7 Tips to Prevent Static Cling

Static on clothes is commonly called Static Cling in the laundry industry. It is caused by electrical charges on the fabric.

Did you know your clothes could hold electrical charges? It’s science! Laundry science…

Electrons carry either a charge – either positive or negative. When two electrons with the same charge meet, a shock occurs. If they are weak, the shock might just be the subtle – like clothes sticking together. But, if the charges are stronger, it can result in a physical shock.

Your laundry has Static Cling for a few possible reasons:

• Friction: Static electricity is created when your clothes tumble against each other in the dryer. This is most common with synthetics like polyester and nylon. Our guess is that 95% of your static issues are coming from the clothes tumbling in the dryer too long or at too high of a temperature. This can also happen if there are too many clothes in the dryer – meaning the garments are creating more friction.
• Dry Air: Static electricity is more common in dry conditions. This is why static is often a bigger problem in winter when indoor air tends to be drier. It also means that adding a humidifier to your closet or your laundry room is a great way to prevent Static Cling.
• Material Composition: Certain fabrics are more susceptible to static buildup. Synthetics, like workout clothes, tend to hold the strongest electrical charges. On the other hand, natural fibers like cotton and wool are less likely to produce static. Static Cling is most common in workout clothes or golf polos. This brings us back to #1 above – lighter fabrics like this require less dry time and thus less friction.
• Absence of Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets help reduce static by coating the fibers with a thin layer of film that prevents Static Charge. But, you know that we don’t recommend fabric softeners on delicate clothing. While using fabric softener is not our favorite laundry tip, it would be silly for us not to mention this. If you are a fan of fabric softener, it is quite effective in removing and preventing Static Cling.

• Use a Static-Reducing Spray: Static-reducing sprays can help reduce Static Cling. These sprays contain hygroscopic substances that increase fabric humidity. The spray can be applied either 1) while wearing the clothing or 2) after the drying process.
• Use Fabric Softeners or Natural Alternatives: Fabric softeners and dryer sheets help reduce static by coating the fibers with a thin layer of film that prevents Static Charge. But, you know that we don’t recommend fabric softeners on delicate clothing. While using fabric softener is not our favorite laundry tip, it would be silly for us not to mention this. If you are a fan of fabric softener, it is quite effective in removing and preventing Static Cling.
• Air Dry Clothes When Possible: Removing the friction from the drying process is a great way to prevent Static Cling. We recommend two ways of delicate drying: 1) Hang & Air Tumble or 2) Extended Air Tumble.
• Add Moisture with a Damp Cloth: Try rubbing the Static Cling with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. You can either rub the garment or your skin. While both effective, rubbing the garment will address the problem at it’s source. This simple method temporarily increases fabric humidity, reducing electrostatic charges.
• Use a Wire Hanger: Wire hangers are generally not super practical…until now. Wire hangers can absorb some of the electrostatic charges that cause clothes to cling. Run the hanger along the inside of your garments before and after wearing them. If you don’t have a wire hanger, aluminum foil can be a cheap, readily available substitute.
  • Along the same lines, try attaching a safety pin to the inside of your hem or pants seam can help discharge static electricity for good!
• Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls: Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls help. However, they are only helpful if you are not overstuffing your dryer. Both dryer sheets and dryer balls need room to tumble. Learn more about the difference between dryer balls and dryer sheets here.
• Separate Fabrics Before Drying: Mixing and matching different fabrics in the dryer increase the odds of Static Cling. Separate natural fabrics from synthetic ones before drying. This reduces friction but it also allows you to program your dryer times better to prevent over drying. Lighter loads will dry on lower temperature for less time while heavier loads will dry on higher temperature for more time.
• Moisturize Your Skin: Moisturizing your skin is an effective way to fight static without altering your daily routine. If your clothes are dry and suffering from Static Cling, your skin is likely dry too. Lotion increases surface humidity on your skin, preventing clothes from clinging to you.