Hook and loop fasteners are used everywhere – from work uniforms to rehabilitation products and medical equipment. Known for being lightweight, reusable, and easy to adjust, hook and loop tape is a reliable closure system across many industries. But one of the most common questions asked by buyers is: can hook and loop survive washing and cleaning?

The short answer: yes. With the right product selection, hook and loop fasteners can withstand repeated laundering and sanitisation without losing performance.

How Washing Affects Hook and Loop Fasteners
Washing and cleaning expose hook and loop tape to several stress factors:

• Mechanical stress – machine agitation causes hooks to snag, bend, or fray.
• Heat – high drying temperatures or sterilisation may weaken fibres or adhesives.
• Detergents and chemicals – strong cleaners gradually degrade nylon or polyester.
• Moisture – prolonged wet conditions reduce adhesive performance in self-adhesive grades.

Over time, the loop side may flatten and the hook side may lose grip. Selecting the right type of hook and loop fastener is the key to extending service life.

Applications That Require Wash-Durable Hook and Loop
Hook and loop tapes are often used in products that must endure frequent cleaning:

• Uniforms and Workwear – healthcare, hospitality, and defence garments rely on strong closures that survive heavy-duty washing.
• Rehab and Special Needs Products – adaptive clothing, therapy supports, and positioning systems use soft-loop fasteners that must remain functional after many cleaning cycles.
• Medical Equipment – braces, splints, and patient supports require hook and loop straps that can withstand sterilisation and sanitisation.

In these sectors, reliable closures are critical for safety, hygiene, and product lifespan.

Best Hook and Loop Options for Washed Products
Not every type of hook and loop tape is suitable for laundering. Choosing the right grade ensures consistent performance:

• HALCO PRO Sew On Hook and Loop
  Strong and durable for products that require high open/close cycles, such as  uniforms and garments that are washed repeatedly.
• HALCO COMFORT Velour Loop
  Options such as HALCO COMFORT Velour Loop remain soft against the skin while withstanding frequent cleaning.
• HALCO ESSENTIALS Sew On Hook & Loop
  Made from 100% polyester with better moisture and chemical resistance than nylon, suitable for outdoor gear or products exposed to harsh cleaners, that have a lower open/close requirement.

Tips to Extend the Life of Hook and Loop Tapes
Even high-quality hook and loop products benefit from correct care. To improve wash performance:

• Close hook and loop fasteners before washing – prevents snagging on fabrics.
• Use gentle wash cycles – reduces wear and fibre stress.
• Air dry instead of high-heat drying – protects adhesives and fibres.
• Remove lint build-up – brushing out debris helps maintain grip.
• Follow supplier recommendations – HALCO can provide washing/care instructions for each hook and loop tape type.

Hook and loop can survive washing and cleaning when the correct cleaning methods and products are chosen. From industrial uniforms to rehabilitation aids and medical devices, high-quality hook and loop tapes are engineered to remain effective even after repeated laundering.

When sourcing hook and loop for products that must be cleaned regularly, it pays to invest in reliable, specialist fasteners. HALCO supplies a full range of hook and loop solutions – from soft-loop for patient comfort to industrial-strength grades for uniforms and equipment – designed to perform cycle after cycle. Contact our specialist team today for more information or to request a sample.

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