Imagine: you’ve been very excited about wearing that special, gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece for weeks. Finally, it’s time to put it on and be the best version of you, but within minutes deep feelings of regret overwhelm you. Your longed-for item clings to your arms, legs, and torso! That is not what you had in mind when you thought of making a huge impression! Besides un-charming, static clothes are annoying and just don’t look good. Before you bin your disappointing garment, there are ways to get rid of static in clothes! And, even better news: these home and kitchen remedies are bound to stop static in clothes.

What causes static in clothes?

A little chemistry 101: When two different substances rub together, static electricity is caused. The protons and electrons are separated, so the static charge disappears. And the result? Static clothes!

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11 ways to stop static clothes

All roads lead to Rome, and this goes for static in clothes as well: there are many ways to get rid of the static. We’ve collected the best tips on how to get rid of the annoying static cling problems once and for all. Here are 11 ways to stop static clothes.

#1 Put your static clothes in the freezer

Who knew that freezers are not only great for storing ice cream! Okay, it may sound a bit odd, but putting your static clothes in the freezer for half an hour definitely helps to get rid of the static. After taking your garments out, let them hang to dry, et voila: your clothes are no longer static. The ‘freezer method’ also works if you want to get rid of nasty smells in your clothes.

#2 Put a safety pin in your clothes

It may sound a bit out there, but putting a metal safety pin in your clothes prevents static electricity. If you can’t find a safety pin, just put any other iron item in your clothes. A thimble, staple, or paperclip will do the trick just as well!

#3 Hang your clothes on a metal hanger

Metal hangers make your clothes less static. Are you short on time, but in desperate need of getting rid of static in clothes? Hang your clothes on a metal hanger while you take a nice, hot shower. The combination of steam and metal discharges your garments even quicker. Another benefit: the steam also makes your clothes smell fresh again. Talking about benefits!

#4 Spray hairspray on your static clothes

Hairspray is not only perfect for keeping your strands in place, but it also makes your clothes less static. Spray a thin layer on the inside of the garments, but be careful! Spraying too much hairspray will only make your items crispy and stiff. That’s probably not what you’re aiming for, right?!

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#5 Use body lotion

Using body lotion benefits your skin and your clothes. It moisturises your skin, plus it stops your clothes from static and sticking to your body. How does it work? Easy! A moisturised skin can no longer become statically charged, which means your clothes won’t either. Another benefit: you’ll smell great all day!

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#6 Wash your clothes with fabric softener

To prevent your clothes from static cling, washing your garments with a fabric softener works like a charm. Put your clothes that are prone to static in the drum, and add fabric softener to your detergent. All you have to do now is wait until your washing machine is finished. You’ll notice that once the items are dry, they won’t be static.

#7 Wear clothes made from natural materials

This one may seem too obvious, but synthetic fibres are more prone to static charges than natural materials. Natural fibres retain moisture easily and counteract static shocks. Clothes made from wool, cotton, and linen are not only comfortable, but they also don’t become static. Just what you need!

#8 Avoid the dryer

Popping your clothes in the dryer is easy, but it’s not a good idea if you want to avoid static charges. It’s better to let your clothes air dry after washing. Do you really need your clothes today, and is the dryer too hard to resist? To avoid static charges, add a damp cloth or flannel during the last 10 minutes of drying. This ensures that the air in the dryer doesn’t become too dry, and static charge can’t build up.

#9 Wear shoes with leather soles

Any reason is a good reason to shop for shoes! Shoes with rubber soles may be comfortable to walk on for miles, but they are prone to building up static charges. Shoes with leather soles prevent the build-up of electric charges, plus they last longer in general.

#10 Spray water on the spots where your clothes stick to your body

This one is a super quick fix! Fill a bottle with water and spray a bit on the outside of the spots that stick the most. Don’t get too enthusiastic with spraying! Soaking wet garments don’t dry easily. Wearing wet clothes is uncomfortable and makes you feel chilly. Plus you don’t want to make a splashing entrance with wet spots on your garments!

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#11 Wash your clothes with a splash of vinegar

Add a splash of vinegar to your clothes when you toss them in the washer. A little vinegar goes a long way, and the benefits are amazing. Vinegar prevents the colours of your garments from fading, plus it also eliminates static electricity. Did you just run out of vinegar? Aluminium foil works just as well.