We’ve all been there—you’re about to run out the door, and the piece you planned on wearing has a zipper you just cannot get unstuck. Whether you’ve got a jacket, dress or purse zipper that just won’t budge, there are several common household items you can use to get your zipper moving so you can get where you need to be in a zip.

Keep reading to learn how to get a zipper unstuck!

Getting Your Zipper Unstuck

Inspect Your Zipper Track for Stuck Fabric

Sometimes zippers stop working because a piece of the fabric surrounding the zipper gets caught in the zipper’s “teeth”—aka the track upon which the zipper slides up and down.

1. First inspect the zipper meticulously for snags, folds, knots, tangles or any other kind of blockage.
2. If fabric stuck inside the zipper is the culprit, gently grasp the fabric on the outside of the zipper that’s nearest the obstruction. Using a pair of tweezers can help you gain a better grip if needed.
3. Next, pull the fabric on the outside in the opposite direction of the way you zip (as if you were unzipping the teeth). Do so gingerly, as you don’t want to damage the zipper or rip the fabric.
4. While continuing to hold the fabric surrounding the obstruction, try sliding the zipper in either direction to see if you can separate the zipper from the obstruction. Try zipping in both directions to see if movement is possible.
5. If your zipper is still stuck, move on to the next trick below.

Rub the Zipper with The Tip of a Pencil

The graphite in pencil lead naturally makes for an effective dry lubricant to get zippers unstuck. For best results, use a traditional wooden pencil instead of a mechanical version, as it’s easier to get the graphite onto the zipper.

1. Gently rub the pencil tip on both sides of the zipper teeth until you can see the graphite on the teeth.
2. Try sliding the zipper in both directions in slow, gentle and smooth motions. Do not attempt to force the zipper, as this can damage your item.
3. Wash your hands, and clean any remaining graphite with a paper towel to avoid staining or damaging the piece.
4. Zipper still stuck? Don’t give up! Repeat this process a few times to see if it can get the zipper moving.
5. If your zipper is still stuck, move on to the next trick below.

Use Household Lubricant to Grease the Zipper

Look around the house for lubricant to reduce the friction in the zipper and help clear the teeth of build-up. Examples of household lubricants that are safe to use are lip balm, a bar of soap, a crayon, wax, window cleaner or dish soap on a cotton swab.

1. Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the zipper and teeth.
2. Keep the lubricant away from the fabric or surrounding material of the piece to avoid damage.
3. In a slow, gentle and smooth motion, try to slide the zipper in both directions.
4. If the zipper still won’t budge, repeat this process.
5. If you are still unable to slide the zipper after several attempts, take your item to a tailor for professional assistance.

Once Your Zipper Is Unstuck

Clean the Garment

Once your zipper is free, clean the treated area of any pencil or lubricant residue with a mild soap solution on a dampened cloth. This helps remove applied substances and clears any remaining buildup to avoid future issues.

Prevent Future Fabric Obstructions by Ironing  

Once you’ve cleaned your garment, prevent further problems by inspecting your garment and trimming any loose threads. Next, iron the fabric of both sides of the zipper to ensure it’s laying flat and will be less likely to bunch into the zipper track next time.

—Tiffany

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