The Stuck Zipper Conundrum

[Of Dust and Wonder]

Hey fellow vintage lovers,

When you find that pristine satin 50's cocktail dress, but find that the zipper hates you (or is stuck fast for some reason), do you have any tips/tricks for getting it to function smoothly again? I realize the worst case scenario is to just replace the thing, but I like to preserve them if I can.

I did just wash the dress, hoping that the zipper would profit from a soak, but no luck. Any applicable stories or thoughts are welcome!

 

[Jonathan]

WD40 or 3 in 1 oil, but you have to be REALLY careful not to get it on the fabric.

 

[Jonathan]

liquid soap it another possibility

 

[pastperfect2]

Zip ease. Sold at most fabric stores, I think. It's a wax stick.

 

[retro ruth]

Pencil. Seriously. Graphite powder is a usual metal lubricant in engineering. Rub a soft pencil over the teeth. Works best if the zip can be opened. No risk of spillage.

 

[Pinkcoke]

I agree with a soft graphite pencil (wipe it off after) you can also just run a candle down it to distribute wax.

 

[Elsewhere]

I second (third? fourth?) the pencil & wax candle suggestions.
BUT -- with the recent popularity of visible metal zippers on modern dresses, I've lately had decent luck having zippers replaced at my dry cleaners that at least LOOK correct! So if you MUST replace it, at least that's an option...