Home Remedies for Static Cling
Static cling is usually caused by the electric charge that builds up and is then released between two objects when the air is particularly dry. This is why you’re most likely to need home remedies for static cling in the winter, when indoor air is so much dryer. The easiest way to prevent static cling is to keep the air from being too dry by using a humidifier in your home. Of course, you can’t control the humidity when you’re at work or out with friends, so we do have a few good home remedies for static cling that will work almost anywhere.
First, ditch wearing pantyhose unless absolutely necessary. They tend to work up a static charge more quickly than most other kinds of clothing. If you do wear them, rubbing your legs with a bit of lotion will help (you can do this even after you’ve put your stockings on). In fact, a generous dose of moisturizing lotion will usually stop static cling in most cases. Sticking with natural fibers also reduces the change of static cling, since synthetics build up a charge much more quickly than cottons, linens and woolens.
You can also try an old trick that your grandmother might remember. When getting dressed, run a wire coat hanger under your clothes briefly. The wire will help neutralize any static charge lingering in your outfit. If your clothes tend to get static cling at work or while you’re out, tuck a fabric softener sheet (such as Bounce) in your purse, briefcase or desk drawer. Running it lightly over your clothes is a great home remedy for static cling that also leaves a light, fresh scent on your clothes.
You can reduce the chances of static cling by using a fabric softener when you do laundry or, if commercial fabric softeners bother you, adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Also try removing your clothes from the dryer a few minutes before they are completely dry and hanging them up to air dry the rest of the way. The hotter your clothes get in the dryer, the more static electricity they will produce.
One of the simplest remedies for static cling is a combination of water and liquid fabric softener. Add a tablespoon of fabric softener to a full spray bottle of water and shake well. You can lightly spritz your furniture and carpets with this mixture to eliminate static cling in your house and eliminate those annoying static shocks you can get from sitting on overly dry furniture or walking across a statically charged carpet in your socks.
If static cling or static fly-away in your hair is a problem, but sure to use a conditioner on your hair every time your shampoo, and use a hot oil treatment or hair masque once a week, particularly in the winter. Moisturized hair doesn’t have the chance to build up much static. Also remember to avoid plastic brushes or combs, which can lead to static. Use a rubber comb or a natural bristle hairbrush to add shine and subdue fly-aways. If you are styling your hair and notice static, spray some hairspray directly on your hairbrush or comb and run through your hair. It will quickly neutralize any static electricity.
Most of our home remedies for static cling are easy to use and work well in almost any setting, but your best bet is still to use a humidifier for the air and keep your skin and hair properly moisturized.