How to Stop Your Clothes From Getting Static in the Wash

Static electricity is a nuisance. Synthetic fabric garments often acquire static electricity when rubbed together in the wash or exposed to dry conditions in clothes dryers. The buildup of opposite electrical charges on fabric and skin causes clothes to cling to skin and other surfaces. Since clothes with static cling are uncomfortable to wear, stop its formation. Laundering synthetic clothes using certain techniques prevents static buildup in washing machines and stops clothes from developing static cling.

1 cup white vinegar
Laundry detergent
Washing machine
Clothes dryer
Wash cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Separate synthetic fiber garments and natural fiber garments before washing them. Washing and drying synthetic fiber garments and natural fiber garments together produces static electricity.
- 2
  Launder either the synthetic fiber garments or natural fiber garments in the washing machine with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. White vinegar alleviates static electricity in washing machines. You may also use laundry detergent as normal, referring to the detergent's directions for specific amounts per load size.
- 3
  Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the wash at the beginning of the rinse cycle and let the machine finish laundering the load.
- 4
  Dry the laundry in low heat in a clothes dryer. Add a water-moistened wash cloth to the laundry to provide moisture, which inhibits static buildup. Dry the laundry for just 10 minutes.
- 5
  Hang the laundry outdoors to air dry if the garments remain damp.

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