How to Lubricate an RTIC Cooler Zipper

On this page (7 sections)

1. How do you lubricate an RTIC cooler zipper?
2. Which lubricant should you use?
3. What should you clean before applying lubricant?
4. How can you prevent an RTIC zipper from sticking?
5. When should you stop lubricating and check for damage?
6. How do you care for the cooler after lubrication?
7. What is the simplest way to maintain an RTIC cooler zipper?

Use an RTIC-approved zipper lubricant to help reduce sticking, and apply it only after cleaning and drying the zipper. Work a small amount along the teeth, move the slider gently, and wipe away residue.

A zipper that catches may have grit or debris in its teeth. Cleaning it first helps you avoid trapping more dirt under lubricant.

How do you lubricate an RTIC cooler zipper?

Clean, dry, apply a thin layer, and move the slider gently. Follow the care instructions for your specific cooler, since zipper materials and approved products can vary.

1. Empty the cooler and open the zipper as far as it moves easily.
2. Brush or wipe away loose grit from the teeth and slider.
3. Let the zipper dry completely.
4. Apply a small amount of an approved zipper lubricant along the teeth.
5. Move the slider slowly back and forth to spread the lubricant.
6. Wipe off visible excess and check that the zipper moves freely.

Don't pull hard on a stuck slider. If it won't move after cleaning, inspect the zipper for caught fabric or damage before applying more lubricant.

Which lubricant should you use?

Use a lubricant RTIC approves for your model. Check the cooler's care instructions or contact RTIC if you can't confirm which lubricant is suitable.

Avoid guessing with cooking oil, petroleum jelly, or general-purpose sprays. They may leave residue, attract dirt, or affect materials, and approval for one zipper doesn't guarantee compatibility with another.

Apply less than you think you need. A light coating on the teeth is easier to spread and wipe clean than a heavy layer.

How does RTIC cooler zipper lubricant help?

RTIC cooler zipper lubricant can help a clean zipper slide more smoothly during regular use. It won't repair bent sliders, missing teeth, or a zipper that has separated from the cooler.

After applying it, open and close the zipper gently. If it still catches at the same point, stop and inspect that section instead of forcing it.

What should you clean before applying lubricant?

Remove grit and let the zipper dry before lubricating it. Sand, crumbs, and dried residue can make a slider drag even when the zipper isn't damaged.

Use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean around the teeth. Don't soak the zipper or use a cleaner unless the cooler's care instructions allow it.

Check the fabric beside the zipper, too. If it is caught in the slider, ease it free carefully before moving the zipper again.

How can you prevent an RTIC zipper from sticking?

Keep grit out of the teeth and avoid forcing the slider. A quick clean after dusty or sandy outings can help keep debris from building up.

Close the zipper without pulling the fabric tight across it. When packing, leave enough room for the cooler to close without pressing contents against the zipper track.

For cooling supplies, what is in reusable ice packs explains what reusable packs contain. Healthy Packers ice packs are slim and reusable for coolers and lunch bags.

The packs measure 7 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches each. Freeze them before use, then clean them with a damp cloth or wash by hand.

A wheeled hard cooler may suit larger outings where you don't need a soft cooler zipper. The Coleman Xtreme Rolling Cooler has wheels, a telescoping handle, and space for up to 84 cans.

For a smaller insulated bag with a zipper, the Carhartt Camping Cooler has two compartments and a hand-wash-only care instruction. For grocery trips, compare insulated grocery bags with zippers.

When should you stop lubricating and check for damage?

Stop if the zipper still catches or shows visible damage after cleaning. Missing teeth, a bent slider, or a separated seam can call for repair rather than more lubricant.

Move the slider back gently and look for fabric caught in the track. Don't use pliers or sharp tools to force it closed.

If the zipper can't be repaired, see whether you can replace an RTIC cooler zipper. If you're choosing a replacement cooler instead, compare RTIC cooler sizes and our best RTIC hard sided cooler guide.

How do you care for the cooler after lubrication?

Wipe off excess lubricant and keep the zipper clean between trips. Store the cooler dry and check that the zipper closes without resistance before packing it again.

For a new cooler, our complete cooler buying guide covers features to compare. If you're shopping for an RTIC deal, see best RTIC cooler on sale.

For a different insulated option, compare a wine cooler vs refrigerator for storing wine, or see best insulated grocery bags for carrying groceries.

What is the simplest way to maintain an RTIC cooler zipper?

For routine care, clean off grit, dry the zipper, and lubricate only when it starts to stick. Use a product approved for your cooler and apply a thin amount.

If gentle movement doesn't fix the problem, inspect for damage and ask RTIC about repair options. Choose lubricant for a stiff, intact zipper; consider RTIC cooler zipper replacement when the zipper is damaged.

Frequently asked questions

What lubricant should you use on an RTIC cooler zipper?

Use a zipper lubricant that RTIC approves for your cooler model, and follow its care instructions. Clean and dry the zipper first, apply a small amount to the teeth, then move the slider gently to spread it.

Avoid household oils or sprays unless RTIC says they're safe for that zipper.

How often should you lubricate a cooler zipper?

Lubricate it when the zipper feels stiff or starts sticking after cleaning, rather than following a fixed schedule. Rinse or wipe away grit after trips, let the zipper dry, and check its movement before storing the cooler.

Reapply only as the cooler's care instructions allow.

Can you use petroleum jelly on a cooler zipper?

Don't use petroleum jelly unless RTIC approves it for your cooler. Unapproved products may leave residue or affect zipper materials.

Choose a lubricant intended for cooler zippers, apply only a thin amount, and wipe off what remains on the surface.

What if an RTIC cooler zipper still sticks after lubrication?

Check for trapped sand, fabric caught in the teeth, or visible damage, and clean the zipper before trying again. Don't force the slider, since pulling hard can worsen damage.

If teeth are missing or the slider is bent, ask RTIC about repair or replacement options.