Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Caring for a metal zip comes down to three things: wash the garment with the zip closed and turned inside out, without chlorine bleach and at a moderate temperature; clean dust and dirt from the teeth with a soft brush; and if the zip sticks, lubricate the chain with wax, paraffin or graphite rather than oil. That way the zip keeps its finish, leaves no stains and runs smoothly for years.
Metal zip care when washing
Most problems with metal zips start in the washing machine. An open zip catches on other garments, the metal teeth knock against the drum and aggressive detergents attack the finish. A few simple rules extend the life of the zip considerably:
- Close the zip before washing. A closed chain is more stable and does not catch the fabric of other garments.
- Turn the garment inside out. This protects the zip from knocks and friction in the drum.
- Avoid chlorine bleach. Chlorine corrodes finishes and can cause dark or green stains on brass.
- Wash at the temperature on the label. The care symbols (ISO 3758) on the label apply to the whole product, including the trims.
- Dry the garment completely. Left wet for a long time, the metal oxidises faster.
Why a metal zip tarnishes or leaves stains
Brass contains copper, and copper reacts with moisture, sweat and some detergents. The result is a natural patina and, in more severe cases, a greenish deposit and stains on light fabric around the zip. The most common causes are:
- a garment left damp for a long time (in a bag, in the washing machine, in a basement);
- contact with salt water or heavy sweating;
- chlorine bleach and strong alkaline detergents;
- uncoated natural brass on light fabric.
When producing light-coloured products with a metal zip, it is advisable to choose a finish or lacquered brass and to do a test wash. Find out more about finishes in the metal zips collection.
How to clean a tarnished metal zip
- Clean the teeth with a soft brush (for example an old toothbrush) and warm water with a little neutral soap.
- For a greenish deposit on brass, rub lightly with a solution of vinegar or lemon juice, then rinse well with water and dry.
- Do not use abrasive pastes on coated teeth – they remove the finish.
- With antique and painted finishes, use only water and soap.
Metal zip sticking – what to do
A metal chain is stiffer than a coil and over time it may start to "squeak" or run heavily, especially after denim has been washed.
Lubrication
The easiest solution is dry lubrication along the teeth on both sides:
- a piece of candle or paraffin;
- beeswax;
- a graphite pencil (suitable for dark tapes);
- a special zip lubricant.
Run the material along the closed and the open zip, then move the slider up and down a few times. Avoid cooking oil and liquid oils – they attract dust and leave stains on the fabric.
Caught fabric
If the slider has caught the fabric or lining, do not pull hard. Move the slider back while carefully pulling the fabric in the opposite direction. If necessary, use a blunt object to free the material. Pulling hard deforms the slider and tears the fabric.
Bent teeth
A single bent tooth can be straightened with small flat pliers. If teeth are missing or broken, the zip usually has to be replaced – the slider will split the chain again every time it passes the damaged spot.
The zip opens behind the slider
If the zip is closed but the teeth separate behind the slider, the most common cause is a slider that has spread. Over time the two plates of the slider move apart and no longer press the teeth together. In some cases, very carefully squeezing the slider with pliers on both sides helps, but the most reliable solution is to replace the slider with one of the same size and type. On jeans, also check whether the slider has an automatic lock.
Care by product
Jeans
Wash jeans inside out, with the zip closed and the button fastened. That way the zip does not catch on the drum and the metal parts do not rub the denim and leave pale marks around the fly. After washing, check how the slider runs – if it has become stiff, lubricate it with wax.
Leather jackets and bags
Leather products are usually not washed, so the zip is cleaned locally with a slightly damp cloth and dried. Keep leather care products and waterproofing sprays away from the teeth.
Outerwear and backpacks
In jackets and backpacks, dust, sand and hairs collect in the zip and hinder the slider. Clean the chain with a brush several times a season, especially after walks in nature and on the beach.
Storage
- Store garments and bags with the zips closed so that the tapes do not deform.
- Do not store products with a metal zip in damp rooms.
- With leather products, also care for the leather around the zip – some leather care products can react with the metal, so avoid applying them directly to the teeth.
What manufacturers can do
Zip care starts at the design stage. To reduce complaints:
- choose a material and finish suited to the way the product will be washed;
- test a sample with the real industrial wash recipe;
- put clear care symbols on the care and composition label;
- avoid uncoated natural brass on light-coloured products.
Metal zips from Polkom
Polkom offers wholesale metal zips in various materials and finishes, all nickel free, suitable for jeans, jackets and bags, and advises manufacturers on choosing the right one for the washing method. Send an inquiry with the type of product and processing – we will recommend a suitable zip and prepare samples.
