Static Guard Substitutes

Dry (or don't dry) your clothes

• The dryness of the dryer can cause electron transfer that creates static cling. Dryer sheets have a positive charge, so in the dryer they attract the roaming electrons that normally cause static cling. Dryer sheets are a handy way to protect your clothes from static cling, but if you leave your clothes slightly damp from the dryer and let them air dry on their own, you will also prevent static cling. Or dry your clothes the old-fashioned way using a clothesline and clothespins. Don't worry if you don't have a backyard, create an indoor clothesline using rope and eye hooks.

In the Wash

• Adding fabric softener to the wash also reduces static cling. Designed to make water softer, and therefore make fabric softer, fabric softener is cationic, and therefore attracts stray electrons. Fabric softener was the precursor to the dryer sheets. You may have to wait for the rinse cycle to add the fabric softener. Many washing machine manufactures have added a fabric softener reservoir to their machines. You can also soak a cloth in fabric softener and toss it in the dryer, using it as a dryer sheet. In a pinch, add vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabric and prevent static.

Humidifier

• Static is common in clothes but can also be found around the house, on upholstery, in rugs and on pets. You may get a static shock when you touch the doorknob. To reduce static electricity around the home, use a humidifier. When the air is not as dry, electrons are more likely to stay put. When using a humidifier, be sure to follow instructions on proper use and cleaning to prevent the spread of mold and other microorganisms.

Wrist straps

• The buildup of static electricity inside your computer can cause damage to the parts. The charge of static electricity is harmless when you're typing on your keyboard or playing games. But if you are working on the computer parts, a static charge to your hard drive could cause damage. When making changes to your computer's hardware, technicians should use an electrostatic wrist strap, which grounds them to the Earth, neutralizing electric static. You can find the wrist strap at electronic stores, including RadioShack or Amazon.