a house and add to that mix if you own a few furry babies. We can’t deny these fasteners provide creative solutions to many of life’s daily problems. However, many things get into the hook and loop fasteners that they shouldn’t. And not only does it look awful, but it makes the Velcro not work correctly.
Basically, if you want to improve the function of your Velcro and get out the lint and other unwanted guests, you need to learn how to clean it. Because despite their usefulness, they can be magnets for all sorts of dirt, and the more it gets encrusted into the fastener, the more difficult it can be to keep them clean and try to make them work.
A brief history of Velcro
While taking a hike through the woods in the 1940s, George de Mestral first conceived what would become Velcro as we know it today.
He observed how well the hooks of the cocklebur stuck to his clothes, and the idea of Velcro, a hook and loop system of fasteners, came to life.
How to Clean Velcro & Velcro FAQ’s
Velcro parts?
Velcro consists of two parts: hooks or the rough, scratchy side, loops, or the soft fuzzy side.
When both parts are closed together, they create a strong bond but one that can be pulled apart at a later time.
How is Velcro attached?
While Velcro fasteners are available with an adhesive backing for use on hard surfaces, most applications on clothing and accessories are sewn on.
Can Velcro get dirty,/should it be cleaned?
Yes, and yes. Sadly, Velcro can get very dirty with debris and dirt getting caught in the fasteners. This may result in the fasteners losing their effectiveness in gripping. The good part is that Velcro can and should be cleaned to restore them to their natural function.
How often should you clean Velcro?
There’s no set time frame on when to clean fasteners; that said, regular cleaning will prevent future complications. You’ll also realize is time to clean them once the Velcro fasteners aren’t working properly, so you may want to pay some attention when they become soiled or no longer hold together well.
Tips to cleaning Velcro fasteners
- Cleaning debris out of the Velcro fasteners can be compared to cleaning hairbrushes, so using a stiff brush or another piece of the hook makes perfect sense to cleaning Velcro effectively.
- Don’t be afraid to put some effort because the hooks in the tape are designed to grab.
Tips to keeping Velcro clean
- The best solution is prevention; the hook portion should be covered at all times, so it does not grab onto anything that is not supposed to.
- Keep Velcro closed while washing. Having Velcro flapping about while washing your clothing means that not only will it be gathering lint, but it could very well be damaging everything else in the washer.
- Brush lint out often. Keeping lint from getting stuck on your Velcro forever seems unlikely, but brushing out fluff regularly can help to reduce a build-up and keep your fasteners working as they should.
- Clean Velcro at least once a month.
- You may want to spray only on clean fasteners, a little anti-static spray; this will help repel lint.
How to clean Velcro?
Because most hook and loop fasteners are made from nylon, they are prone to collect lint, fluff, hair, and dust. Here is what you should do to make sure you clean well your Velcro fasteners.
Equipment and materials needed:
Packing tape
Lint roller
Enzyme-based stain remover
Laundry detergent
Oxygen-based bleach
Tweezers
Fine-toothed comb
Toothbrush
Tape dispenser
Small bowl
Microfiber cloths
Directions:
Removing lint from Velcro fasteners
- Use the toothbrush to remove the lint. Position the Velcro fasteners on a flat surface and with short, swift strokes with the toothbrush, remove the lint and debris.
- Use a lint roller. The hook and loop fastener on a flat surface and works from one end to the next, using a sticky lint roller; the goal is to pull out the debris.
- Use strong tape. A piece of duct tape could mimic the work of a lint roller in case you don’t have one.
- Use a tweezer. If you have the patience, a pair of flat or angled-tipped tweezers can do the trick.
- Use another fastener. Try rubbing the hook-filled with lint with another hook piece to loosen the debris.
- Use a comb. Similar to a toothbrush, a fine-toothed comb can help in removing lint.
Removing stains from Velcro on washable garments
- Remove the lint using your preferred method.
- Pretreat the stained fastener. Pretreat the fasteners on washable garments with a dab of a stain remover before washing and let the remover work for a few minutes.
- Then close the fasteners and wash as usual.
- Whiten dingy fasteners. This can be remedied by mixing bleach and warm water, then all you need to do is submerge the entire garment and leave it soaking for at least eight hours.
Remove stains from Velcro on non-washable items
- Remove debris using your preferred method.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a cup of hot water and a few drops of laundry detergent.
- Scrub with a toothbrush.
- Rinse the fasteners with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Air dry by leaving the fastener open.