With all the advancements in dryer technology, the presence of static cling has remained, well, static. Wondering how to reduce static in dryer naturally? Simply reducing the drying time lessens clothing’s exposure to the heat that promotes static electricity. Learn how to get rid of dryer static with methods that are easy and friendly to both your wallet and the environment.
DIY Laundry Tips & Tricks: How to Reduce Static in Dryer
What causes static in clothes? At the risk of sounding like a high school science class, clothes share electrons as they bump against each other in the dryer. Some electrons become positively charged, while others have a negative charge. When the dryer’s tumbling stops, items with differently-charged electrons stick together, forming that annoying static cling. Here’s how to reduce static in dryer with 5 simple and effective DIY tips.
Shorten the Drying Time
As the drying cycle progresses and clothes lose their moisture, the risk of static increases as the air becomes dryer. One way to avoid this static buildup is to reduce the drying time. By pulling clothes out of the dryer as soon as they’re dry, the risk of static cling decreases while shorter drying cycles save energy.
Speaking of drying cycles, if yours seem to be getting longer, you may need to check your dryer vents. Clogged dryer vents can elongate drying times due to a lack of airflow and should be cleaned annually to prevent blockages.
Add Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls reduce static by absorbing some of the moisture in the dryer drum, creating a more humid environment that decreases static. These inexpensive balls last for years and also help fluff clothing, promoting faster drying.
Wash Clothes With Vinegar
Knowing how to reduce static in dryer also includes different washing techniques. Adding vinegar to a wash’s rinse cycle relaxes clothing fibers, acting as a natural fabric softener. As an added bonus, these relaxed fibers are also less likely to cling together and exchange the electrons that form static. While clothing may smell like vinegar coming out of the washer, the dryer’s heat should remove any strong odors.
Wondering how to reduce static cling without dryer sheets? Vinegar can work just as well in the dryer as a dryer sheet substitute. Just spray a small article of clothing with white vinegar and add it to your dryer load. Static will be reduced, while the expense and chemical additives of commercial dryer sheets are avoided.
Make Your Own Aluminum Dryer Balls
Aluminum foil balls reduce static twofold by discharging the buildup of static electricity between clothes. They also keep clothes separated, reducing their exchange of static-causing electrons and shortening drying times.
To make aluminum foil dryer balls, tear off a 3-4 foot sheet of foil and compress it into a tight ball. Using 2 or 3 balls should reduce static in a standard dryer load for up to 3 months.
Dry Synthetic Fabrics Separately
Since synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon and nylon hold on to positive or negative charges longer, they’re more likely to develop static. Drying these items separately prevents them from charging other clothing. Remove these fabrics as soon as they’re done drying and give them a good shake to reduce their static cling.
From how to reduce static in dryer to expert dryer repair services, the professionals at Dave Smith Appliance Service have all the answers. Call us with any laundry appliance question or concern!
