The ability of VELCRO® Brand hooks to cling to fabrics makes the product both handy and versatile. However, like so many other useful tools, VELCRO® Brand hooks can sometimes need maintenance. In this case, their propensity to hold on to hair, lint and dust can be problematic, unless you know how to remove hair from VELCRO® Brand hooks. And, it can be much easier to do when you understand how it works.
How VELCRO® Brand Works?
Swiss engineer George de Mestral, who invented VELCRO® Brand hook and loop fasteners was out hunting with his dog one afternoon back in the 1940’s. Over the course of the afternoon he noticed some cockleburs had stuck to his pants and his dog’s fur. Curious to figure out why, de Mestral examined the burrs under a microscope. That’s when he noticed they had tiny hooks that clung to the fabric of his trousers, as well as his canine companion’s coat.
This realization led him to develop the hook and loop system known today. Like those on the cockleburs, the little hooks on the rough side of the VELCRO® Brand fastening system engage with the loops on the fuzzy side to create a remarkably strong bond. Even better, it can be pulled apart and put back together many times, without losing its grip. This makes it a useful tool for holding things together.
By the way, the term, while universally applied to de Mestral’s hook and loop fastening system, is actually a brand name derived from two French words—VELours ("velvet"), and CROchet ("hook"). There are many different types of VELCRO® Brand fasteners, capable of serving a wide variety of purposes. In fact, the hook and loop system can be used on pretty much everything from baby shoes to space suits.
Cleaning Hair Out of VELCRO® Brand Hooks
The other side of the VELCRO® Brand hooks’ ability to cling to fuzzy surfaces is hair, lint and other similar items are attracted to it. Over time, the hooks’ ability to hold on to the loops gets compromised when they get clogged with such materials. With that in mind, here’s how to clean hair out of VELCRO® Brand hooks—as well as lint and dust.
1. Lint Rollers/Tape – The rotating lint removers that use a form of masking tape can be effective when it comes to getting pet hair out of VELCRO® Brand hooks. Just roll the sticky surface over the hooks and the fur will usually stick to the glue. The same goes for duct tape. Wrap some of it around your hand (sticky side out) and press the tape into the hooks with moderate force. Pull the tape away quickly and the hair usually comes with it.
2. Water – Wetting your hands and rubbing them across the hooks can loosen hair from them. Water lubricates the hooks, which makes the hair easier to remove. Just be careful to make sure whatever the VELCRO® Brand hooks and loops are being used to hold together will tolerate getting wet without becoming damaged.
3. Toothbrush/Fine Toothed Comb/Metal Bristle Pet Brush — Rub a toothbrush with firm bristles across the hooks. Be careful to rub in one direction though. Rubbing back and forth will pull the hair out and push it right back in. A fine-toothed comb can work the same way. Again though, you’ll want to drag the comb across the hooks in a single direction. Repeat the process until all of the hair is removed from the VELCRO® Brand hooks. The same technique will work with a metal bristle pet brush.
4. Tweezers – While this approach is a bit more tedious, it can be the most effective. Using tweezers is wearisome because you’ll only remove small amounts at a time. Meanwhile, the methods above will take out larger amounts on each pass. On the other hand, tweezers will also fine clean the hooks. So while it will take a bit longer to get pet hair out of VELCRO® Brand hooks this way, you’re likely to do so more thoroughly.
Keeping VELCRO® Brand Clean
Being careful to keep your VELCRO® Brand hooks clean will save you from worrying about how to clean hair out of them. Keeping them fastened when not being used will help avoid the accumulation of hair, dust and lint. Similarly, keeping your VELCRO® Brand items fastened when you’re washing them will also help them avoid picking up hair and lint in the washing machine.
