How to Wash a Backpack
March 29, 2019CHOOSING THE RIGHT BACKPACK: A GUIDE TO SIZE AND FIT
March 29, 2019There are several reasons why the zipper on your backpack might be damaged. It can get stuck due to misaligned teeth, leading to detachment and eventual opening. Often, these issues can be fixed with tools available at home. It might need lubrication, or the teeth may need straightening. Whatever the case, there are many DIY ways to repair a damaged zipper. Here are some popular and tested methods:
Graphite
If your zipper is stuck and won’t move, lubrication might be the issue. Graphite is one of the best solutions in this case. Where can you get graphite around the house? Well, you can find it in a 2B pencil. Simply rub the pencil on the zipper. Try to get the graphite into the stuck zipper area. After applying graphite, try moving the zipper. If it was just due to lack of smoothness, the zipper should now move freely.
Apart from a 2B pencil, graphite sticks are readily available in the market.
Laundry Soap
If graphite doesn’t provide enough lubrication, you can use a more potent solution. Laundry soap can be an effective lubricant for zippers. Take a small amount of laundry soap in a small container and add a few spoons of water. Mix them until you get a slightly thick mixture. Then, take a cotton swab, wet it with the solution, and use it to moisten the zipper. After a few tries, attempt to move the zipper up and down. The zipper might not move immediately, so wet the area around the zipper a few more times until it becomes unstuck.
If laundry soap doesn’t work, you can try washing your backpack. If you have a washing machine, put the backpack in and wash it. Dust or dirt stuck on the zipper will come off in the machine. You can lubricate the zipper after washing the backpack.
Wax/Crayon
Speaking of lubricants, another effective method is to use wax or crayon to smoothen a stuck zipper. Household wax is usually very effective for stubborn zippers. If you don’t have household wax, you can use an old candle or crayon. The process is similar to using a graphite stick. Apply the wax to the stuck area until it’s smooth, and the zipper can move freely again. Like other methods, you may need to repeat this a few times. Keep applying wax until the zipper works smoothly.
The advantage of this method is that it doesn’t leave any stains (unless you use a colored crayon). The wax will gradually melt after several zipper movements, so you don’t have to worry about any color transferring to your backpack.
Repair bent cleats
It’s possible that the issue with your backpack’s zipper isn’t related to lubrication. If you observe, there may be bent teeth in the zipper. Lubrication won’t fix this; you’ll need to straighten the bent teeth. Use any practical tool from your toolbox. Usually, pliers are the most suitable.
Hold the bent tooth with pliers and gently straighten it. You may need to do this a few times until it’s correct. However, be careful and don’t pull too hard, as the teeth might come off. If they do, there’s no other way to save your zipper. Straightening the teeth requires a delicate touch.
Fixing a Damaged Zipper Pull
A damaged zipper pull is a common occurrence, but it can be easily fixed. If you don’t have much time and need to use your backpack immediately, there are a few ways to temporarily fix a damaged zipper pull. One of the most effective methods is using a paperclip. Open one end of the paperclip and insert it into the pull hole. Alternatively, you can use a keyring, a phone cable connector, or anything small, quick, and soft enough to act as a zipper pull.
Of course, if you have time, you can replace it with a new zipper pull.
Fixing a Broken Slider
Emergency solutions for fixing a broken slider are limited. When the slider is damaged, you may have to replace it. However, removing and installing a new slider is relatively easy. Use pliers to cut the damaged slider. Then, you can slowly slide the new slider into the teeth. It shouldn’t take long if you can insert the slider into the right track and angle.
You may need to replace the slider if it’s completely detached or can’t close the teeth properly even after lubricating and fixing the zipper.
Conclusion
The zipper is arguably the most critical component of a good backpack. A backpack may have many pockets and storage compartments (read about reviews of the best backpacks here). However, if the zipper doesn’t work well, what’s the point? In fact, even the best backpacks sometimes overlook their zippers. If you have to replace the zipper all the time, it will cost a lot of money. Fortunately, there are many simple home solutions you can try to fix a broken zipper. So, try all the tricks and tips at home before you actually buy a new bag.