How To Eliminate Dryer Static On Clothes

Do you ever take your clothes out of the dryer and find them covered in static? It can be annoying, not to mention frustrating when you try to fix it and nothing seems to work. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to get rid of dryer static so you can enjoy your freshly laundered clothes without any fuss. 

What causes static?

You know that feeling when you take your clothes out of the dryer and they’re covered in static cling? It’s annoying, right? Well, static cling is actually caused by a build-up of static electricity. When your clothes are tumbling around in the dryer, they rub against each other and create friction. This friction produces an electrical charge that causes the cling. This is especially common in cooler, drier air (like during winter).

Here are some tips you can use to help eliminate static:

1. Separate synthetics

One way to prevent static is to separate your synthetic fabrics from your natural ones. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are more prone to static buildup, so washing them separately can help to reduce the problem. 

2. Use a fabric softener

Fabric softener helps to reduce static cling by coating your clothing fibers with a light film. This film helps to prevent those negative charges from building up in the first place. Just add a cup of fabric softener to your wash cycle, and you should notice a difference in the amount of static cling when you take your clothes out of the dryer.

3. Reduce the drying time

One of the main causes of static cling is over-drying your clothes. When the fabric is over-dried, it becomes much more susceptible to static. To avoid this, try reducing your drying time by a few minutes or using the air-dry setting on your dryer if possible. Alternatively, ten minutes before the end of the cycle, lightly spray a piece of clothing with water and add it to the dryer cycle. The extra moisture will help prevent static buildup.

4. Line or air dry your clothes

If reducing the drying time doesn’t do the trick, try line or air drying your clothes instead of using the dryer. This will prevent them from becoming over-dried and help to reduce static cling. Just be prepared to spend a little more time getting your laundry done if you go for this option.

5. Use a dryer sheet

Dryer sheets are specifically designed to help reduce static cling in clothes by neutralizing the electric charges that build up during the drying process. Just toss a sheet in with your clothes, and they should come out nice and static-free when they’re done drying.

6. Use a dryer ball

If you don’t like using chemicals on your clothing or want an eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets, try using a wool dryer ball instead. Wool is naturally anti-static, so adding one (or two) of these balls to your load of laundry will help to eliminate any static that might build up during the drying cycle.

7. Use soap nuts

Soap nuts are a natural alternative to laundry detergent that can also help with static cling. Just add a few soap nuts to your laundry load and they’ll help to keep your clothes static free. 

8. Use an aluminum ball

Here’s an easy, eco-friendly solution to static – using a ball of aluminum foil in your dryer.

Here’s how it works: the foil balls act as a conductor, drawing the static electricity away from your clothes and into the ball. To make one, simply crumple three or four sheets of foil into a tight ball. You can use more or less depending on the size of your dryer, but two to three balls should be enough to eliminate static completely. Just pop them in with your wet laundry and run the cycle as usual. When you take your clothes out, they’ll be static-free!

Ways to eliminate static after the dryer cycle

Sometimes you don’t notice the static until it’s too late, and you’re already wearing the clothes! Use these tips to stop static fast.

1. Use hair spray 

One quick and easy way to get rid of static is to use hairspray. A quick spray will eliminate static cling. Try it on the hem of a clingy dress, it works in an instant.

2. Use a safety pin

This might sound like an old wives’ tale, but there’s actually some truth to it! Putting a safety pin on your clothing before drying will help to discharge any static electricity that builds up as your clothes rub together. So if all else fails, give this tip a try—it just might work! It also helps keep socks together!

3. Use a static reducing spray

One of the most effective is to use a static reducing spray. These sprays work by filling the air with tiny particles that help to dissipate the static charge. As a result, clothes stop clinging and hair falls back into place. Static reducing sprays are available at most drugstores and supermarkets, and they can make a world of difference when it comes to combating static cling.

4. Rub the clinging areas with a damp cloth or paper towel

Increasing humidity on the clothing will offer temporary relief from static forces.

5. Moisturize before wearing your clothes

Applying lotion to your skin is a great solution to reduce static cling. The lotion will help to create a barrier of moisture between your clothes and your body, which will prevent the clinging.

6. Boost the humidity

If all else fails, you can try increasing the humidity in your home. This will help to moisten the air and reduce the amount of static electricity that builds up on your clothes. You can do this by running a humidifier or simply opening up a window during damp weather conditions. 

The lowdown

Static cling is no fun—but dealing with it is easier than you think! By following any (or all) of these tips, you can eliminate dryer static on clothes and keep them looking their best.