Non fabric softener static reducer

[Tigerchild]

In the winter, my DD's skin gets so very sensitive, she can't even tolerate the 7th generation fabric softener that seems to not trouble her the rest of the year.

Unfortunately we're having a very cold dry winter, so I get blue lightening bolts of static electricity zapping me 15 times as I unload the dryer. Is there any kind of trick I can use to cut down on the static, but not put any...stuff...onto the clothing?

[imahappybrat]

Add white vinegar to your rinse cycle.

[jocelyndale]

Don't dry synthetics and natural fibers together.

Don't over-dry. That wrinkle-saver feature? It should be called "static builder". If certain items in your wardrobe are more prone to static, remove them from the dryer while still damp and hang them up.

To remove the "need" for fabric softener entirely:
Don't use too much detergent. One generally needs less than the recommended amount. Detergent reside makes clothing feel stiff and scratchy. Don't overstuff the washer--let clothing agitate freely in plenty of water. Vinegar in the rinse cycle--helps remove excess detergent. An extra rinse sometimes helps, but isn't always necessary.

[ladyinred]

What about those static removing balls and reusable sheets? Has anyone tried any of those?

[JamieBrewHa]

We use vinegar in the rinse cycle... and we throw tennis balls in the dryer to help break up the static (instead of dryer sheets).

[doubledutch]

i read you can put a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer, but haven't tried it!

[papschmitty]

We have the same problem! Sometimes you can see my PJs light up in the dark at night it was so bad! I finally stopped being so lazy and separated my synthetics fabrics from the natural ones after coming out of the washer. I let the synthetics air dry while the naturals are in the dryer. We have almost no static problem since!

[Tigerchild]

I'm going to try the foil ball tonight! If that doesn't work, I'll try the vinegar rinse.

We don't have very much in the way of straight synthetic clothing. But I believe most of the kids' clothes are blends. I tend to buy thrift store clothing or trade handmedowns though, a lot of the tags are blank. So we'll see.

[rgrindle]

Originally Posted by doubledutch

i read you can put a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer, but haven't tried it!

I tried the foil. The edges shredded (on the zippers?) and all of our clothes were still staticy, but had little tiny bits of foil all over them. :