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.
Drying clothes on a line after washing them with a good detergent and fabric softener gives them room to breathe and is an unbeatable way of stopping the build-up of static!
Quick Tip: Check out our guide on how to use fabric conditioner.
What causes static in clothes?
Static electricity in clothes 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.[1] And if you feel a shock, it means that two electrons with the same charge came into contact. On the other hand, if your clothes are clinging to each other, it means that the electrostatic charges aren’t strong enough.
If your clothes tend to zap you when you take them out of the dryer, it’s likely due to static buildup that’s exacerbated by the weather. As your clothes tumble in the dryer, the fabrics keep on rubbing each other. During winters when humidity is low and the air is dry, static electricity can build up much stronger. This is also the reason why static cling or shock isn’t common during summer.
Getting Rid of Static on Clothes
Getting rid of static involves making small alterations or additions to your environment or your clothes. Using a good-quality fabric conditioner like Comfort will help reduce static electricity in your clothes, and there are other strategies you can try. We’ll even show you how to remove static from clothes without washing them!
With solutions ranging from home humidifiers to fabric softeners, try these methods to remove static from clothes
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Applying body moisturiser prevents clothing from rubbing against dry skin and creating unwanted sparks
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Use a dryer sheet – adding an anti-static tumble dryer sheet to the machine stops clothes from rubbing together and electrons from building up
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Touch grounded metal – touching any piece of grounded metal (like water pipes or a lamppost) will banish static from your clothes
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Anti-static sprays are available on the high street. Designed for application on clothes or the body, these products are an effective solution
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Boost the humidity within the home as very dry air is an ideal condition for static electricity, using a humidifier can eliminate the problem
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Dab some vinegar vinegar is known for its ability to neutralize odors, but it can also work to remove static from clothes. Simply dip a cloth in a mixture of vinegar and water and wring out the excess. Then, dab the cloth on the areas of your clothes that cling to your body. Just a little vinegar can go a long way, so avoid saturating the cloth.
How to Get Rid of Static Cling
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:
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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
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Target extra clingy areas by applying talcum powder to your skin
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Rubbing a dryer sheet over the offending articles while dressed can work wonders
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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
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Running the flat bit of a wire coat hanger over clothing can pick up the loose electricity, preventing clinging catastrophes.
How to prevent static electricity in clothes?
Preventing static electricity in clothes can be achieved through various simple methods. Firstly, using fabric softeners or dryer sheets during the laundry process can help reduce static buildup. These products work by coating the fabric with a thin layer that inhibits static charges. Another effective approach is to ensure clothes are completely dry before removing them from the dryer, as moisture helps dissipate static electricity. In dry environments, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, minimizing static cling. Additionally, wearing natural fibers like cotton or using antistatic sprays can reduce static buildup. Lastly, avoiding synthetic materials, such as polyester, which are more prone to generating static, can be beneficial.
Frequently asked questions about static in clothes
What clothes have static?
Some of the fabrics that cause static cling and shock include polyester, rayon, silk and fur. So during colder seasons, expect your cable-knit sweaters, silk blouses and nylon tights to cause static cling or shock.
How do you make anti-static for clothes?
Take a spray bottle and mix fabric conditioner and water in it. Whenever you experience static from your clothes, spray the solution onto the fabric. Doing so should boost humidity in your clothes and reduce friction in the fibres which causes static build-up.
What is a natural remedy for static?
Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle should reduce the static cling in your clothes. As we mentioned earlier, vinegar functions as a fabric softener that smoothens the fibres in your clothes and reduces friction during tumble drying.
Reference:
1. Andersson, B., Fast, L., Holdstock, P., & Pirici, D. (2008). Charging of a person exiting a car seat. Journal of Physics. Conference Series, 142, 012004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/142/1/012004
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!
