Suction cups can be a super handy option for hanging up decor (what’s Halloween without the decorations?!They can be used to store decorations, organizers and many other items.
At our house, we find them especially helpful in the bathroom, since shower walls aren’t really conducive to other methods for hanging things.
In my own shower, I have several suction cups on my shower walls that perform a variety of functions, from providing a place to hang loofahs to keeping Dave’s shaving mirror aloft. And while we love the versatility and functionality of our suction cup shower accessories now, there was a time not too long ago where I was at my wit’s end with them!
After walking into our bathroom to find Dave’s shaving mirror sitting haphazardly in the sink after its suction cup had failed yet again, I was determined to find out how to get suction cups to stick once and for all! And thanks to the following tips I discovered during my research, I can happily report that when it comes to all of the suction cups around our home, it’s been nothing but smooth sailing ever since! 🙂
So the next time you need to get a suction cup to stick, just follow these steps and see what a difference it makes!
How To Get Suction Cups To Stick
1. Choose A Suitable Surface
The ideal surface for applying a suction cup is one that’s clean, flat, and completely smooth. Even the strongest suction cups won’t adhere to porous surfaces for long because it’s impossible to achieve a bond that’s free of air pockets.
There are many surfaces that suction cups will adhere to, including hard plastics like acrylic, Formica, stainless steel, and hard plastics. Suction cups can be attached to mirrors, windows, fronts of dishwashers and sides of metal file cabinets.
Avoid using suction cups on surfaces that are curved or textured, like your car dashboard, because it’ll be very difficult to achieve a lasting bond. If you need to hang something in your car, you’re better off exploring other adhesive options.
2. Clean The Surface
Before attempting to apply a suction cup, it’s important to make sure the surface you’re applying it to is squeaky clean. Clean the surface using a household cleaner. Rinse and dry it well with a clean cloth.
To ensure proper adhesion, you must clean the surface. If you’re dealing with your shower walls and could use a good method for getting rid of soap scum or mineral deposits, check out this cleaning hack.
3. You can clean it again!
Once the surface is clean, you’ll want to wipe it down again, but this time using rubbing alcohol. You might be asking why you should clean it twice. The main reason is that rubbing alcohol isn’t great at removing surface dirt, but it’s perfect for wiping away any last traces of grime before adhering your suction cup!
Rubicing alcohol, in addition to suction cups is a great way to prepare a surface for hanging Command strips or hooks. Before applying adhesive, clean the surface as usual.
4. Clean The Suction Cup Itself
In addition to cleaning the surface you want to attach it to, you’ll want to clean the suction cup itself too. You can rinse it with warm water. Pay attention to the interior of the cup and shake off any excess water. (Don’t dry it though—water droplets on the the inside of the cup can help prevent air pockets from forming inside the seal.)
On top of cleaning the cup, the warm water will also help soften the material, making it more pliable so that it’s easier to press down and create a strong bond with the surface.
(And in case you haven’t caught on by now, cleanliness is very important when it comes to putting up suction cups! Nine times out of 10, it’s dirt, grease, or grime that is to blame for keeping your suction cup from staying stuck.)
5. Press Firmly
Finally, it’s time to apply the suction cup! Press the suction cup against the surface that you wish to stick it to.
6. Let It Set
After attaching the suction cup, leave it alone for 24 hours to give the bond time to “set.” This means don’t put any extra weight on the suction cup or the item it’s attached to, and do your best to avoid getting the area wet.
It is best to leave it alone for at least 24 hours so that the water in the suction cup can dry completely and the surface and cup are fully bonded.
7. Check In
Once your suction cup is stuck, be sure to check the bond every once in a while. To remove any air pockets, press down on the suction cups from time to check for them.
Keep in mind that temperature and humidity changes (which are common in the bathroom and kitchen) can affect the cup’s pliability, which could also cause air pockets to develop or for the suction cup to pull away from the surface.
Follow these steps before giving up on a finicky suction cup—they worked wonders for me, and I’m sure they’ll prove just as useful to you!
How Do you have any suction cups in your home?
