27 Jun 2025
- Static builds up when fabrics rub together
- Synthetic fabrics are particularly prone to it
- Dry conditions and tumble drying can make static worse
- Fabric conditioner can help reduce friction between fibres
- Air drying can help keep static at bay
- Separating synthetics from natural fibres can help too
- A good shake after drying can release some of that cling
Ever wondered why your clothing feels electric?
One moment all is well but the next your shirt is plastered across your shoulders and your hair is standing on end!
Why are some clothes worse affected than others and how on earth can we STOP THE STATIC?
You’re in the right place so fear not! With these smol tips, you'll banish static cling for good. Here is how to easily prevent and remove static electricity from clothes in simple steps.
The static situation.
Static is all about electrons.
When different fabrics rub together, especially in the dry environment of a heated tumble dryer, they build up an electrostatic charge. This charge makes your clothes stick to your body and each other in an all-too-clingy embrace.
Static LOVES synthetic fabrics and dry environments, so winter is its favorite time to strike because that’s when we’re far more likely to resort to tumble drying.
So how can we get rid of it static in clothing?
Bye-bye static in 5 smol steps.
1. Friendly fabric conditioner.
Adding Fabric Conditioner to your wash can help reduce friction between fibres, which means less chance for static charge to build up. Plus, it leaves your laundry beautifully soft and smelling FAB. Win-win.
And smol Fabric Conditioner’s new and improved formula now gives double the softness after 3 washes¹, all from the same tiny 8ml dose.
Choose between:
- The Outdoorsy One, with apple & orange blossom
- Sensitive Peach & Jasmine, which is exceptionally gentle, dermatologically tested and accredited by the Skin Health Alliance.
Both use clever touch-activated fragrance technology to keep scent locked into fibres, releasing it as fabrics move.
Less cling. More lovely softness.
2. Air-dry like a pro.
If you can avoid using the tumble you’re seriously going to limit static’s ability to build.
Let your clothes breathe by air-drying them. Lay them flat or hang them on metal hangers. And don’t despair in the depths of winter… you can still dry on racks inside or out.
Extra bonus? You’ll save money as your energy bills take a dive!
3. Separate synthetics.
Wash your synthetics separately (if possible) from natural fabrics to avoid any static spread!
Polyester and nylon generate more static electricity in the wash than natural fibres like cotton because they have a much lower ability to absorb moisture, causing them to hold onto electrical charges more easily when friction happens during the wash.
4. Dryer balls.
If you are going to use the tumble dryer - and let’s face it - sometimes we will… find a sustainable alternative to dryer sheets (which are single-use and non recyclable). Dryer balls, soap nuts and rolled up balls of aluminium foil all work well.
5. Shake it off.
Lastly, before you fold or hang your clothes, give them a good shake. This simple move releases some of the static charge.
Static cling might be a pesky problem, but with these smol tips you'll keep your wardrobe calm, cool and collected. Happy de-clinging!
¹ After 3 washes, based on panel testing vs previous smol Fabric Conditioner.
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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