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.
Space allowing, drying clothes on a line gives them room to breathe and is an unbeatable way of stopping the build-up of static – give it a try!
How to Get Rid of Static Electricity
If you’re wondering how to remove static from clothes in the wash, using a fabric softener like COMFORT 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.
Another great tip is to allow your clothes to dry on the line, space allowing. This gives them room to breathe and is an unbeatable way of stopping the build-up of static – give it a try!
How to Remove Static from Clothes
Removing static from clothes involves making small alterations or additions to your environment or your clothes. Using a good quality fabric conditioner (we like COMFORT) 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 softeners, try these methods to remove static from clothes:
Touch grounded metal – touching any piece of grounded metal (like water pipes or a lamppost) will banish static from your clothes.
Use a dryer sheet – adding an anti-static tumble dryer sheet to the machine stops clothes from rubbing together and electrons from building up.
Applying body moisturiser prevents clothing from rubbing against dry skin and creating unwanted sparks.
Anti-static sprays are for application on clothes or the body, these products are an effective solution.
As very dry air is an ideal condition for static electricity, boosting humidity within the home using a humidifier can eliminate the problem.
The PollHas your lifestyle during the Covid-19 lockdown affected the type of stains you get on your clothes?
0 Votes
How to Get Rid of Static Cling
The perfect outfit can be given an undesirable twist if your clothes end up clinging to you in all the wrong places! 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.
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!
For more tips such as these, visit Cleanipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes static electricity on clothes?
Static electricity is caused when two susceptible surfaces rub together creating an electrical charge between them. Some fabrics are more prone to becoming static too such as nylon and polyester.
How often do I need to wash my clothes to avoid static?
You don’t need to wash your clothes more or less often to get rid of static electricity on them, the key is to wash your clothing as often as you would normally but to use a good quality fabric conditioner like Comfort, to dispel electricity build-up.
What kind of detergent should I use for static electricity?
When it comes to your detergent, you should use a good quality detergent that you enjoy. The key to getting rid of static on your clothing is to use a fabric conditioner that prevents static cling like Comfort.
How do I prevent static on clothes from happening in the first place?
A great way to prevent static on your clothes in the first place is to make sure you use a good quality fabric conditioner with every wash. Also allow your clothes to dry on the line in natural light instead of putting them in the tumble dryer if you can. You can also use anti-static sprays on your clothes, applying moisturiser to your skin to avoid clinging of your clothes too.
What is static electricity and how does it form?
When certain surfaces rub together it can create a reaction of the electrons of each particle, making them get agitated or charged. This charge makes them electric, creating static electricity.