Static electricity is created when synthetic materials rub against each other or dry skin. Polyester is a synthetic material that is durable but extremely prone to static electricity. Static electricity causes hair to literally stand up in all different directions, and polyester clothing will to cling to skin. A polyester garment contains the most static electricity when it is removed from a dryer, and on days when the air is dry and humidity is low. Certain techniques are effective at eliminating static electricity from polyester clothing.
Turn the polyester garment inside out to reduce the risk of damaging the garment in the washing machine. Place the polyester garment in the washing machine.
Set the washing machine on a gentle setting. Wash the polyester garment with laundry detergent, according to the directions on the care tag.
Pour 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of vinegar into the washing machine during the rinse cycle. Washing with borax and vinegar will reduce static electricity in the polyester garment.
When the wash cycle is complete, allow the polyester garment to air dry. Before wearing the garment, rub a metal clothes hanger over the garment. The metal hanger will eliminate any remaining static electricity in the polyester.
Tip
Hand wash the polyester garment instead of washing it in the washing machine. Use moisturizer on your skin while wearing the polyester garment to prevent static electricity.
