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When you're out camping and your tent zipper gets stuck, it feels like the obvious thing to do is grab a can of WD-40 and spray away. However, the obvious thing to do is not always the right thing to do. Although the company itself lists stuck zippers as a recommended use of its product, real-world users say they don't recommend it. Campers disagree with using WD-40 on tent zippers for two simple reasons: The zippers on tents are often made of or surrounded by plastic, not metal, and using WD-40 may lead to discoloration or unwanted residues.
WD-40, which stands for Water Displacement, 40th Formula, leaves an oily film that attracts dirt, dust, and grime. All that can build up on zipper teeth and sliders, locking the mechanism and making future jams more likely to happen. The oil can also drip onto the tent's fabric or zipper tape, causing it to darken or weaken over time. This is the reason many home care professionals warn against using WD-40 on textiles and clothing. Lastly, WD-40 is highly flammable, and you won't want it around campfires, which usually accompany camping tents.
Alternatives to get stubborn zippers unstuck
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WD-40 works on several unexpected products, but a camping tent zipper isn't one. Even if it frees the zipper for a moment, it's not worth the possibility that it creates a longer-term maintenance problem. Luckily, several alternatives can get the job done, including a bar of soap.
To use this method, just grab a bar of dry soap and rub it up and down the zipper teeth until it frees up. Similarly, you can also try candle wax or lip balm, since the melty wax or petroleum jelly can just as easily loosen the zip slider. When applying any of these, you want to clean the zipper area first to remove any accumulated grime or dirt. You also don't want to use a product that's colored or overapply, otherwise it can leave a colored stain and become a grime magnet afterwards. To avoid this, be sure to clean off any residue with a cloth once the zipper gets unstuck.
You can also just pick up a dedicated zipper lubricant. This is probably the best fix for tents because they are tailor-made to clean and maintain zippers. There are several options available on online retailers for less than $10, and these products can really come in clutch on your next camping trip.
How to avoid a zipper getting stuck in the first place
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First of all, make sure you are buying one of the better quality tents on the market, which are made to be more durable and avoid this issue. Nevertheless, you should adopt certain practices to keep your tent zipper on track and avoid the need to use any of these agents. For one, avoid straining your zipper by tugging it too hard. You also don't want to stretch the wall around it too much.
No matter what kind of tent you have though, it's important to clean its zipper after every camping trip. To do this, you need some warm water, a bit of mild detergent, a microfiber towel, and a small brush or toothbrush. Mix the detergent and water, then apply it to the cloth or brush and begin to scrub out any dirt that has built up on the zipper tracks. Be gentle, as you do not want to accidentally break the zipper or bend its teeth.
When all the dirt is out, rinse the soap residue with water, and leave it to dry. Then, you can apply one of the lubricants we mentioned to keep it gliding smoothly as needed. Just remember not to apply WD-40.
