9 Household Items You Can Use To Make Zippers Work More Easily

When you're in a hurry, even the littlest thing going wrong can create a delay that throws a wrinkle in the entire day. You emerge from the shower, refreshed and ready to take on the day. As you go about your routine, brushing your teeth, applying daily products, and finally choosing your outfit, the minutes tick by. Just as you begin counting out the minutes left and start wondering if you have enough time to stop for coffee along the way, your zipper catches on your last clean pair of dress pants. You may be thinking you'll have to give up on that cup of coffee after wrestling the zipper free, but that may not be the case. Thankfully, a wide range of household items can help you easily free up a jammed zipper and keep it working easily in the future.

Sometimes, a jammed zipper is simply caught in the fabric, or it may have gotten damaged because of a laundry mistake that damages the zippers on your clothing. If that is the case, it may take some careful maneuvering to free the fabric from the clamped jaws of the zipper. If there's damage, there are some tricks to save a broken zipper that you can try, but let's hope it doesn't come to that. Many times, the zipper is jammed because of worn-out or dirty teeth that just need a bit of lubrication. The good news is, you don't need to go out and buy a special lubricant for the job. Chances are, you already have plenty of options on hand, such as soap, wax, or even a pencil, to make the zipper glide freely.

Soap is one of the most commonly used household items that is used to make stuck zippers work more easily. The cleaning power of the soap removes any debris from the area, while the high oil content acts as a lubricant. You could use liquid soap, like a dish soap or hand soap from a dispenser, but bar soap works the best. Just rub some dry bar soap over the stuck teeth and gently pull up or down on the zipper to release the jam.

Redditors swear that a candle is all you need to fix a stuck zipper, but they're not the only ones. Most people suggest using a candle stick, but you can actually use any type of wax, from wax melts to birthday candles. Gently rub the wax along both sides of the zipper teeth. This coats the zipper in a thin lubricating layer that helps it slide smoothly. It works best for old metal zippers that have developed rough spots over time. Clear wax will help prevent any discoloration or residue from being left behind on the fabric.

Crayons are also made of wax, so they will work just as well as candles if you don't have any on hand. However, it is important to be aware that the pigment in the crayon can stain the fabric if you aren't careful. Select a crayon with a similar color to the fabric if possible. Run it along the zipper, giving extra attention to the area that is stuck.

WD-40 is another secret to fixing that perpetually stuck zipper. Sometimes the issue is that the zipper is corroded, rather than just dirty. That's where WD-40 can be a lifesaver. However, you don't want to damage your fabric by leaving oil stains behind, so don't go spraying it directly on the zipper. Instead, apply a small spritz to a cotton swap and dab it on the zipper without touching the fabric. Then, slide the zipper back and forth to work it into all the teeth. The WD-40 dissolves all the grime and leaves a coating of lubricant behind.

This one may sound a bit weird, but glass cleaner actually works as a lubricant and cleans away and dirt or debris that may be causing issues with your zipper. It's not as effective at lubricating as other options, but experts agree that it will get the job done. Avoid spraying the zipper with the cleaner if you are concerned about damaging the fabric. You can use a cotton ball or a cloth to apply the cleaner to the zipper teeth.

Petroleum jelly is one lubricant with a lot of household uses, like the petroleum jelly hacks to prevent rust, and it also helps to unstick zippers. A little goes a long way, and the oily nature of the petroleum jelly can leave stains on fabric, so take precautions to prevent damage. Dab a cotton swab lightly into the petroleum jelly, just enough to coat the swab, but don't scoop extra. Then, apply the swab directly to the teeth of the zipper, being careful not to touch the fabric. Wipe away any extra petroleum jelly after freeing the zipper.

Using a graphite pencil is one of the most popular methods for making your zipper work more easily. Reddit users and experts all agree that rubbing a graphite pencil over a zipper will do wonders to help it function. The graphite is a dry lubricant, which is perfect for delicate fabrics that may stain from oil-based options. It works best if you use a dull number 2 pencil. People tend to like this method because it is convenient, clean, and highly effective.

Another item that most people have on hand, either at home or on the go, is Chapstick or lip balm, which is a great option for freeing up a stuck zipper or helping it work more smoothly. It is very similar to wax, just a bit softer. You can apply it directly to the zipper, but you may want to use a cotton swab if you plan to continue using the lip balm for its intended purpose. Plus, using a cotton swab will help prevent the oily lip balm from staining the fabric. Clear lip balm is the best option.

While it may not be found in all homes, people into crafts and sewing may have some tailor's chalk on hand that can help with pesky zippers. The chalky residue can reduce friction in a zipper, even when the fabric is caught in the teeth. Plus, it is designed to be used on fabric, so you don't have to worry about causing damage or leaving a lasting residue behind. This method is particularly helpful for fine fabrics that are used in dresses, skirts, and pants.