12 Hacks to Get Static Cling Out of Your Clothes
Chunky sweaters, flannel scarves, cozy tights – there are plenty of fashionable winter wardrobe staples, but static cling isn’t one of them! Zap electrical charges from your outfit with these simple tips.
In the wash:
• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent. Not only is the household ingredient a natural deodorizer to get your clothes cleaner, it also acts as a water and fabric softener to reduce static buildup in your clothing during the drying cycle.
• Make a DIY vinegar fabric softener and static reducer. Bonus: it helps to clean the soap residue from your machine during the wash cycle. Try this recipe from DIY Natural (you can even add your favorite essential oil!).
While drying out:
• Toss a few wool dryer balls in with your laundry. Dryer balls work to minimize contact between fabrics, which can build electrical charges. Wool dryer balls also absorb moisture from your clothes in the dryer, which can cut down drying time and save you money! Try this tutorial from The Sleepy Time Gal to make your own, or buy a few here.
• Dry your synthetic fabrics separately. Pick out any pieces made of synthetic fabric, like nylon or polyester, which are more prone to static. Dry them in a separate load so they don’t charge your other clothing. Better yet, hang-dry these pieces so you don’t zap more moisture out of them in the dryer.
In a pinch:
• Throw your clinging garment in the dryer for 10 minutes on a low heat setting. Include a damp washcloth of water or a vinegar solution to add moisture into the air within the machine.
• Hang your garment in the bathroom while you shower. This can help to restore moisture to the garment, plus work out any stubborn wrinkles.
• Run the long side of a wire hanger against the underside of the article of clothing. This will help to reduce the electric charges in the garment.
• For a quick fix while you’re heading out the door, fix a metal safety pin to the hem of your skirt or pants, or in the side seams of a sweater, to break up the electrical charges running through the fabric.
• If you’re already wearing the article of clothing, add moisture to the area with water or lotion. Apply a small amount to your hands, and then rub both your skin or tights, as well as the underside of the garment, to reduce cling.
• Run a dryer sheet to the underside of your skirt and along your tights or pantyhose to prevent further friction.
• Use a spray: aerosol hairspray, anti-static spray, a mixture of fabric softener and water, or plain water can help restore moisture to the fabric.
• If you can, wear leather-soled shoes, which are less likely to accumulate electrical charges compared to rubber-soled shoes.
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