The hooks and loops we know as the VELCRO® Brand fastening system have a myriad of uses, ranging from hair curlers to spacesuits. Ironically though, the system’s mechanics make it vulnerable to failure. The hooks lose their ability to grip if they get clogged with hair, dust, or lint. This leads many people to ask, “Can you make VELCRO® Brand hooks sticky again?” The good news is you absolutely can. Here’s how VELCRO® Brand fastener’s works, and how to make VELCRO® Brand hooks stick again when they become clogged.
How VELCRO® Brand Works?
Launched in the 1950s, the idea for the hook and loop system known as VELCRO® Brand fasteners came about when Swiss engineer George de Mestral, who invented VELCRO® Brand fasteners was hunting in the woods near his home. Along the way, he noticed cockleburs clinging to his trousers. Wondering why they held so tightly, he took one of the burrs home and examined it under a microscope.
Taking note of the tiny hooks gave him the idea for what has come to be known as the VELCRO® Brand fastening system. Experimenting with a variety of small synthetic hooks and loops, de Mestral hit upon the combination we use to this day. Consisting of two sides, one containing hooks and the other loops, the pair create a tight seal when they’re pressed together.
What’s more, they can be pulled apart and pressed together again, with the same gripping power. That is, unless the ability of the hooks to grip the loops is compromised by hair, lint or dust. You’ll need to clean the hooks when that happens, which is how to get VELCRO® Brand fasteners sticky again.
How to Get VELCRO® Brand Fasteners Sticky Again?
Cleaning the hooks can be accomplished with duct tape, water, a toothbrush, or tweezers.
1. Duct Tape - Wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side out and press it into the hooks with moderate force. Rip the tape away quickly once it seats and the debris will usually come with it. You may need to repeat the process a couple of times to get the hooks completely functional again.
2. Water - Water acts like a lubricant for the hooks, which can make it easier to get them to release foreign material. Debris will usually come out when you wet your hands and rub them across the hooks. Be careful with this approach though. Hooks and loops are sometimes used on items that will be damaged if exposed to water.
3. Toothbrush - Rubbing the hooks with a firm bristled toothbrush can also pull out anything that may be clogging them. Just make sure you rub in a single direction to avoid forcing the offending substance back into the hooks.
4. Tweezers - Tweezers are also great for making VELCRO® Brand hooks sticky again—when the problem is on the hook side. This is the most time consuming approach however. It can take longer to clean the hooks because tweezers can only remove a small amount of whatever’s clogging the hooks at a time. On the other hand, tweezers can also be the most effective way to make the hooks stick again.
Fixing VELCRO® Brand Loops
The problem isn’t always on the hook side. Sometimes the loops get too fuzzy for the hooks to take a good set. This could render the VELCRO® Brand fastener beyond repair. However, sewing a new loop side over the old one has proven to be an effective way to save the hook and loop system if the way it’s being used will allow you to do so.
Preventing Clogged Hooks
Taking special care to prevent your hooks from getting clogged can save you the worry of how to make VELCRO® Brand hooks stick again. Fastening the hooks and loops together when the VELCRO® Brand is not in use will help keep it free of unwanted materials. It’s also a good idea to fasten the two sides together whenever you run VELCRO® Brand fasteners through the wash.
