Clothes dryers simplify life in countless ways. However, they may also bring about static electricity, which is extremely annoying. This static electricity occurs when clothes rub against each other during the drying process. The friction leads to excess positive ions. These ions act as magnets, leading to the clothes sticking together. This phenomenon is more common during the winter months when the air is cold and dry. How can you go about taming dryer static?
Dryer Sheets
One way to achieve a static-free wardrobe is to use dryer sheets in every load. The sheets contain positively charged ions. These ions neutralize any loose electrons floating around by coating the clothing. When the electrons are neutralized, static cling becomes a thing of the past. However, many people find they don’t like the scent of dryer sheets, or they may be allergic to the coating. They need to consider other options for taming dryer static.
Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners work much like dryer sheets. They coat the clothing with a slick layer to prevent friction and keep loose electrons from attaching to the clothing. While doing so, they make the clothes soft, much as the name suggests. Add the fabric softener during the rinse cycle for soft clothes with fewer wrinkles. As with dryer sheets, you may not like the scent of the fabric softener or you could be allergic to the ingredients.
Vinegar is a natural alternative, one many people use with great success. White vinegar is best because it is cheap and readily available. Don’t worry. The fabric will not smell of vinegar when it comes out of the dryer.
Wool Balls
Wool balls continue to increase in popularity, particularly with the rising cost of dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Many people today feel this is the only way to have a static-free wardrobe, as they worry about their impact on the environment. The chemicals present in fabric softeners and dryer sheets bother them. The balls absorb moisture, making it more difficult for clothes to develop static electricity. Aluminum balls are another option you should consider.
Separate Materials Before Putting Clothes in the Dryer
When you combine different materials in the dryer, you increase the risk of static electricity developing. To easily avoid this problem, separate natural fibers from synthetics before putting the clothes in the washer and dryer. When different fibers come into contact with each other, there is more friction. This friction leads to the buildup of the electrical charge responsible for static cling. If separating the clothing isn’t possible, use mesh laundry bags to keep the different materials apart as much as possible.
Raise the Humidity Level in the Home
Dry air increases the odds of static electricity developing when you dry your clothes. To combat this dry air, install a humidifier in the home. The added moisture in the air reduces the risk of electrostatic charges on the clothing. If you worry about the air becoming too damp, invest in a small humidifier that you can use in the room where the clothes washer and dryer are located.
Buy More Plants
Plants help clean the air in the home while making any room more visually appealing. Did you know they also serve as natural humidifiers? During transpiration, plants emit water vapor. This vapor slightly increases the humidity level in a room, which may be enough to keep static electricity from building.
A static-free wardrobe is possible once you learn the secrets of taming dryer static. Choose one of these methods and try it today. If you find it isn’t working, move on to the next. With several options available, you are sure to find the one that works best for your situation.
For tips on dealing with household appliances and maintaining them during the summer season, check out our blog here.