Everyone gets it that
nasty static cling. Getting on your clothes, your hair, when you step out of the car, I am sure you know how
annoying it can be. When two dry materials rub together they create an exchange
of electrons that build up to the point of static electricity.
Static electricity is
an excess of electric charge trapped on the surface of an object. The charge
remains until it is allowed to escape to an object with a weaker or opposite
electrical charge. Wool, fur, silk, and hair possess high positive charges.
Polyester and plastic wrap have a high negative charge. Cotton on the other
hand is less likely to cause static cling.
Removing and
preventing a buildup of static charge can be as simple as opening a window or
using a humidifier to increase the moisture content of the air, making the
atmosphere more conductive. Air ionizers can perform the same task. Metal
discharges the buildup of static electricity, and prevents static cling.
Air is much drier in
the winter months that dry air is what creates the static by increasing the
frequency and severity of shocks. Don’t worry there are several ways of reducing
and eliminating static. Below I have put together a list to help you do this.
1.)
Increase the humidity in your house and workplace
by using a humidifier or humidifiers depending on the size of the space. For a budget-friendly humidifier, simply
simmer water on the stove. Throw in a spice like cinnamon or citrus rinds and
you'll also get an inexpensive air freshener.
2.)
Glide the long side of a wire or metal hanger
over your clothes to remove static electricity.
3.)
Add ¼ cup vinegar in the rinse cycle to reduce
static on clothes.
4.)
Wearing natural fiber fabric is your best bet of conquering static cling in
your clothes synthetics pick up more of a static charge.
5.)
Change your shoes. Rubber or plastic soles
produce the negative charge.
6.)
Moisturize. Use lotion several times a day. When
wearing a dress or slacks rub it on your legs or pantyhose (the way you would
on bare legs).
7.)
Bring in nature: Incorporate indoor plants and
bowls of water around the house to add moisture to your home.
8.)
Fabric softener sheets work wonders and are
easy. Rub them on your car seats every week. I carry one in my wool coat
pocket. When getting out at the pump to fill up my vehicle I stick one hand in
and rub it then I rub my hands together with gloves on and pump my gas. No
shocks!
9.)
For your lovely locks use a minute dab of coconut
oil on your hair before blow drying. Need a quick fix, rub a fabric softener
sheet on your hair.
10.) For
a budget-friendly humidifier, simply simmer water on the stove. Throw in a
spice like cinnamon or citrus rinds and you'll also get an inexpensive air
freshener.
11.) Switch
from nylon or synthetic brush to one with natural bristles will also
de-electrify runaway strands.
12.) Add
¼ cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle to reduce static on clothes.
13.) Make
your own Frebreeze. Mix 1 part fabric
softener with 3 parts water. Mix well and spray that static away.
14.) While
traveling, always keep a small container of hair spray on hand to use in
emergency static cling situations. If you experience static cling on your
clothing while traveling, spritz a small amount of hair spray onto the
offending garment from a distance (so that you do not leave a stain). Once the
hair spray infiltrates the fibers of your garment, the static cling should
cease.
15.) Out
of softener sheets? Roll aluminum foil into 3 inch balls. I use three aluminum balls
for one load.
16.) Got
a new shower curtain? Hang the curtain and run the shower. The moisture from
the water releases any remaining static cling.
17.) Safety
Pins. I had never heard of this before, but I gave it a shot, and it worked really worked well. Pin one or two in an inconspicuous area of
your clothing. Throw in the dryer. It’s that easy.
18.) As
soon as you take your clothes out of the drier, shake them out.
