2024-08-09 06:00:25
Wetting your clothes and using yarn balls in the dryer will help avoid static electricity, which can create nasty sparks when you put on a sweater, especially during the dry season.
Last updated: August 9, 2024
Have you ever had that uncomfortable feeling when you put on a dress or any other piece of clothing and feel your skin glow? This phenomenon is called static electricity and occurs when electrical charges build up in the fibers of clothing.
Although this is a natural process, it is often annoying. Because it makes clothes stick to your body. However, You can avoid this by doing the following Wash and dry on short cycles, use fabric softener and increase the humidity in your home. Below, we’ll share in detail the best tips for removing static electricity from clothes.
How and why does static electricity develop on clothes?
According to the Spanish National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSHT), Clothes are one of the reasons why electricity builds up in our bodies. The reason is that synthetic materials (such as nylon, polyester, and wool) contain insulating fibers that tend to build up electrical charges due to friction.
Friction between fibers causes electrons to transfer from one material to another, creating a charge imbalance.
This charge can become trapped on the surface of clothing and be quickly released when moved or in contact with other objects. This can cause sparks, clothing to stick to your body, and even hair to become frizzy.
7 tips to avoid static electricity when washing and drying clothes
The two largest electrostatic sources (their technical names are Frictional electrification) is the washer and dryer. These machines create a constant collision between our clothes. What do they charge with?.
So let’s look at some tips you can keep in mind when washing and drying your clothes to avoid annoying sparks.
1. Use a short wash and dry cycle
When turning on the washing machine, use a short wash cycle and do not spin. That Reduces friction between clothes during washing and will minimize the build-up of static electricity in the fibers.
Like the washing cycle, the drying cycle should be as quick as possible to avoid extending the time the clothes are exposed to the machine’s drying air.
2. Use fabric softener
We recommend adding some fabric softener when putting your clothes in the washing machine. This product reduces friction between fabrics and makes clothes feel softer.
3. Don’t do laundry together
Certain materials, such as wool, nylon, polyester or silk, satin and crepe de chine, are more likely to become charged due to their insulating properties and molecular structure. on the other hand, Natural materials such as cotton are not prone to electricity accumulation.
If you wash clothes together, there is a greater chance of static electricity building up between the clothes.
4. Avoid wringing clothes
After washing, Gently squeeze the garment to remove excess water, but do not wring it out. Because sudden movement increases static electricity in the fibers.
5. Use wool balls to avoid static electricity
Wool balls are designed to be moved between clothes in the dryer. This helps break down built-up charges and prevents them from transferring to clothing.
Many people also use aluminum balls. Although this can be dangerous and damage delicate clothing.
6. Remove clothes from dryer immediately
When clothes are left in the dryer, the fibers of synthetic fibers can build up a charge from the drying air in the drum. This phenomenon is more common in dry climates with low relative humidity.
In this case, the fibers can be attracted to each other or against the machine walls. This makes static electricity more likely to occur.
7. Choose other drying methods
If you find that your dryer is still making your clothes too dry, you may want to opt for a hand dryer instead. One option is Hang a metal hanger over the clothes and cut off the power. then let it dry.
Other solutions for removing static electricity from clothes
In addition to how to wash and dry clothes, there are other tricks you can try to eliminate static electricity from your clothes, especially after wearing them. Here are some tips.
8. Moisturizes skin
Dry skin is prone to filler buildup. Therefore, moisturizing minimizes the transfer of electrical current from clothing to skin. Plus, it makes your skin healthier.
9. Wet clothes
As we have established, a dry environment is one of the main reasons why clothes become charged. One trick is Spray with a spray bottle with a small amount of water or a solution of water and fabric softener. You can also apply a little hairspray. But make sure the product won’t stain your clothes.
10. Avoid wearing rubber soles
Rubber soles, like those on shoes or sneakers, do not easily dissipate built-up electrical charges. This occurs especially when walking on dry synthetic surfaces. For example, indoor carpets.
11. Increase the humidity in your home
During dry times of the year, a humidifier can be used to increase the humidity of the indoor environment and prevent clothes from becoming too stuffy.
Follow these tips to remove static electricity from your clothes
Static electricity does not pose a health risk. Typically, it doesn’t go beyond the surprise of sparks and some annoying consequences, such as clothing sticking to our skin. On the other hand, it may pose a higher risk in workplaces where sensitive electronic components or flammable materials need to be handled.
Finally, to avoid charging your clothes, in addition to these washing and drying tips, We recommend using cotton clothing rather than clothing made of synthetic materials.
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