How to Clean Velcro Patches

Custom velcro patches are an increasingly popular way to customize clothing, accessories, and home decorations. They’re also easy to use, thanks to their handy velcro hooks that allow you to attach them to almost anything. Unfortunately, these handy hooks have a downside. They pick up almost everything, including dust and fabric, so they can quickly start looking pretty run down.

Thankfully, there are many solutions to this problem, so you won’t need to worry about your patches losing their quality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best tactics under the DIY sun, including some upkeep tips. Let’s get into it!

Tried-and-Tested Ways to Clean Velcro Without Ruining It

If your velcro patches have started to look a little worse for wear, don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to restore them. We’ve listed a few easy techniques below to get your velcro patches free of debris.

Use a Toothbrush

That’s right: your pearly whites aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a good toothbrush. The bristles of your brush easily navigate around the velcro hooks where most of the debris will have accumulated. Make sure to use short, hard strokes when brushing. Otherwise, you could accidentally damage the velcro!

Pick Debris Out with Tweezers

Though it may be a bit more time-consuming than going at it with a toothbrush, picking the debris out with tweezers is a highly effective way to keep your patches clean. Or even better: try using this method after your toothbrush to pick out anything the bristles couldn’t reach.

Try Using Tape

Finally, tape can be a highly efficient way to remove debris from your velcro. All you need to do is secure it firmly to the hooks and pull away. Debris should come up with the tape, leaving your hooks good as new! Try wrapping double-sided tape around your finger while repeatedly pressing over the hooked surface to make this even more accessible. It’ll be clean again in no time.

Why are Velcro Patches Prone to Collecting Debris?

Velcro was initially known as hook-and-loop and only became patented as velcro in 1955 by George de Mestral. The reason why they’re so adept at collecting debris is right there in the name: a series of hooks and loops. They pick up nearly anything they come into contact with. Given the dust surrounding us at all times, it won’t take long for that debris to become a visible problem!

Tips for Storing Your Velcro Patch Collection

Knowing how to clean your velcro patch collection is one thing, but storing them is also vital. You can significantly minimize the likelihood of debris build-up by storing your patch collection properly, and luckily there are a wide variety of ways to do this. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most popular and effective ways to store your valuable collection.

• Custom patch panel: Easily one of the most popular for any hobbyist, purchasing a custom patch display panel is a great way to minimize debris. If your patches are constantly in use, attached to the panel, they’re less likely to pick up stray hairs or clothing lint along the way. Bonus: it’s also a fun way to show off your collection!
• Press two patches together: If you aren’t into the idea of buying a display panel, or you don’t have a large enough collection (yet!), an easy solution is to stick your velcro patches together. It isn’t a perfect option, but it does mean that their respective hooks and loops aren’t on display, so they’re less likely to become clogged up.
• Velcro patch book: If you liked the idea of having somewhere specific to store your patch collection but weren’t sold on the display panel, why not try out a book? They work like scrapbooks, except the pages aren’t paper but fabric! Designed to keep your patches safe and secure, this option also makes it enjoyable to look through your collection whenever you feel like it.
• Hung on string: Finally, if you want to go a little bohemian, hang your patches on a line using pegs or similar attachments. They work like photo strings, keeping your patches suspended in the air away from the dust on your surfaces. If you want to get even more creative, add fairy lights to complete your display!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Soap and Water Ruin Velcro?

No, it doesn’t, but please remember that the water must be cold. Although boiling water isn’t typically hot enough to melt plastic, it could cause the hooks to lose shape, ruining their efficiency. We also recommend washing all the soap out, as too many lingering suds could damage the velcro.

Final Thoughts

Velcro patches are a fun and original way to accessorize your clothing, decorate your home, or collect for fun! If you want to create your own custom velcro patches, visit THE/STUDIO today. We specialize in creating durable and visually appealing patches tailored to your specific design and preferences!