Homemade Static Control in the Laundry

Homemade Dryer Sheets

• Store-bought dryer sheets are used to control static in the laundry, and you can make your own to do just the same. Fill an empty spray bottle with equal parts warm water and hair conditioner. Shake it to mix. Spray the mixture onto cut-up squares of rags or old t-shirts. Toss a rag in the dryer with your laundry to control the static.

White Vinegar

• White vinegar has a variety of uses around the home, one of which is controlling static in laundry. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the washer to banish static. Alternatively, soak rags or cut-up squares of an old t-shirt with white vinegar, and toss one in the dryer. To make your clothes smell good, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to the rag or directly into the rinse cycle of the washer.

Borax Powder

• Borax is a naturally-occurring substance in the earth, and it works well to keep your clothes soft and reduce static. Look for borax in the laundry aisle of your local supermarket. Toss 1/4 cup of borax powder into the washer along with your laundry to control static.

Other Tips

• If it's too late to prevent static, there are some quick ways to get rid of it on your clothes. Toss your clingy clothes in the dryer on low heat with a damp washcloth for 10 minutes. This keeps the air in the dryer moist, which helps get rid of static. Take your clothes out of the dryer while they are slightly damp, and let them air-dry the rest of the way. This will help keep static from forming on your laundry. You can also run a metal hanger down the inside of the leg of your pants to break the electrical charge that causes static.