If you've ever had to fight with a jammed zipper, you'll know how nerve-wracking it can be! Fortunately, fixing a jammed zip is simple and you can do it using common products. If you want to learn how to unlock a zip right away or want to know how to use it in the future, read on!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Pulling the Jammed Fabric
Step 1. Examine the zip
Check the zipper on both the front and back to make sure there is no jammed fabric and try to figure out where the block begins and ends.
Step 2. Try to remove the jammed fabric
Try loosening the fabric by pulling it gently. Start near the block and continue to where there is jammed fabric.
Step 3. Pull the zip just enough
To remove the stuck fabric, you may need to tinker with the zip puller a little. Try to slide the zipper gently, while pulling the fabric. Be careful not to do it too hard, as you could tear the garment.
Step 4. Reassess the situation
If you are unable to loosen the fabric or, after doing so, the functionality of the zip does not improve, you may need to take other methods or replace the zip.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Lubricant
Step 1. Look for a lubricant
The hinges can be lubricated using various commonly used products. Before proceeding, check that you have one of the products listed below at home:
- Vaseline
- Candle wax
- Lip balm
- Bar of soap
- Crayons
- Hair conditioner
Step 2. Coat all sides of the zip with grease
After finding one of the recommended products, apply a small amount to both sides of the zip, lubricating all the teeth well. Start with little product and increase the quantity if you think it is not enough to loosen the mechanism. But be careful not to overdo it! If you grease the zipper too much, you could stain either your garment or even damage it.
Step 3. Unzip slowly
After applying the right amount of lubricant, try sliding the zipper. It may not flow at first, so be patient. Keep moving the zip puller back and forth until the zipper runs smoothly. A little more lubricant may be needed during this phase.
Step 4. Remove or dry the residue
After fixing the zip, use a dry cloth or paper towel to remove excess lubricant.
Step 5. Repeat the process if necessary
If the hinge doesn't want to work, it may need to be re-lubricated.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Glass Spray
Step 1. Apply the glass product
If the zip does not slide, apply glass cleaner to both sides of the zip. To facilitate the operation, pour the product into a container and immerse the zip in it. Be careful not to overdo the amount of product, as it could damage the fabric around the zipper!
Step 2. Open and close the zip slowly
After applying the right amount of glass product, try opening and closing the zipper. It may take a while for it to flow at first, so be patient. Continue with the operation until the zip runs smoothly. Perhaps at this stage it will be necessary to apply a little more glass product.
Step 3. Wash your clothing item
After adjusting the zip, wash the garment immediately to remove product residue from the fabric.
Step 4. Repeat the operation if necessary
If the zip doesn't want to work, try repeating the operation.
Advice
- If you decide to use a wax crayon, bar of soap, candle or lip balm, make sure these products leave no trace. Before you begin, do a small test on an inconspicuous part of the garment.
- If you've tried everything and your zip still won't slide, it may be broken and needs to be replaced. You can try doing it yourself or look for a tailor or repair shop in your area.
Warnings
- Be careful not to pinch yourself with the zipper while trying to fix it!
- Keep the glass product out of the reach of children or pets.
