PB HOW TO
Is your clothing static? We’ve got 11 simple tips
Everyone deals with static clothing from time to time, but the question is: how do you get rid of it? We’ve got 11 simple tips to help you discharge static clothing.
Dry air and friction cause static electricity in your clothes (and hair), leading to crackling garments, electric shocks when touching objects, or synthetic fabrics clinging to your skin.
You’ll notice that static clothing is more common in winter than in summer because the air humidity is lower due to heating systems. This dry air increases the buildup of electric charge. Additionally, certain fabrics—often synthetic ones—like polyamide, acrylic, and wool, are more prone to electric charge, especially when they rub against each other.
Now that we know what causes static electricy, we want to give you 11 simple tips to prevent static clothing!
1. Discharge static clothing with a metal hanger
Right before putting on your favorite silk blouse or top, run a metal hanger through the inside of the garment to remove the static charge. No metal hangers at home? No worries! You can use any other metal object for this trick—metal neutralizes static electricity.
2. Use a safety pin to avoid static shocks
Hide a metal safety pin in the seam or pocket of your garment. The metal will discharge the static electricity and prevent you from getting shocks when touching conductive objects. Easy-peasy, and no more static clothing!
3. Wear leather-soled shoes to combat static charges
Do you love wearing leather shoes (especially with leather soles)? If not, it might be time to invest in a pair! Leather shoes help ground you and reduce the static effect in your clothing, while rubber soles tend to build up static charge.
4. Prevent static clothing during washing
Want to discharge your clothes in advance? Add a small amount of vinegar or a small ball of aluminum foil to the wash cycle.
Never mix vinegar with bleach, as this creates a toxic gas. Also, do not use aluminum foil in the dryer!
5. Use fabric softener to reduce static clothing
Besides giving your clothes a nice scent and soft feel, fabric softener also helps to discharge static electricity!
6. Avoid the dryer to prevent static clothing
The dryer is a major source of static electricity buildup. Instead, air dry your clothes on a metal hanger—it’s better for your clothes and prevents static charge. If you still prefer using a dryer, here are two tips to prevent static clothing:
Add one or two dryer balls to soften your clothes without chemicals. They also reduce the friction between garments, decreasing static electricity. Remove your clothes from the dryer immediately after the cycle ends.
Add a damp washcloth during the last 10 minutes of drying. This increases the humidity in the dryer, preventing static electricity from building up. As always, remove your clothes as soon as the dryer stops.
7. Use an anti-static spray for static clothing
This simple solution helps discharge static clothing quickly. Plus, the spray is convenient to carry around! Spray a light mist over the garment, let it sit for a moment, and smooth out the fabric with your hands for the best results.
8. Use hairspray to combat static clothing
Hairspray doesn’t just keep your hair in place—it’s also an effective way to discharge static clothing. Turn the garment inside out and spray a light mist of hairspray from at least 30 cm (12 inches) away to avoid stains.
9. Body lotion can prevent static clothing
Body lotion keeps your skin soft and prevents silk blouses or similar fabrics from clinging to your skin. Simply apply body lotion to your skin and let it dry before dressing.
10. Use the freezer to combat static electricity
Nothing is more annoying than a static sweater or blouse. Have 30 minutes to spare? Place the dry item in the freezer—the increased humidity helps reduce static electricity in your clothes. Ensure the garment is completely dry before freezing.
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Blog by:
Marissa
Do you have an urgent question about a particular fabric and its properties? Marissa knows everything about fabrics and provides the best maintenance tips. Additionally, she has a talent for mixing and matching styles and materials with a contemporary nonchalance.
