While I know how winter is a welcome reprieve for us, I just cannot stand the static cling it brings with it for certain parts of our country. Those living close to the coast with a nice, even humidity level, you guys are really lucky. It’s hair standing up, shocking our loved ones when they come in for a hug, and that awful static cling after laundry day for the rest of us.
Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks we can use to keep our clothes soft and snug, and our hair acting relatively normal. Here’s our guide on how to get rid of static in clothes.
What causes static in clothes?
It all comes down to electric charge.
When heat is involved, different fabrics rub against each other, or humidity levels are almost non-existent, an electrostatic charge builds up. In more fancy, scientific terms: negatively charged subatomic particles, or electrons, move from one material to another.
This movement results in an imbalance between negative and positive charges in the two fabrics. And as opposites attract, an electrostatic charge starts to build, forcing the two fabrics to cling together, as if they’ve been glued.
How to get rid of static in clothes
Static cling may be funny for all of 5 minutes, but once you’re over it and your clothes are still clinging to you and shocking you with almost every move, that electrostatic charge has lost its charm. Here are 4 easy tips for getting rid of static in your clothes:
1. Start using bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda can and should become part of your washing routine. While it is a valued product in natural cleaners, it also does wonders for your laundry routine. Adding 1/4 to 1/4 cup (depending on the size of your load) to the detergent slot can help soften clothes, reduce static and even boost detergent performance. Not to mention that it also helps get rid of unwanted odours from both your laundry and washing machine.
2. Line dry, but not for too long
We are very blessed to live in a sunny country – even during winter. Instead of tumble drying your clothes, which is the fastest way to make your clothes as static as humanly possible, hang them in direct sunlight to dry. Here’s the catch: don’t leave them to hang for too long. Too much heat from the sun will end up causing some or the same amount of electrostatic charge to build up as it would in your tumble dryer. Take down clothes that are almost fully dry. That last little bit of dampness will prevent any static cling.
3. Add vinegar to your washing cycle
Adding vinegar to your washing cycle not only helps remove odours, keeping your laundry smelling fresh, cleans the washing drum, but it also helps neutralise any static charge that may have built up. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar into the detergent slot, add your usual detergent, and ensure you’re also adding fabric softener to the slot next door. Vinegar will neutralise static charge, while fabric softener will reduce friction.
4. Add moisture to your clothes
If you’re still struggling with static cling in your clothes, even after all of the above, then the air is the problem. Areas with little to no humidity (like the Highveld during winter) are at higher risk of electrostatic charge. You can use all the bicarb, vinegar and fabric softener you like, and the gown you snuggle into at the end of a long day will still cling and shock you regardless.
A simple trick for adding moisture back into your clothes is with a spray bottle. Fill it with cool water and mist the interior and exterior of the staticky garment. The moisture helps neutralise the static charge.
Or, if you have one handy, switch on a humidifier in a room. Hang up any garments that are positively charged and leave them for an hour or so, soaking up some moisture.
Another trick that might sound odd but works a treat is to pop a small amount of hand lotion into your palm. Cover both palms and lightly rub this over a staticky garment. You can repeat this inside it, too. The lotion helps add moisture to the fabric that neutralises the charge, leaving the garment static-free.
Bonus tip: For tumble dryers
If you’re in a hurry, it’s raining, or you usually tumble dry your clothes, use the following tricks for preventing static charge in clothes:
- Add a cloth dampened with vinegar to the load before drying. The extra moisture and vinegar will help neutralise any positively charged electrons
- Add one or two clean (as in brand new) tennis balls to the load before drying. Not only will they collect hair and fluff, but they will also prevent static charge.
- Pop two dryer balls into the tumble dryer. Their density and mobility help prevent static charge from building up.
- Reduce drying time. Remove clothes before they are bone dry, just a little damp still, and hang up (out of direct sunlight, of course) to finish the process.
