Your clothes are full of static electricity—here's how to get rid of it
Your clothes are full of static electricity—here's how to get rid of it
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Recently, I came to work in a polyester blouse that kept clinging to me annoyingly. The combination of the cold, dry weather and my static-prone nylon parka made for an uncomfortable day, filled with annoying static shocks every time I touched metal.
I've experienced similar static-related issues before—ever had to peel a sock off your pants? This time, determined to find a solution, I headed down to Reviewed's laundry labs.
Why it happens
Simply put, when fabrics rub together (for example, in your dryer), negative charges can develop. When the negatively charged clothes meet the relatively positive charges on your skin, they stick until the charges are released.
Discharging the charges
Instead of completely changing your outfit, try these remedies. You may need to use more than one method to stop the static cling:
1. Wet your hands, and rub them lightly over the surface of your clothes.This short-term solution can help if you have no other option.
2. Slather some moisturizer on your skin.Applying moisturizer may reduce the static charge but requires a lot if your entire outfit is affected.
3. Brush a dryer sheet over your clothing.Be cautious to use it on the wrong side of the fabric as it might leave a residue.
4. Attach a safety pin to the garment, or slide a metal hanger over it.Metal can dispel the static charge causing the cling.
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5. Apply an anti-static spray.These sprays can resolve the issue instantly and are available in travel sizes to keep handy. They do not stain your clothes.
Preventing static cling
To avoid static cling from the beginning, here are some preventive tips for laundry management:
1. Run a humidifier in the house during cold, dry weather.This helps when you're indoors but doesn't offer protection once you leave home.
2. Remove your clothes from the dryer when they're slightly damp.Over-drying exacerbates static cling.
3. Use liquid fabric softener in the wash.This penetrates garments to lubricate the fibers, whereas dryer sheets work only on the surface and may be less effective.
4. Dry natural and synthetic fabrics in separate loads.Synthetics often do not need to go in the dryer and can dry quickly when hung up.
5. Use wool dryer balls.These can minimize static by attracting moisture and separating clothes, reducing friction.
6. Make your own aluminum foil balls for the dryer.Though noisy and not useful for softening laundry, they are effective at discharging static, easy to make, last long, and cost-efficient.
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