How Do You Get Rid of Static on a Blanket – Quick and Helpful Tips

There is no worse feeling than being snuggled up in your warm blanket, only to be jolted awake as if you’ve just been electrocuted. Luckily, you’re still alive – it’s just static electricity playing tricks on you! But, if this keeps happening, it’s enough to drive anyone a little nuts! So, the big question is: “How do you get rid of static on a blanket?”

Yes That Blanket will help you understand why your blanket turns into a static generator and, more importantly, how to zap that pesky static away for good!

Why the Static/ and Why My Blanket Too?

It’s strange but true: the same thing that creates sparks when you touch your blanket is what causes lightning – just on a much smaller scale.

Static electricity happens when there’s an imbalance between positive and negative charges on objects. When two materials rub together, electrons can move from one to the other, leaving one positively charged and the other negatively charged. But since nature loves balance, those charges don’t stick around for long. Instead, electrons zap over to the next positively charged object they touch.

The Blanket Is… Staticky!

Now picture yourself touching a metal doorknob as you cross a carpeted room. You become positively charged as a result of the carpet’s insulating properties, which steal electrons from your body. You get a slight jolt when you touch the doorknob because those electrons, which are negatively charged and attracted to your positive charge, rush into your body.

The same thing can happen with your blanket. When it rubs against something, like inside the dryer, it builds up a charge that releases as soon as you touch it – SHOCK!

You feel the static on the blanket due to an imbalance among charges

Some Materials are Prone to Static

Not all materials are created equal – some are way more prone to static cling than others. The typical suspects in blankets are as follows:

• Wool: A natural fiber and a real conductor of electricity.
• Silk: Just as staticky as wool, but fancier.
• Polyester: This synthetic fabric is so dry it practically lives for static buildup.

Conversely, fabrics like leather and cotton are the cool ones – much less likely to shock you.

Polyester thrives on static since it is so dry

How Do You Get Rid of Static on a Blanket?

The big question at hand! We’ve put together a few easy ways to help you ease that static on your blanket!

1. Immediate Solutions to Remove Static

If you’re in a rush and just want your blanket to stop zapping you so you can get back to sleep, check out these quick and easy fixes:

Method 1: Mist the Blanket with Water.

Sometimes, a little bit of moisture is all it takes to tackle static! Take a spray bottle and give your blanket a light misting. The added moisture helps reduce static buildup without soaking your blanket.

If the weather is humid, you can also hang your blanket outside for a short while. Mother Nature will naturally help reduce the static charge – no extra effort is required!

You can mist the Blanket with Water to ease static

Method 2: Use a Fabric Softener Sheet.

Another simple yet effective tip is to toss a fabric softener sheet into the dryer with your blanket. These sheets work magic by coating the fibers with a thin layer of conditioner, making them less likely to generate static electricity.

Not only is this method fast, but it also leaves your blanket smelling fresh and feeling brand new. 

Bonus tip: Keep a stash of these sheets handy to fend off the “static monster” whenever it strikes!

Use a fabric softener sheet also make your blanket smell fresh

Method 3: Apply Hair Conditioner or Fabric Spray

Out of fabric softener sheets? Don’t worry – your trusty bottle of hair conditioner has got your back! Just mix a small amount of conditioner with water in a spray bottle, shake it up, and lightly spritz your blanket.

Alternatively, a fabric spray works just as well. Both solutions create a protective layer on the fibers, reducing static cling and leaving your blanket feeling soft and warm.

Try these tips, and your blanket will be static-free in no time!

Apply a small amount of conditioner with water in a spray bottle on the blanket

2. Preventing Static Buildup on Blankets

If you’re absolutely fed up with getting rushed over and over again, even after trying all the tips above, stay tuned! The methods below are 99% guaranteed to stop static in its tracks

Method 1: Choose the Right Blanket.

It all starts at the store! The blanket you pick will decide whether you’re zapped into next week or can snuggle in peace. Spoiler alert: it’s all about the material.

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen are your best friends for keeping static at bay. Synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic? Not so much – they love hoarding electrons and turning your blanket into a static shock machine.

So, next time you’re blanket shopping (or replacing an old one), don’t be shy-ask about the material. If you’d rather avoid small talk with sales staff, check out Yes That Blanket online. Their natural fiber options are just a click away – perfect for everyone who prefers browsing filters over asking questions!

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen are the best choice for keeping static away

Method 2: Use a Humidifier.

Static loves dry air, and winter’s heating systems only make it worse. The fix? A trusty humidifier! Adding moisture to the air can reduce static buildup on your blanket and other fabrics. Aim to keep your home’s humidity levels between 40% and 50%.

What do you do if you don’t have a humidifier? Alright, place a bowl of water near your radiator or heating vent to boost the air’s moisture. It’s a small change that can make your home more comfy and static-free!

Humidifier will make you have a good sleep without static

Method 3: Add Vinegar or Baking Soda to the Wash

Your trusty kitchen staples – vinegar and baking soda – are secret weapons against static. During the rinse cycle, toss in half a cup of white vinegar to act as a natural fabric softener. Prefer baking soda? Add a tablespoon during the wash cycle instead.

Both options help reduce static and leave your blanket softer and fresher. And guess what? Your wallet stays happy while your blanket stays shock-free. Because it’s one of the cheapest, most effective methods we’ve shared so far! 

Add half a cup of white vinegar to serve as a natural fabric softener

Method 4: Dry with Dryer Balls or Aluminum Foil.

Maybe we haven’t talked about drying your blanket yet? That’s a big miss! But we’re not doing it the regular way.

The trick you have to do is toss a few wool dryer balls into the dryer with your blanket. They help keep the fabric separated and prevent static from building up. 

Unfortunately, you don’t have dryer balls? So, crumpled aluminum foil works just as well! Aluminum is a great conductor, so it discharges static buildup during drying.

One thing to watch out for: don’t over-dry your blanket. If you leave it in too long or use high heat, the blanket will lose moisture, and – boom! – the static comes back with a vengeance.

Bonus Tip: Take the blanket out of the dryer while it’s still slightly damp. You’ll notice a big difference!

Dryer balls help keep the fabric separated and prevent static from building up

Conclusion

We hope this is the most helpful article for you in this cold, sub-zero weather right now! With these tips, you can finally escape the dreaded “freezing cold” and get zapped by static electricity when all you really need is your blanket. And guess what? The tricks for “how do you get rid of static on a blanket” also work for your warm sweaters and jackets!

But if you’ve tried everything and you’re still getting shocked, maybe it’s time to check if your blanket is made of polyester or acrylic! In case you’re thinking about upgrading, head over to Yes That Blanket to find cozy, natural fiber blankets that’ll keep you warm all winter long!

FAQs

Why Does Static Build Up More in the Winter on Blankets?

In winter, the air is drier, which increases static electricity. Blankets made of synthetic fibers are more prone to static in dry conditions.

Does Air Drying Blankets Cause More Static Than Machine Drying?

Air drying can help reduce static, especially if the environment is humid. However, in very dry conditions, machine drying with fabric softener may be more effective.

Can a Safety Pin Reduce Static on a Blanket?

Attaching a safety pin to the blanket can help discharge static electricity. This method works by providing a path for the static to travel.

How Often Should I Wash Blankets to Reduce Static Buildup?

To reduce static buildup in blankets, you should wash them about every 1-2 months, depending on usage. Noting that over-washing can wear out the fabric.