DRYER SHEETS HELP REMOVE STATIC  
 ELECTRICITY IN LAUNDRY!          

INTRO ON STATIC AND DRYER SHEETS 

It must have been observed by many laundromats that the clothes get entangled in dryers and stick together as if glue is applied on it and you need to peel them off the cling.  

In school time you must have done experiments to show magic to your friends by rubbing a comb on your head and by taking it near to the tiny piece of paper you find the paper gets lifted. This just happens as a static electricity (Charge) is developed on the comb, which lifts the piece of paper. Similarly, when you remove your hat electrons are transferred from hat to hair with the same charged electrons (Same Charge Respells) and hair will try to go away from each other as far as possible and you will find your hair stand on head and you get hair raising experience.

When the clothes are rubbed inside the dryers they get entangled due to static electricity. What is Static Electricity? Static electricity is an accumulation of electric charges on a limited surface. When two items come into contact and then become separated, one will contain more electrons than another generating static electricity.

During the summer and winter seasons, we experience low moisture and relative humidity, and under these conditions laundries experience a high degree of static electricity. After understanding the cause of generation of static electricity and the solutions on it most of the laundry operators can eliminate most of the sparks that fly in the laundry process.   

STATIC IN LAUNDRY PROCESS AND USE OF DRYER SHEETS

When the cloth becomes dry there is no moisture to bleed away the charges from the clothes. It is during drying and ironing that this static electricity is developed and we experience sticking or clinging of the dried fabrics. Static electricity is observed in dryers and ironers of all types; we may not experience static electricity in the washer extractors.

Static shocks are not generally generated while washing natural cotton fabrics, compared with the synthetic fabrics. In 100% cotton and some natural fabrics static electricity is not generally an issue, because they have a moisture holding tendency. Hence they bleed off the charge before it is developed.

However, over the years, polyester has been introduced into cotton textiles. So now in the washing and drying processes a higher percentage of polyester has been introduced which also increases the static tendencies.  

STATIC PRODUCED BY BLANKETS AND BED SHEETS IN LAUNDRY PROCESS

Bed sheets that are non-conditioned in a dryer can develop static electricity depending on the speed and temperature of chest heated ironer.

Static bars are often used to curtail the static electricity in the folding equipment. Blended bed sheets, blended blankets and polyester fabrics are affected by static conditions. When semi-dried blankets run through the folding machines the static is built up due to rubbing with each other, the cross plates and belts due to friction.

The places where the static is developed have to be identified by the professional like the places where the belt, brackets rub with the blankets and sheets. There can be several locations in the equipment. It has to be grounded or earthing is done using good conductors like copper wire or copper rod, which is grounded at least 3 feet under the ground level.   

DRYER SHEETS TO REMOVE STATIC ELECTRICITY

Dryer sheets are meant to keep clothes from creating static electricity. The shock that you feel when your fingertips get close to the doorknob of the drying machine comes from the dispersal of static charges your body is holding upon.

Dryer sheets will likely be squares of wispy, non-woven polyester intended for single use. There is little difference between all the brands available to eliminate the static cling and make your clothes a bit softer. You can also buy scented dryer sheets with a flowery fragrance like rose, lavender and much more.

You get almost the same effect from all the dryer sheets. There is a slight difference in the chemical coat in the different brands of dryer sheets. If you rub the dryer sheet between your fingers you may notice a slightly tacky feeling. This is the surfactant, which contains positive charge and fatty molecules such as quaternary ammonium salt as a silicon oil. As the surfactants get heated in the dryer, the fatty substance coats your clothes, making them pleasant to touch and the positive molecules prevent static.

Though the chemicals used in the dryer sheets are in a very small quantity, many of the users do not use it for children's clothes. Before trying to use dryer sheets, think about what you are trying to accomplish. Dryer sheets have three main advantages: Eliminate static, soften clothes and add fragrance. Many people are allergic to the scent used. There are many manufacturers who manufacture fragrance free dryer sheets.  

NATURAL DRYER SHEETS

As of now you have decided to get reed of standard dryer sheets. There are other choices including reusable dryer sheets, fabric softeners, dryer balls and gentle detergent. If you are searching for eco-friendly options, there are many companies that offer products that are labeled NATURAL. The government does not guarantee this claim.

The other option is using dryer balls, many manufacturers claim that these rubber orbs apart from softening clothes stop static but they also reduce drying time. Aluminium foil and tennis balls have been suggested as frugal or less effective alternatives.

You can use reusable sheets which are specially knitted polyester, that have few chemicals or fragrances.

Handmade dryer sheets are made by soaking a piece of cloth in a softener or hair conditioner, however this does not work as well as commercial dryer sheets.

Vinegar acts as a softener and has some mild anti-static properties, many of which use it in the rinse cycle of washing machine. Whether an alternative is used for dryer sheets in washers or dryers, it likely may not have the effect of standard dryer sheets.  

HOW TO GET STATIC OUT OF CLOTHES WITH-OUT DRYER SHEETS

Use anti-static compounds

Anti-static compounds can help reduce the static electricity produced because it causes static to discharge during the drying process. These are cationic detergent compounds which equalize the negative charges. There is one drawback of using anti-static material as they can lock many types of stains and make their removal very difficult.

Grounding

The earth is the most effective neutralizer. It provides the best grounding for negative or positive charges. Properly grounding your laundry equipment, static will be easily discharged to the ground.

Avoid over drying of fabric

Slightly damp the hems (Border) before removing polyester or synthetic linen off the dryer. This is the simplest way for the laundry operator to reduce the static.

Drying synthetic fabric separately

Nylon and polyester are the main culprits of static cling. When dried separately, these garments are not given a chance to entangle with other clothes and charge them up. Consider pulling synthetic fabric out of the washing machine and drying it out separately instead of throwing them up in the dryers.

Wool dryer ball

Wool dryer balls and aluminium foils are the best alternatives for fabric softeners and dryer sheets. In addition to reducing the drying time they also fluff clothes.

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts can be used as a green laundry alternative for commercial laundry detergents. These are types of berries, held in a muslin bag and tossed into washer extractors. They act as anti-static agents and the laundry washed with soap nuts does not require any other anti-static remedy.

Hanging clothes on drying line, Reduce drying time. Use vinegar, which is a natural Fabric Softener are some of the essential tips.