All of your fastening issues can be solved using Velcro, also referred to as hook and loop fasteners. When the two halves of this set are squeezed together, they form a seal. One half of the set has small hooks, while the other half has matching tiny loops. The hooks grasp hold of the loops when the two sides come together, creating a solid seal.
Since life is often messy, Velcro hooks can become clogged with lint, loose hair, and other everyday debris, preventing the hook from hanging on the loop. But there’s a quick fix: By cleaning the hook surface of these debris, you can restore the Velcro to its original condition.
A file card is a small, flat wooden paddle, not much larger than a hairbrush that has hundreds of fine, strong metal bristles. It is used to clean the grooves of metal files when they become clogged with filing debris. File cards are inexpensive and can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Simply place one end of the hook section of your Velcro hook tape flat against a table or counter surface to clean it with a file card. Use your dominant hand to hold the file card. Scrape away from the Velcro starting with the hand that is holding it with long, steady strokes. Be careful to only move in one direction; otherwise, the debris will become re-encrusted in the hooks. There are various more approaches that will work if you don’t have a file card or don’t have the time to get one.
In essence, a pet brush is a softer, smaller version of a file card. Since the bristles on a file card are larger, coarser, and more rigid than those on Velcro hook and loop, it can take a little longer and require a little more work to clean Velcro this way.With the pet brush, use the hook side of the Velcro hook and loop to secure one end while brushing away from your hand. To make sure that the bristles of the pet brush are free of pet hair and able to capture the dirt blocking your Velcro, you might need to clean it out as you go. If you’re in a bind, a toothbrush will also do the trick, but its bristles are much softer and finer than a pet brush, so they probably won’t be as efficient.
Duct tape can be used to untangle blockages from your Velcro since it is much stickier than other kinds of tape. Your dominant hand’s index and middle fingers should be wrapped loosely in a piece of duct tape with the adhesive side out. Roll the duct tape in long, steady strokes away from your hand while bracing the Velcro with the other hand. It will take some time and a hard touch to do this. As soon as the duct tape is covered in particles, replace it.