Static is the worst, especially when you’re trying to get cozy under a blanket. It poses no genuine threat, yet is unsettling nonetheless.
You’ve struck it lucky! We’ve compiled this tutorial to assist you understand why your blankets are so staticky, and how to get rid of static on blankets, because we have a deep and abiding affection for and familiarity with these textiles.
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What Causes Static?
Lightning is, strangely enough, created by the same mechanism that causes a spark when you touch a blanket, only on a far larger scale.
A difference in the positive and negative charges between two things is what causes static electricity. One of the objects may get positively charged while the other becomes negatively charged as a result of rubbing between the two. However, as nature favors equilibrium, charged things rarely maintain their positive or negative status for very long. The next positively charged item that an electron comes into touch with will be the recipient of its discharge.
Just picture yourself across a plush carpet to grab a metal door handle. Your body’s electrons are sucked up by the carpet’s insulating properties, turning you into a walking battery. Electrons (which are negatively charged and attracted to your positive charge) move from the metal to your body when you contact the doorknob, giving you an electric shock.
Blankets are susceptible to the same issues. The friction that occurs when a blanket is tumble dried, for example, causes it to generate an electrical charge that is then dissipated upon contact.
Which Materials Are Prone to Static
To put it simply, not all materials are built the same. The likelihood of static in some is substantially higher than in others.
Items that are more likely to generate static electricity include the following:
- Wool: Among natural fabrics, it is the most electrically conductive.
- The static conditions for silk are the same as those for wool.
- Ultra-dry synthetic fabrics like polyester tend to collect static electricity.
Materials like cotton and leather are less prone to attract a static charge.
Methods for Removing Static from Blankets
Because static electricity exists naturally, it is not impossible to prevent it. How to eliminate static cling from blankets is covered below.
Method 1: Introduce Humidity
Adjusting the humidity in a room is one way to lessen the buildup of static cling on blankets. If the air has to be made less dry, try using a humidifier or a diffuser. Water can be boiled on the stovetop if necessary.
This is why it’s effective: It’s a well-known fact that water conducts electricity. An increase in atmospheric humidity allows charged things to discharge their static electricity and revert to a neutral electrical state.
Static can be reduced by dampening a shirt if you are wearing one that generates a lot of it. Since no one likes to snuggle up in a damp blanket, this method is impractical.
Method 2: Allow Your Blankets to Hang-Dry
When drying blankets, rather than using the dryer, try hanging them outside. Besides eliminating static, this process also imparts a pleasant fragrance to your clean bedding. You might expect some savings on your monthly electricity payment as a bonus.
This is why it’s effective: Drying blankets on a clothesline doesn’t get rid of the static, but it does keep it from building up. Consider it more of a preventative measure. Static electricity is generated when two objects rub against one another; hence, the dryer can act as a static-charging machine for certain fabrics.
It is safer to use a blanket after it has been washed and dried on a clothesline since there will be less friction between the blanket and the clothesline.
Method 3: Wash Your Blankets with Vinegar
Static-fighting agents are commonly found in fabric softeners. Fabric softener, however, is not recommended for use with some blankets, including the minky blankets sold by Sew Sweet. Thankfully, vinegar can be used as a natural remedy.
Don’t be put off by vinegar just because of the way it smells. Some loads of washing may require as little as two tablespoons. Furthermore, vinegar can degrade odor-causing compounds, leaving your garments smelling fresh.
Reasoning: Vinegar’s low acidity helps soften cloth fibers. Reduced friction and static electricity generation are two benefits of this.
Method 4: Discharge Blankets with a Metal Hanger
Discharging the energy from static-prone blankets is recommended before to use. Just drag a metal hanger or something conductive across the blanket. Try not to catch on anything.
The science behind this is that blankets made of conductive materials can get rid of static electricity and keep you from getting shocked.
Method 5: Apply Lotion to Your Body
Get out the lotion if you’re still getting shocked by static electricity. The exposed areas of your skin should receive a thin coating. It may also help to add a small amount of lotion to the ends of your hair if it is particularly staticky (but not too much, or your hair will get greasy).
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Moreover, this suggestion will help keep your skin soft and supple by preventing it from drying out.
Having water as an active ingredient is what makes lotion effective. When you moisten your skin, the static charge that has been clinging to it is dissipated. There will be no electrical imbalance, thus touching the blanket won’t shock you.
Get Minky
Sew Sweet Minky Designs is where to find the coziest Minky blankets. You may snuggle up with one on the couch or use it to stay warm outside on a chilly day. Soft and luxurious, a Minky blanket is the epitome of coziness.
A static cling sensation is normal for a minky blanket and shouldn’t be avoided. Cleaning with vinegar and line drying are two of the methods we propose for reducing static cling in blankets. Keep your minky blankets smooth and static-free by following these simple maintenance guidelines.
In case you have any further inquiries about our blankets, we’d be happy to address them. To get in touch with us, please don’t be bashful.
You may stop worrying about static cling on your blankets by visiting Sew Sweet Minky Designs.
Static Electricity in the Body
Most of us, when we think of electricity, see the power flowing from the plugs in our walls into the devices we use every day. However, there is some electricity that constantly flows through our bodies, albeit at a very low voltage.
When two items are rubbed together, one of them transfers electrons to the other, creating static electricity. Hair and skin can produce and accumulate static electrical charges in the same way that glass and wool can.
Static electricity is felt when a person who has rubbed their feet on carpet then touches another conductor. Your feet pick up electrons from the carpet and spread them throughout your body.
Some types of bedding can serve as a natural warning system for the buildup of static electricity. It’s possible to get an unpleasant shock from the combination of static electricity in the air and the electrical current that can pass through the body.
1 – Hang Your Laundry Outside
Hanging your bedding outside can help prevent static shock (you can do this with the rest if you want, but it will take longer). Putting your bed linens on display in the open air serves more than one purpose.
The first benefit is that your laundry should have less static cling. The second is that it will give your laundry that clean scent that commercial detergents and fabric softeners aim to achieve.
To top it all off, the sun’s UV rays will destroy any remaining germs and bacteria. While air drying may take longer than using a dryer, the ultimate outcome will be well worth the wait.
2 – Introduce Moisture to the Room
It’s possible that you’ve washed and dried the blanket already, but you still don’t want to get a jolt when you get into bed. Before retiring for the night, activate a water feature that is conveniently positioned near your bedroom to help alleviate this problem.
A humidifier is a convenient way to bring that moisture into the space on demand. A little water fountain that can be installed on a wall or placed on a dresser top will do the work.
Static electricity in the blanket and the air can be reduced or eliminated with enough moisture in the air. The absence of moisture in the air can cause dry, cracked skin, making a humidifier a useful appliance in very dry conditions.
3 – A Rinse of White Vinegar
Even if you never use it to remove static from your bedding, white vinegar should become a regular part of your household routine. It’s a fantastic all-around cleanser that has so many uses it’s dizzying.
If you want to use it to clean your bedding, simply add it to the final rinse. Traditional fabric softeners and fabric sheets can help minimize static cling and electricity, but half a cup or more of white vinegar can also make a major difference.
Your bedding will be softer and more inviting for your guests, and the static cling will be reduced.
When compared to other types of fabric softeners, such sheets and liquid, white vinegar does not leave behind a waxy residue on fabrics. You’ll find yourself using white vinegar for a wide variety of tasks around the house.
4 – Change up Your Drying Cycle
If you dry your sheets and comforter in the dryer, you can save yourself a lot of time. Try throwing in a moist hand towel with your clothes if you really need to use the dryer but don’t want to deal with the static electricity.
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To reduce static electricity, you should do this in the final 20 minutes or so.
A neatly crushed ball of aluminum foil is another neat home cure you might try. Static electricity can be reduced by adding this during the final 20 minutes of the drying cycle.
5 – Lotion Up
As we have seen, moisture plays a crucial role in eliminating static cling from fabrics, mattresses, and even the air itself. So, if you don’t want to dampen the drying process, you can dampen yourself.
If you want to feel more comfortable in bed, try moisturizing your legs, arms, hands, and face with lotion. Those with longer hair that is prone to static electricity can run their hands through their hair before bed by first lightly moistening their palms. A comb or brush dipped in water from the sink can be used to detangle hair.
Regardless, if static shock is preventing you from getting into bed easily, you could try increasing your body’s moisture content.
6 – Discharge Your Bed
Before getting into bed, it’s a good idea to discharge it, even if you haven’t recently experienced a shock. Before getting into bed for the night, try running a dryer sheet or wire hanger over your covers.
Fabric softener sheets are designed to reduce static and cling when used in the dryer, so it makes sense to use one to treat your bedding. Meanwhile, the static electricity can be released from the wire hanger before you climb into bed.
In a pinch, you can use a wrung-out washcloth to eliminate the possibility of static electricity building up on your bedding.
7 – Choose the Proper Materials
If you want to avoid getting a static shock, the simplest method to do it is to use a blanket made out of the correct materials. Some materials are better at dissipating static electricity than others.
Try to stay away from synthetic blankets as much as possible. This includes nylon, acetate, polyester, and rayon. Whenever you just want to cuddle up without worrying about getting a static shock, neutral materials are your best bet.
Linen, wool, silk, and cotton are all examples of more natural materials. If you choose a natural fiber for your bedding, you can forgo the hassle of eliminating static and relax in comfort.
8 – Baking Soda
Some natural cleaners can be used for a variety of household tasks, and you’ll discover that they work very well. As was just discussed, white vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent throughout the house. Baking soda is still another.
To soften your garments and get rid of any lingering odors or residues, try adding a cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. The best part is that the baking soda will protect your bedding from static electricity in the dryer.
White vinegar and baking soda should not be used in the same cycle. It will set off a chain of events that will make your elementary school volcano project look like child’s play (and probably destroy your washer in the process).
9 – Dryer Sheets
Some dryer sheets are better than others at eliminating static cling, and this varies depending on the brand. Some are made to eliminate static cling from sheets and clothes.
Always include dryer sheets in your laundry routine. The static cling on your clothes and sheets will be much less, and your laundry will come out softer and smelling great.
You may now relax in a warm bed without worrying about getting a jolt from static electricity.
Add Moisture to the Room
Before you go off to sleep, try turning on a water feature in your room. A humidifier is a simple and inexpensive way to increase humidity levels in a room. Alternately, you might use a tabletop or wall-mounted water fountain. Both can be used to lessen or get rid of airborne static charge.
White Vinegar Rinse
Fabric softeners and sheets can help minimize static cling and electricity, but adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the washer’s rinse cycle does double duty by softening bedding and neutralizing any remaining static charge. Additionally, unlike liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, white vinegar does not leave a waxy residue on washed clothes.
Hang Bedding to Dry Outside
Line your outside space with a clothesline and dry your linens there. As a result of this one simple action, two things will be achieved: Bedding is revitalized as it dries, and static is reduced. In addition to eliminating static and providing a breath of fresh air, the sun’s UV rays are effective in killing microorganisms. If you’d rather dry your clothes in the dryer, you can reduce static by adding a moist hand towel to the final 20 minutes of the cycle, or you may toss in a tightly crushed ball of metal.
Discharge the Bed
If your blankets smell musty, try running a dryer sheet or wire hanger over them before you climb under the covers. Before getting into bed, use a wire hanger to discharge any accumulated static electricity and a dryer sheet to eliminate clinging clothing. A damp towel can be run over the mattress to add moisture and reduce the risk of static electricity.
Hand and Body Lotion
Applying lotion to your arms, legs, hands, and face before bed will neutralize any static electricity on your body. If you feel that your hair is holding a charge, rub your hands through it while damp. If you want to lessen the possibility of getting a shock, you can also run a wet brush or comb through your hair.
Natural Material Blankets
Finally, avoid static electricity by replacing synthetic blankets with those made of natural fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, or linen. Static electricity is more likely to be conducted by acetate, rayon, polyester, and nylon blankets in dry environments. Consider purchasing bedding and blankets made from all-natural materials on your next shopping trip.
Final Thoughts
Although the occasional jolt from static electricity shouldn’t disrupt your life too much, it can be annoying. If you use one of the solutions given above, you should be able to avoid waking up to a terrible surprise.
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Danh mục: Blanket
