How to Clean Velcro

Velcro is such a handy invention, am I right? It’s a perfect fastener for bags, hats, kids shoes, and more. But what do you do when it gets dirty? How do you clean velcro? In this blog post, I’m walking you through my best tips and tricks for cleaning velcro. 

What is Velcro anyway?

Velcro is a fabric hook-and-loop fastener. It consists of two parts: the “hook” side, which is a piece of fabric with tiny hooks; and the “loop” side, which is a piece of fabric with tiny loops. When you press the two sides together, the hooks catch on the loops and they hold together. 

How to Clean Velcro

Toothbrush

An easy way to remove lint, dirt, dust, and other debris from Velcro is with a toothbrush. A stiffer bristle is best for this job but any toothbrush would work. It’s a great way to repurpose an old toothbrush you’re no longer using to brush your teeth!

Simply brush along the surface of each side of the velcro firmly and repeatedly until debris starts to lift. Shake off loosened debris or pick it off with your fingers (a good option for loose hairs). 

Fine tooth comb

Toothbrush isn’t cutting it? Try using a fine-tooth comb. Fine tooth combs will be stronger than a toothbrush when it comes to cleaning Velcro. Just run the comb through the hooks and loops until they are clean.

Tweezers

Is there a collection of hair stuck in your Velcro? In this case, tweezers are your friend! Loosen the hair and debris using one of the methods suggested above. Then follow up with tweezers to remove stubborn hair and debris left behind.

Duct Tape

Another option is to use duct tape. This method works as well for lifting dust and hair from upholstery as it does for cleaning Velcro. Stick a piece of duct tape to the Velcro and then pull it off. Now repeat. You might need a few pieces of duct tape to fully clean your Velcro, but in no time you’ll be left with Velcro that is refreshed and clean.

Sharp edge of tools like scissors or a butter knife

Gently run the sharp edge of a butter knife or scissors along the top of the Velcro. This motion works best if you hold the sharp edge at a 45 degree angle to the Velcro. Repeat this motion to help loosen up debris enough for you to remove it.

Similarly, the cutter of a plastic tape dispenser is just serrated enough to work extremely well at scraping debris away from the surface of Velcro. You’ll use a similar motion as explained above and gently scrape your Velcro until it’s clean.

Removing Stains from Velcro

Once you have removed unwanted debris from Velcro, you might notice that there are stubborn stains still lingering. Here is how you’ll remove stains from Velcro.

Lift stains with oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach is a safe and effective way to lift stains from velcro. Just mix the oxygen bleach with warm water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

If the staining is more severe, try soaking the Velcro in the oxygen bleach water solution. This will of course only work as an option for smaller items.

If your stained Velcro is attached to a larger object and can’t be submerged in a basin, then you might need to scrub the oxygen bleach mixture into the stain a few times before it starts to lift.

Launder

Once applying oxygen bleach, it’s time to wash. If your Velcro is attached to a washable item, then now is the time to launder it regularly. Machine wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Use a delicate cycle and fasten the Velcro tabs before washing with any other fabrics.

If your velcro is not washable, you can wash it by hand. Mix a few drops of detergent into a few cups of warm water. Apply this mixture to the Velcro with a toothbrush. Scrub the rinse clean with water. You don’t want any detergent residue left behind!

Air dry

Regardless of how you washed your Velcro, make sure to air dry completely. Heat sets stains, so avoid heat drying in a dryer before you are sure the stain has been lifted.  

Stains still there? Go back to the first step of this section and repeat, repeat, repeat. Eventually the stains will lift!

How to keep Velcro clean

Now that you’ve gone to the trouble of cleaning your Velcro, it’s worth your while to keep it clean! Here are a few tips for how to keep Velcro clean.

Keep it clasped

One of the best ways to keep Velcro clean is to keep it clasped together. Doing so will prevent debris from getting caught in between the hooks and loops.

Remove debris and wash regularly

Another way to keep Velcro clean is to remove debris regularly. Refer back to the tools recommended at the beginning of this post for removing debris from Velcro. Using tools to remove debris on a regular basis will help prevent the build-up of dirt and dust.

If you can, also wash your velcro occasionally. Doing so will minimize stains and dirt buildup.

Keep it away from dirt, hair, and lint

This one is obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If possible, try to avoid exposing Velcro to materials that will tangle or cause stains. Things like hair, dirt, and lint can build up inside of Velcro and can even render Velcro less effective. Avoid it to help your Velcro fasteners last!