Static clothing in winter, what to do

Short answer: Moisture solves the problem. Air dry your clothes instead of tumble drying them, and raise the humidity in the room. The charge then drains away on its own, and your clothes stop clinging and crackling.

Dry indoor air is the cause

In winter the air indoors is very dry, because cold outdoor air loses relative humidity when it is heated. In dry air the charge stays in the fabric instead of fading. This affects all materials, including women's bamboo joggers, especially when you pull off a top or get up from a chair.

What static electricity is

When two materials rub together, small electric charges move from one to the other. Normally the charge disappears quickly through moisture in the air and in the fabric. When the air is dry it stays put, and your clothes cling to your skin, your hair stands up, or you get a small shock from a door handle.

Skip the tumble dryer

Tumble drying removes all moisture from the fibres, and the clothes rub against each other throughout the cycle. That charges them, so they crackle when you take them out. Air drying on a rack solves it, because the fibres keep a little moisture. This also applies to each long sleeve bamboo T-shirt worn close to the body all winter.

Raise the humidity

A few simple habits make indoor air less dry. Let laundry dry indoors, place a bowl of water on the radiator or use a humidifier. It does not take much before the charge can drain away more easily. A hygrometer shows whether it helps and lets you keep a comfortable level in the room.

A smooth middle layer helps

A slip or a thin top between your skin and the outer layer removes some of the friction. It is especially useful under skirts and dresses, which can otherwise cling to tights. A smooth, soft layer lets the outer fabric move freely, so less charge builds up during the day. See the styles in bamboo slips.

Think about fabric combinations

Some fabrics charge each other more easily than others. A wool jumper over a synthetic top can create more static than two layers of similar material. Try combinations that do not rub hard against each other, and notice which pairs crackle least. That is often a quicker fix than changing your whole wardrobe.

Quick tricks for everyday life

If your clothes are already charged, you can remove most of it in a moment. Dampen your hands lightly and stroke them down over the fabric. You can also touch something metal before you take your clothes off, so the charge drains that way. Moist skin and humid air work best in the long run.

Look at the rest of your home

Carpets, sofas and office chairs can also charge you up as you walk or sit. Shoes with rubber soles keep the charge in your body. That is why clothes may crackle more at the office than at home. The clothes are not the only cause; it is the way your surroundings interact with the dry air.

Frequently asked questions

Does fabric softener help

Yes, but it leaves a film on the fibres and reduces moisture transport. Humid air and air drying are therefore a better first step.

Can you remove static quickly

Dampen your hands lightly and stroke them down over the fabric. The charge drains away at once, and the clothes stop clinging to your skin.

Why are synthetic clothes worse

Because synthetic fibres do not absorb moisture from the air and therefore do not conduct the charge away. It stays in the fabric until it discharges.