Clever Tips And Tricks For A Static-Free Blanket

Nothing jolts you back to reality like a big static shock from your favorite blanket. Whether it's that cozy throw blanket on the couch or the comforter on your bed, blankets can create quite the shock if they have a buildup of static electricity. Static builds when the blanket rubs against sheets, couch upholstery, clothes, or other materials and releases in the form of a shock when the blanket is touched. If you're constantly battling built-up static in your favorite blankets, there are a number of easy and effective ways to address the issue.

Solutions for getting rid of static cling in your blankets include everything from small changes to your routine that you can implement immediately to larger-scale solutions for your home. A whole-house humidifier (or smaller units for problematic rooms) may be an effective way to tackle the presence of static throughout the house, which could help cut down on static shocks in general. If you want to focus specifically on your bedding, direct solutions include changing up your laundry routine, trying DIY hacks to reduce static, and modifying your personal care routine to keep your skin moist.

The relative humidity of your home impacts how much static electricity you have to contend with. Dry environments increase the buildup of static, which could result in more shocks and clinginess with your bedding. When you add moisture to the air, the water serves as a natural conductor, which makes it easier for your blankets to release ions and reduces static electricity. Aim for a relative humidity of 40% or higher in your home to reduce static charges in your blankets and upholstery.

Decreasing static in fabrics is one of many reasons to consider a whole-house humidifier for your home. These devices work with your HVAC system to increase humidity levels throughout your house. When the humidity gets low, the system adds moisture to the air and disperses it through your home via the ductwork. You can also use portable humidifiers in key areas, such as your bedroom and living room, where you use blankets the most. This option confines the extra humidity to certain rooms, avoiding introducing more humidity in areas like bathrooms that already have enough moisture. (Keep in mind that if you use portable humidifiers, you'll need to fill their water tanks regularly.) Adding real plants inside your home can also add humidity to the environment, thanks to moisture vapor that is created during plant photosynthesis and respiration. 

Changes to your laundry routine can also help to reduce static electricity. Fabric softener is one proven solution, but it can damage the texture of many types of blankets like wool and cashmere, and it's not recommended for down-filled comforters. Instead, add ½ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to reduce the friction that causes static electricity. If possible, let your blankets air dry to avoid static buildup in the dryer. For machine-drying, add dryer balls to reduce static electricity or toss a damp towel in with the blanket. Choose a lower heat setting and only dry the blanket for as long as it needs it.

You can also try the tennis ball foil hack to reduce laundry static — just be sure to wrap the foil tightly around the tennis ball to keep it in place. Another strategy is to get rid of static on laundry with a simple clothes hanger trick. The ideal option is an uncoated metal hanger, but you can also use aluminum foil or other metal objects. Rubbing a hanger or metal object over the blanket helps to release any excess charge, giving the blanket a neutral charge and making it less likely to shock you.

You could also be contributing to static electricity when you cover up with your favorite blanket. Using lotion regularly keeps your skin from getting dry and could cut down on static shocks. Your hair is another spot where static electricity can accumulate, so try using a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to cut down on static.