Cleaning Velcro

Velcro is great when it is all nice and clean. Once it gets dirty or clogged up with stuff then it no longer functions the way it should and that is very annoying. So how do you clean Velcro. Well this hub has some tips for cleaning Velcro.

1. Ignore it. If the Velcro still forms a pretty good connection when you press it together, there may be no need to clean. If you don't really spend a lot of time admiring your spotless Velcro, don't bother cleaning it.

2. Pull off loose matter with your fingers. Remove anything that is extending beyond the hooks by pinching it and pulling it out, much as you would clean a hairbrush.

3. Draw a pin, toothpick, or other fine-pointed object across each row and use it to lift debris out from between the hooks. Work parallel to the rows of hooks. Any other fine-pointed object, such a seam ripper, could serve this purpose.

4. Use tweezers. A fine pair of tweezers can help to pull out fuzz and lint, especially after you have lifted and loosened it with a pin or toothbrush

5. Use a dry toothbrush. Brush between the rows. Go in one direction and go parallel to the rows of hooks. This works best after you've gotten the large stuff out with other methods. You don't have to get every speck, just enough big stuff to get the Velcro working again and looking okay.

6. Use soapy water. As long as the item is colorfast and water-worthy, dunk the whole thing in soapy water. Scrub the hook side with an old toothbrush to get down in between the rows. Soapy water helps more with such matter as skin flakes and oil than it does with lint and fuzz. Then, rinse thoroughly and let the item air dry.

7. Use a wire cat or dog hairbrush and "comb" through it. An eyebrow comb or other small, fine comb might also serve, if you have one.

8. Use the short metal or plastic teeth on the front of a clear tape roll to brush out the Velcro. The tooth length and rigidity are second to none.

9. Use an adhesive lint roller to roll across the Velcro. The tape is quite good at removing just about anything from the velcro.