Alternative to Dryer Sheets to Reduce Static

The Problem

• Static cling happens when two different types of material rub against each other. A household dryer is a perfect place for different materials to be in close contact. The contact causes electrons to move from one material to the other. The more friction there is, the more electrons end up moving around. When a material has extra electrons, it is "negatively charged." When it touches a material that is neutral or positively charged, the electrons jump off, creating a shock. For example, when someone touches negatively charged clothes straight from the dryer, the electrons jump onto that person, creating a shock.

The Simplest Solutions

• For those who have the time and inclination, line-drying or indoor air-drying is a simple solution to the problem of static cling. However, since most people do not have the time for this, a similarly simple solution is to reduce drying time. Static cling is an issue only when clothes are actually dry, as static electricity cannot build up as much when there is humidity. Thus, by removing clothes when they are still slightly damp or just barely dry, one can easily avoid static cling without using dryer sheets.

Another Alternative

• Another way to avoid static cling without dryer sheets is to separate synthetics from natural textiles. Not all materials are susceptible to static electricity to the same degree: Synthetic fibers are far more prone to this phenomenon. Drying cotton separate from nylon and polyester will result in far less static cling. If air-drying is at all an option, you can hang synthetics (which tend to dry faster) and reserve the dryer for cotton items. This prevents synthetics from encountering friction and acquiring negative charges.

More Solutions

• Vinegar and metal hangers? Indeed, there are more tricks to combating static cling. Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle can help reduce static. A caveat, though: do not do this in the presence of bleach -- it may create unsafe fumes. And finally, if a piece of clothing is already full of static, you can rub the inside of it with a metal hanger to collect the extra electrons. With so many chemical-free ways to fight static, there's no need to ever buy dryer sheets again.