Static cling is quite annoying, especially when it clings to your body while wearing. This can be due to the dryness of your skin, the machine drying action, and the clothes’ friction. If you are looking for effective ways to get rid of static cling, I have got you covered!
In this guide, I have shared some easiest tips on How to Remove Static from Clothes and the causes behind them. So, learn the practical solutions and measures to help remove the cling even without washing.
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What Causes Static Cling on Clothes?
Static cling is a common issue that leads clothes to cling to your body. Understanding the causes of static is the most effective way to address the root cause and find solutions. Here is what you need to know:
The basic science behind static is tiny electrical charges. Due to friction, the materials swap tiny electric charges. Some gain charges when others lose them. Thus, the differently charged clothes tend to stick together.
The same thing happens with your skin. The rub against your skin can lead to clinging even with static-free clothes. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester have insulating properties which create electrical charges and make them more clingy.
So, now you know the reasons. Let’s find out How to Remove Static from Clothes and the practical solutions.
10 Tips for How to Remove Static from Clothes
Static cling may begin in the washing machine, dryer, or even while wearing the brand-new clothes. Here is what I do to get rid of static while machine washing and while wearing the clothes:
Remove Static While Washing the Clothes
Washing the clothes using a washing machine does not cause a problem with static buildup; it’s the drying process. I used to follow a regular drying process that caused static cling.
Here is what has changed my static-removing game and made the fresh clothes all static-free:
1. Separate Different Fabrics
Static primarily forms due to the rubbing of fabrics. The first thing that I follow is separating the fabrics. I wash synthetic clothes and natural fibres separately. This minimises the friction and reduces the electron transfer that usually causes static buildups.
2. Add Fabric Softener
Another useful tip is to add fabric softeners to every load. It helps get rid of static, especially on woollen clothes. You can also add a small amount of white vinegar to the washer with detergent. This creates a thin and invisible layer over the fabric fibres and reduces friction even after washing. It is potentially helpful during the clothes drying process, as the drying process causes most electrical charges.
3. Use Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are also a natural way to remove static cling from clothes. The wool dryer ball absorbs moisture. This moisture prevents clothes from overdrying, the root cause of static cling. Depending on the laundry cleaning load, I add 2 to 4 dryer balls.
4. Do Not Overdry
Squishing out every last drop of moisture from your laundry will only make the clothes more static. Instead, I take out the clothes while they are slightly damp. This trick reduces static as well as wrinkles and saves energy bills. There is also an alternative method. The best is to air dry your clothes by hanging them in natural sunlight.
5. Steam Dry Clothes
Stream drying is an excellent alternative to the regular dryer. The steam dryers come with different adjustable modes where you can select different steam cycles like moist air, hot air, or steam to dry the clothes. This also reduces wrinkles and minimises static cling.
Remove the Static While Wearing Clothes
Sometimes, static-free, fresh clothes also get clingy to the skin due to the friction with your dry skin. Imagine you are all ready for your exciting date night, and the dress is all clingy to your body. Pretty annoying!
Here are some instant and effortless How to Remove Static from Clothes without washing them again:
1. Use Anti-Static Spray
The anti-static spray for clothes is the fastest and most effective way to minimise static cling. If you find your clothes are still clinging, simply spray some anti-static spray on your fabrics before putting them on. You will be good to go!
2. Moisturise Skin
Static cling is most likely to occur during the dry season when the air has the least moisture. Try putting on some lotion on your skin, and your dress will instantly stop sticking to your legs. Another option is spraying a lightweight mist or hairspray on your clothes. Moisturising clothes as well as the skin is an effective method to prevent friction.
3. Use a Safety Pin
Metal can be a great option as it is a conductor of electricity. A small safety pin is enough to get rid of static temporarily. Simply attach a small metal safety pin to the inside of your clothing. It will divert static buildup throughout your day out. Smart hack, right?
4. Increase Home Humidity
Another instant hack is to adjust your home humidity, as dry air creates additional static electricity. During the dry seasons, the inside air leads to more electrical charge. Even a smaller humidifier can help return moisture to the clothes and fabrics.
5. Use Dryer Sheets
Lastly, the dryer sheets have helped me to reduce the static cling and balance the positive and negative charges of the clothes. These sheets are ideal for cotton dresses, shirts, pants, and socks. However, you should avoid towels, athletic wear, and any flame-resistant fabrics.
✔ If you have dye allergies or issues with fragrance, I would recommend that you avoid dryer sheets as they may cause skin reactions. You can apply the alternative methods I have mentioned earlier.
Additional Considerations to Get Rid of Static
You got the answer to How to Remove Static from Clothes at home. I know static cling is uncomfortable and pretty annoying. Here are some additional tips that you can consider to get rid of static cling forever:
- Before you put your freshly washed clothes in the wardrobe, hang them on wire hangers. You can also gently glide the wire hangers over them. It will make the fabrics static-free.
- Instead of using commercial static spray, you can make your own static spray at home. Take 50% water and 50% white vinegar in a spraying bottle and mix well. Spray lightly on the clothes as needed.
- Another unique and effective way for hurrying is hanging the clothes in the shower. If you are in a hurry, take the clothes that you are going to wear to the shower. The hot steam from the shower will remove the static from the fabric.
Final Words
The static in clothes increases during cold weather when the air tends to get drier. When you put all the fabric together, it produces electrical charges and gets sticky. Hopefully, my above guide can help you find a solution to How to Remove Static from Clothes.
However, do not try everything at a time. Choose a method that seems perfect according to your needs. Do not forget to share which method works best for you. You can also share any other issues that you are facing with your laundry through the comment box below.
Enjoy your clothes without the annoying clinginess!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can static cling damage the laundry?
The static cling may not damage your laundry directly. However, the electronic charges may damage clothes by weakening the fibers over time.
Which fabrics are more static prone?
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are more static-prone fabrics.
Which fabrics are less static prone?
Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and wool are less static prone as they absorb more moisture into the fibers.
Can plants make the home less static?
Yes. There are certain plants, such as jade plant, spider plant, rubber plants, English ivy, and peace lily that hold moisture in the indoor air, making the home less static.
