18 Ways to Reduce Winter Static

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.