Tents, rucksacks and sleeping bags are seasonal kit: after a trip they are often packed away in the loft until next summer. Then in spring you discover the tent door zip sticks and the backpack slider will not budge.
Sand, dust, dew and rain get between the teeth and gradually jam the mechanism. Cleaning and lubricating your zips takes a few minutes but saves you from a broken slider in the middle of a forest or on a mountain.
What you will need
- WD-40 Specialist Silicone
- old toothbrush
- warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid
- microfibre cloth
- pliers, if the slider has loosened
Important: Apply lubricant only to the teeth and slider, not to the tent or backpack fabric. Before first use, test the product on an inconspicuous part of the zip tape.
Step 1
Inspect the zip
Before you start, look at every zip from both sides and open and close it a few times. If you see dirt or the slider is stiff, do not force it and risk pulling out teeth; move straight on to cleaning. Even zips that work fine benefit from preventive care.
Step 2
Clean the teeth
Tent and backpack zips are constantly exposed to sand, dust and moisture. First brush the teeth on both sides with a dry toothbrush to sweep sand and dust out of the gaps.
Then dip the brush in warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid and scrub the teeth thoroughly. Dry with a microfibre cloth and let the zip dry out completely.
Step 3
Lubricate the slider and teeth
Once the zip is dry, open it and use the straw to apply a small amount of WD-40 Specialist Silicone to the slider and teeth. Silicone displaces moisture, lubricates well, leaves no stains and does not attract dust, which matters a lot for zips. The straw lets you apply it precisely without spraying the fabric.
Open and close the zip several times to spread the lubricant along its full length. After a few minutes, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Step 4
Prevent damage
Service your zips after every trip, especially if the tent was pitched on a sandy shore. Brush or wipe sand and crumbs off the teeth straight away. Do not overload a backpack beyond its rated weight and volume, as an overstrained zip is the one most likely to split. Close all zips before machine-washing a backpack.
Step 5
Fix a slider that splits the zip
If the zip closes but the teeth part again behind the slider, the slider has spread. Grip it along the edges with pliers, without touching the middle, and squeeze gently. Control the pressure so you do not crack it. If the zip still will not hold, the slider needs replacing.
Tip: Take a small can of lubricant or
WD-40 Smart Straw for metal buckles and carabiners on your trip: a sticking zip or squeaky clasp is easier to sort out on the spot than to repair at home.
What next
Lubricate your zips at the start of the season and after every trip, and before winter storage also dry and air the tent and backpack. Your kit will then be ready to go next summer.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».