4 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Static in Clothes

Tired of getting zapped by your favorite outfit? Here are some tips to stop static before it ruins your clothes.

Especially in the winter, it's common to throw on an outfit and be greeted with an uncomfortable zap. Static electricity can cause a shock and make clothes stick uncomfortably to the body. Some fabrics are particularly prone to this result, which can mean leaving your favorite dress or outfit untouched, wasting money and closet space. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes static electricity and how to get rid of static on clothes once and for all.

What causes static?

When fabrics rub against each other, the friction creates an electric charge. Tumble dryers are major culprits. And some fabrics, such as wool, polyester, and acrylics, are more prone to carry an electric charge than others. Colder seasons are also known for static because there is less humidity in the air, line drying isn’t possible in frigid temperatures, and winter clothes tend to be heavy wools and flannels that hold a charge.

The charge is easy to spot; you'll hear crackling when the clothes move. Other signs include shocking others with a simple touch or when clothes cling to the body.

How to Prevent Static

Laundry habits directly impact whether static will affect your closet. Try these simple changes to prevent static for good.

• Use fabric softeners in the washing cycle to leave fabrics silkier. Rather than chemicals, try a diluted white vinegar with a natural essential oil instead.

• If weather permits, air dry clothes on a clothesline rather than machine drying.

• If you must tumble dry, use dryer balls to separate the clothes and improve air circulation. Dryer balls reduce the drying time and static buildup.

• Use dryer sheets, which cover fabrics with liquid surfactant to reduce static cling.

• Separate natural from synthetic fabrics before drying. Air dry synthetic fabrics, if possible.

• Shake clothes when unloading them from the dryer. Give each item 2-3 quick shakes before placing clothes on another surface or next to other clothing in a closet or dresser.

How to Get Rid of Static in Clothing

Prevention is great for future loads of laundry, but you might wonder what to do if you already have static built up in the clean clothes in your closet and drawers. Here are four tips to get rid of static on clothes.

Dampen Garments: The leading cause of static is dryness. This is easily fixed by dampening garments. Mist dry clothes lightly with lukewarm water or spritz clothes with anti-static fabric or fabric softener spray.

Moisturize Your Skin: Friction between dry skin and fabrics is another significant source of static shock. To minimize static, rub lotion into your skin to reduce dryness and increase the surface humidity. Not only do creams and moisturizers help your skin glow, but they also prevent static buildup on your body. Consider applying talcum or baby powder to your skin to tackle extra clingy areas.

Use Dryer Sheets: Before putting on your garment, rub the inside of the fabric with a dryer sheet to eliminate unwanted sparks.

Use Metal: The magnetic charge in metal can disrupt cling and remove static in clothes. Glide a metal object like a hanger, thimble, or aluminum foil on the fabric to discharge electricity in your garment. You can also place a safety pin inside your clothes to help absorb static.

Are there fabrics that don’t attract static?

Yes! There are static dissipative fabrics or anti-static control clothing that can make static cling a thing of the past. The material is a blend of synthetic polyester yarn or fibers, in addition to cotton or carbon fibers. These are mainly used in medical settings, but they are slowly becoming more common in suits and professional wear.

Additionally, leather doesn’t attract or maintain static. This is a good reason to opt for a leather jacket over a down, wool, or synthetic coat, which is likely to hold friction and produce lots of static electricity all winter long.

Silk and 100% cotton also don’t attract electrostatics. However, if they are next to synthetic fibers in the wash, dryer, or clothing storage, they can rub against other clothing and increase the static shock in those garments. Stick to wearing these natural items and launder them separately for the best results.

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