Can You Wash Velcro? Here's How to Do It Properly

How to Wash VELCRO

1. Read the Item's Care Label

   While VELCRO can be washed, it is more important to follow the care label recommendations for the item to which the VELCRO is attached. If the item's tag says "Dry Clean Only" you can remove debris from the VELCRO surfaces but the VELCRO should not be washed.

2. Close the VELCRO and Wash as Recommended

   The most important tip when washing VELCRO is to close each fastener before hand-washing or tossing the item in the washer. This will prevent accidental snagging of the fabric and reduce the amount of lint that becomes trapped in the VELCRO.

3. Dry the VELCRO

   After washing, check the VELCRO and make sure it is still closed especially if using an automatic tumble dryer. Follow the drying guidelines for the item. If air-drying the item, open the fasteners for quicker drying.

How to Remove Lint From VELCRO

Removing lint, strings, and debris will help keep the VELCRO fasteners closing securely and make them look neater.

1. Use a Toothbrush or a Fine-toothed Comb

   Use a stiff-bristled toothbrush or a fine-toothed comb to lift out the lint and debris. Working on a flat surface, use short, swift strokes from one end of the fastener to the other lifting away loose debris with your fingers. Be sure to clean both the hook and loop sides of the VELCRO.

2. Use Tweezers

   Use a pair of flat or angled-tipped tweezers and work from one end to the other to remove lint. Tweeze both surfaces of the fastener.

3. Use Packing Tape

   Wrap a piece of sticky packing or duct tape around your hand to remove debris from VELCRO. Keep moving to a clean area of the tape as lint is transferred. Take advantage of the saw-toothed cutting edge to scrape out lint. Turn the dispenser so that you can use the edge in short, swift strokes to lift out the debris. Grab the loosened lint with your fingers or a bit of sticky tape.

4. Use a Lint Roller

   A strong lint roller will remove debris. Lay the VELCRO fastener on a flat surface and work from one end to the next. Be sure to roll over both sides several times changing the lint roller surface as needed.

   Tip

   If you're in a hurry and the scratchy side of the fastener is filled with lint and won't stick, rub it with another hooked (scratchy) piece to loosen the debris. Give it a thorough cleaning later.

Ironing

Do not iron VELCRO unless the fastener is closed. Use a pressing cloth to protect the VELCRO iron at a very low temperature to prevent melting.

Storing

The VELCRO should be closed on the item before it is stored following the recommendations for the fabric.

Repairs

If the stitching that holds the VELCRO onto the fabric has come loose, it can be restitched by machine or hand. If the VELCRO is on a shoe, repair by a cobbler is recommended.

Treating Stains on VELCRO

1. Remove Debris

   Before attempting to remove stains from VELCRO fasteners, always remove the debris from both sides of the fastener.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution and Scrub

   In a small bowl, combine one cup of very warm water and a few drops of laundry detergent or enzyme-based stain remover. Dip a stiff-bristled toothbrush into the cleaning solution and carefully scrub both sides of the hook and loop fastener.

3. Rinse and Wash as Usual

   Dip a microfiber cloth (lint-free) in fresh water and wring until slightly damp. Rinse the fasteners by wiping them with the damp cloth. Close the fastener and wash the item as usual, if needed.

4. Whiten Dingy VELCRO

   If white fasteners are looking dingy, mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and warm water following the guidelines on the product package. Submerge the entire garment and allow it to soak for at least eight hours. The oxygen bleach will not harm washable fabrics or the nylon-fiber fasteners (do not use for wool, silk, or leather items).

Tips for Washing VELCRO

• Always close the fasteners completely when not in use to prevent them from collecting debris.
• Close the VELCRO before tossing the item into the laundry hamper or the washer to prevent unwanted snags and lint.
• Spray clean fasteners with a bit of anti-static spray to help repel lint.
• Clean unwanted lint and debris from VELCRO at least monthly.