How to Get Rid of Static Cling

In laundry terms, static cling is the result of an electric charge build-up due to a fabric brushing up against one another which occurs during the tumble-drying process. What causes static in clothes is more prevalent during winter because of the dry air. Luckily, there are some ways to get rid of static on clothes from the get-go.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look very far for simple and easy solutions on how to get rid of static on clothes. Our experts have put together 8 tips to help to fight and prevent static cling. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are the best way to help prevent the persistent problem of static.

Adding fabric softener to your wash cycle is one of the most effective ways to help eliminate static cling. Fabric softener helps to reduce static buildup. Fabric softeners also help make your clothes feel softer by providing an invisible coating and softening the fibers in your clothes with a lubricating formula. The Snuggle® brand has a wide range of fabric softeners including the Snuggle® SuperFresh® liquid fabric softeners. These fabric softeners are formulated with 5-in-1 Odor Eliminating Technology, helping to fight body, active, damp, outdoor, and pet odor at its source. Snuggle® SuperFresh® liquid fabric softeners come in scents like Morning Breeze™ and Spring Burst®.

Another way to help prevent static cling is to use dryer sheets in the dryer. After transferring your clothes from the washer to the dryer and before beginning the tumble dry process, place your preferred Snuggle^® dryer sheet atop your clothes. Once the dryer is started, the dryer sheet will begin to tumble with your clothes, releasing fabric softener. When your clothes are dry, the result is clothes that come out smelling great and virtually static-free.

Snuggle^® SuperFresh® cling-free dryer sheets available in pleasant scents Morning Breeze™, and Spring Burst® reduce static and wrinkles so you can spend more time with your family and less time tackling tough laundry.

Over-drying your clothes can increase static buildup. There are a number of ways you can avoid over-drying your clothing, including reducing the drying time on your dryer, removing your clothes as soon as they are dry, or selecting a lower heat setting on your dryer. You can also use the sensor dry option on “normal dry” instead of “very or extra dry”.

Static cling thrives in dry air environments. Increasing the humidity in your home can help to combat static cling. Among the other benefits of a humidifier, using one in your home will add moisture to the air and help combat static cling. Another trick for adding humidity is to use house plants. The natural properties of indoor-friendly plants can help balance the moisture in the home.

Separating your clothing by color may be standard practice before washing, but it’s a good idea to do it by fabric type, too as it may help prevent static cling. Separate your clothing by natural fabric or synthetic fabric types. Natural fibers include things like cotton, silk, wool, linen, hemp, leather, and bamboo. Synthetic fabrics include polyester, spandex, nylon, rayon, and microfiber. Be sure to inspect your garment label for specific care symbols and instructions.

If your clothing has lots of static cling when you pull it out of the dryer, try gently rubbing the inside of your garment with a fabric sheet or dryer sheet. Dryer sheets are designed to neutralize static electricity, and rubbing the inside of your clothing with a dryer sheet can help reduce cling. Simply rub it gently along the inside of your garment, paying extra attention to areas that are prone to static cling, like sleeves or pant legs.

Static cling occurs when there is a buildup of static electricity, which can be caused by dry skin rubbing against clothing. By moisturizing your skin with lotion, you can help prevent this friction and reduce the amount of static electricity that builds up on your clothes. When applying, use a generous amount, especially to the areas that will come into contact with your clothes, and allow the lotion to absorb into your skin before getting dressed.

Using too much lotion or using a lotion that is too greasy can leave a residue on your clothes, which can be difficult to remove. Additionally, some types of lotions may contain ingredients that can stain or damage certain fabrics, so it's best to test the lotion on a small area first to make sure it doesn't cause any problems.

When possible, use a drying rack or a clothesline to air dry your laundry. Line drying your clothes prevents the fabrics from rubbing against one another during the tumble cycle, a main culprit of static cling. An outdoor clothesline allows for proper air circulation, which can help remove static from clothes, any moisture, and odors from the clothing. During cold or wet seasons, an indoor drying rack is a great alternative.

Use proven methods for reducing static cling, such as using fabric softeners and dryer sheets, and avoid these methods. 
 

• Myth: Adding salt to the wash cycle can reduce static cling. This is false; salt does not have anti-static properties and is not effective in reducing static cling.
  
  
• Myth: Static cling is caused by synthetic fabrics only. While synthetic fabrics are more prone to static cling than natural fibers, static electricity can occur on any fabric, including cotton and wool.
  
  
• Myth: Putting your clothes in the freezer reduces static cling. Placing a garment in the freezer may deliver some moisture to the garment that could help with static, but the effects of placing your clothes in the freezer are likely to be minimal and short-lived.  You could achieve the same or better benefit just by lightly misting the clothes with water.   But again, the benefit would be short-lived.  Static cling occurs when electrons transfer and create a build-up of static electricity. Placing your clothes in the freezer may temporarily reduce this, but it won’t eliminate it. Additionally, the effects of the cold temperature will wear off quickly once the clothes are removed from the freezer and dry again.
  
  
• Myth: Placing a safety pin in your clothing pocket reduces static build-up. Metal is a conductive material and can help to dissipate static electricity, a single safety pin is unlikely to make a significant difference in reducing static cling on clothing. Instead, utilize tips like metal hangers.