How to Get Lint Out of Velcro

For centuries, buttons and hooks and eyes were the only ways to fasten clothing. When the zipper was introduced, it was quickly used for dresses, men's slacks and clothing accessories. Then came Velcro. George de Mestral patented Velcro in 1955, after perfecting the idea that came to him while he was walking the countryside in 1948. The inventor was pulling burrs from his pant leg that were sticking stubbornly to the fabric. He examined the burrs under a microscope and eventually developed the two-sided fastener.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine-toothed metal comb
• Crochet hook
• Duct tape
• Toothpick

1. Drag a fine-toothed metal comb between the Velcro fibers and pull the lint out. A men's mustache comb also works well.

2. Pull a small metal crochet hook through the Velcro, using the hook on the end to grab the lint.

3. Use duct tape to remove lint by pushing it gently onto the Velcro and slowly pulling away. The lint will stick to the tape, which can then be thrown away.

4. Push a toothpick between the fibers to dislodge and remove lint.

Tips & Warnings

• Fasten Velcro before washing and whenever it's not in use to keep lint at bay.

References

• How to clean Velcro
• MIT: Inventor of the Week
• History of Velcro

Resources

• Velcro FAQ