How to Get Rid of Static Electricity on Clothes

Find out how to remove static electricity from clothes here – this article is full of practical tips to help you prevent the problem of clingy clothes!

Updated 3 July 2023

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AuthorBy Cleanipedia Team

Reading Time5 minutes

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Static electricity is a common problem – when two susceptible surfaces rub together, electrons (negatively charged subatomic particles) can transfer between them, leaving one surface (such as your clothes) charged. First impressions are paramount – and giving someone an electric shock within ten seconds of meeting them probably isn’t the ideal introduction. Luckily, there are practical methods for removing static from clothes that will dispel the charge without damaging any of your favourite nylon and polyester party pieces.

A fabric conditioner like Comfort is specially formulated to be ‘anti-static’, leaving clothes soft and smooth to the touch. (Always read the care label to find out if the garment is suitable before use). Once your clothes are freshly washed, try drying them on a clothing line – this will give them room to breathe and help to further prevent the build-up of static!

How to Get Rid of Static Electricity

If you’re wondering how to remove static from clothes in the wash, using a fabric softener is one of the most effective answers to this perennial question. Adding fabric softener to a load of laundry helps to invisibly lubricate clothing, dispelling electricity and leaving garments super soft. Try using something like Comfort Rosy Blush – it has four conditioning benefits, including long lasting freshness and anti-static technology. Remember to always read the care label on your clothes before use, and follow the recommended dosing instructions on the bottle.

Removing Static from Clothes

Getting rid of static involves making small alterations or additions to your environment or your clothes. Using a good quality fabric conditioner will help reduce static electricity in your clothes, and there are other strategies you can try, as well.

With solutions ranging from home humidifiers to fabric conditioners, try these methods for removing static from clothes:

  1. 1

    Touch grounded metal – touching any piece of grounded metal (like water pipes or a lamppost) will banish static from your clothes.

  2. 2

    Use a dryer sheet – adding an anti-static tumble dryer sheet to the machine stops clothes from rubbing together and electrons from building up.

  3. 3

    Applying body moisturiser prevents clothing from rubbing against dry skin and creating unwanted sparks.

  4. 4

    As very dry air is an ideal condition for static electricity, boosting humidity within the home using a humidifier can eliminate the problem.

Are Your Clothes Fading After Each Wash? These Tips Can Save Them!

How to Remove Static from Clothes

The perfect outfit can be given an undesirable twist when annoyingly clingy clothes. Let your clothes know that you need some space with these five tips:

  • Lightly wet your hands then brush them over the surface of your clothing to reduce static cling. This method will work with some fabrics – but should not be used with delicate dry-clean-only fabrics, like silk, that do not respond well to water.

  • Target extra clingy areas by applying talcum powder to your skin.

  • Rubbing a dryer sheet over the offending articles while dressed can work wonders.

  • Believe it or not, putting a tennis ball in the dryer can also help to reduce static cling by preventing clothes from rubbing together as they dry.

  • Running the flat bit of a wire coat hanger over clothing can pick up the loose electricity, preventing clinging catastrophes.

Natural Anti-Static Remedies

Natural anti-static remedies provide effective and eco-friendly solutions for reducing static cling on clothes. When it comes to tackling static electricity, there are several natural alternatives available. For instance, using dryer sheets made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton, can help reduce static buildup in the dryer. Spritzing clothes with a diluted fabric softener solution can also work wonders in eliminating static cling. Another handy trick is using aluminum foil in the dryer, which acts as a natural conductor, reducing static electricity. These natural remedies offer a sustainable approach to combating static and keeping clothes free from those annoying clingy moments.

As you can see, you can put an end to nasty little shocks and awkward clinging in just a few minutes. Don’t get zapped – give them a try!

Frequently asked questions on static electricity

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