When cotton and synthetic fabrics are mixed in the dryer, the synthetic fabrics will dry far more quickly than the cotton and without the conductive path of the moisture, the completely dry fabrics will begin to build up a static electrical charge while the cotton fabrics are still damp.
If your blanket is sparking, it's a sign of static electricity buildup, which can occur due to dry conditions or certain materials. While static electricity itself isn't usually dangerous, it can potentially damage electronic devices, including your phone, if a strong enough discharge occurs.
Here's how it works: Static cling on your clothes and towels is caused by fabrics rubbing together in the dryer and exchanging negatively and positively charged electrons. When the clothes are dry, there's not enough moisture in the fabrics or in the air in the dryer to help dissipate these electrons.
If you're experiencing static in your clothes even after using wool dryer balls, there are a few potential reasons. Make sure you're using a sufficient number of dryer balls. Adding more balls can enhance their effectiveness. Over-drying your clothes can contribute to static cling, so try reducing the drying time.
The Reduce Static option sprays a gentle mist of steam near the end of the cycle to remove static cling. Fabrics (cotton, wool, polyester) become charged as they rub against each other.
You've likely heard of white vinegar being a great natural substance for cleaning and removing odors, but it's also an effective way to get rid of static. Rather than using harsh chemicals to protect your bedding from the annoying cling, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your clothes washer when cleaning bedding.
Dryer sheets stop static cling by absorbing static electricity formed by different fabrics during your dryer cycle. The fabric softeners that coat dryer sheets are positively charged ions to balance the electrons and ions that cause static cling, leaving you with soft clothes without the static.
Longview Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary told me there's typically no fire hazard in this type of situation unless the static electricity comes in contact with vapors from a natural gas leak or propane or gasoline vapors, for instance.
You don't have to use disposable dryer sheets to rid of laundry static… You can make these aluminum foil dryer balls instead! Not only are these dryer balls more eco-friendly, they can be used dozens of times and they help your clothes toss more evenly. They can also save you money — and we all love that!
Some objects such as wool, glass, human skin and hair are more likely to accumulate electric charges and have static electricity. Shuffling your feet across carpet, particularly in socks, is another way your body gains more electrons; they are released when you touch something such as a doorknob or another person.
The Bottom Line. The Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls are the best dryer balls we tested—they cut down on dry time substantially and eliminate static. Plus, at around $2 a ball, they're a good price.
DRYER BALLS
Dryer balls help keep laundry from clumping together by tumbling between fabric layers and separating them in the dryer. As dryer balls move against fabrics, they help minimize static, reduce wrinkles and soften clothes.
Why does lightening come when we scratch on a blanket in the dark? It is because of electrostatic friction. When you rub your fingertips along a blanket you are exchanging charged particles like electrons and in some cases molecules missing an electron. This is due to friction.
Your body is in constant contact with all kinds of materials that can create static electricity as you sleep. Your sheets, pajamas, and even your mattress can create a charge as the materials all rub against each other. Luckily, static electricity isn't dangerous, but it can be annoying and disruptive to your sleep.
Dryer sheets are a popular go-to for fighting static. They work by coating fabrics with a thin layer of chemicals that reduce static cling. Simply toss a sheet into the dryer with your blanket, or rub a used sheet directly on the blanket's surface.
Dryer sheets are squares of fibers that are coated with fatty acids, scents, and a slew of various chemicals. In the dryer, the acid melts from the heat and coats the clothes to make them soft and reduce static electricity.
If you don't have a static-reducing spray handy, look for a bottle of hairspray. A few quick spritzes of hairspray will help eliminate static cling on your clothes, though make sure you hold the bottle at least a foot or two away from your clothing to avoid getting too much hairspray residue on the fabric.
The quickest way to discharge the electric charge is to touch a grounded metal object, such as a key or metal pole. This helps neutralize the static current accumulated in the body. Wear appropriate clothing. Cotton, linen, or silk fabrics generate less electricity compared to synthetic garments.
When cotton and synthetic fabrics are mixed in the dryer, the synthetic fabrics will dry far more quickly than the cotton and without the conductive path of the moisture, the completely dry fabrics will begin to build up a static electrical charge while the cotton fabrics are still damp.
Dryer sheets may be considered “bad” for some fabrics, dryers, and those with sensitive skin and allergies. They're also not great for the environment, leading many users to seek all-natural, fragrance-free alternatives.