Stop Static Electricity - Video

Winter time can make you feel like a giant ball of static electricity. Clothes made with nylon become charged, causing skirts and blouses to twist and ride up. Whenever you take off your coat you can feel the static electricity prick and hear the static crackle.

One of the easiest ways to prevent static to is to not completely dry your clothes. Dry them partially and then let them line dry. If you don't have a clothesline you can invest in a drying rack or use hangers to hang up your clothes. You can also take control of static by drying synthetic and cotton fabrics separately. With synthetic fabrics you might want to consider not using the dryer at all; if you let your synthetic clothes air dry you'll greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, static electricity.

Another technique to consider is using vinegar in your wash cycles. I know—kind of gross. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and can also help ward off static. However this alternative is a bit smelly and if you use it with bleach, you run the risk of inhaling toxic fumes so, use your noggin when using vinegar, OK?

By following these simple tips—not drying your clothes all the way, separating your cotton and synthetic fabrics, and even using smelly vinegar—you can make winter much less crackly. Be more aware of how you dry your clothes and you'll be able to eliminate static forever!

For a longer tip related to this subject, see Stop Static Electricity on Clothes