You've found the perfect outfit! However, when worn, the static electricity in the dress makes it stick to the body, making it uncomfortable and very disturbing appearance. Of course very disappointing. Fortunately, static electricity is directly related to the degree of dryness so there are some easy ways to get rid of it quickly as well as in the long run.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Eliminate Static Electricity Quickly
Step 1. Apply an antistatic dryer sheet
Pull the dress away from your feet and wipe the inside with a dryer sheet. This step will be more difficult to do if the part of the dress that is exposed to static electricity is located in the center of the chest, or an area that is difficult to reach by the dryer sheet. However, try your best because this method can get rid of static electricity quickly and easily. If done correctly, the static electricity should quickly transfer from the gown to the dryer sheet.
Step 2. Spray the dress with water
Spray water on the outer side of the dress that feels stuck to the body due to static electricity. You can use an old glass cleaner or plant spray bottle. Just make sure not to spray too much water. Just slightly dampen the fabric of the dress in the area that sticks to the body. This method will help get rid of static electricity quickly. However, don't spray too much or too much water on the dress. Don't let your dress look wet at the event you attend. Don't worry, the static electricity won't come back once your dress is dry.
Step 3. Apply antistatic spray to the dress
This spray is available at most pharmacies and can help you quickly remove static electricity from your gown. Again, just spray this product on the part that feels stuck to the body due to static electricity. Although the price may be quite expensive, which is around IDR 250,000 per bottle, some people claim to feel the benefits. If you have time to buy one or you already have one at home, this spray will be very effective at removing static electricity.
Step 4. Spray aerosol hairspray onto the dress
Spray hairspray from a distance far enough from the body so it doesn't wet the dress immediately, as long as the sleeves should be enough. Also, be careful, close your eyes so you don't get splashed with hairspray. You can also put lotion on your palms and then rub it over your body behind the part of the dress that's stuck. Again, make sure not to rub it in too much. An unscented lotion is the best option because it won't overpower your scent.
Step 5. Hold the metal grounded
Any metal object that is directly grounded should be able to dissipate static electricity quickly. Meanwhile, avoid touching non-grounded metal objects such as doorknobs. Or, you will feel a static electric shock which can be quite painful at times. An iron fence is an example of a grounded metal.
Step 6. Apply moisturizer to the area where the dress is attached to the body
Lotion can prevent static electricity from accumulating on the surface of the skin. If it can't be accumulated, the static electricity won't stay on the dress either. This method will be more difficult to do if static electricity is present throughout the dress. However, if the static electricity is only present in certain areas, you can try this method. You can also use baby talcum powder, although it will be more messy and give a more distinctive aroma than moisturizing lotion. If you're going to try this method, simply pour a small amount of lotion into the palm of your hand and then rub it over the skin where the dress is attached. Use only a small amount of lotion.
Step 7. Buy dresses made of natural fibers
Synthetic fibers often store static electricity. Although they fall apart easily, natural fibrous materials are easier to retain moisture, thus protecting it from the surrounding charged electrons. If you want to prevent problems from static electricity in the future, it's best to buy dresses made of natural fibers only. And your problem is solved!
Method 2 of 2: Eliminate Static Electricity Over Time
Step 1. Increase the humidity of the house
This can help you prevent problems from static electricity in the future. You just need to buy a humidifier at your local home supply store and turn it on at home. Static electricity often arises in the dry season when the weather is very dry. With a humidifier, static electricity in the house will gradually decrease. However, if you don't want to buy this kit, just hang your dress in the bathroom after you shower. The humidity in the bathroom at that time will be higher and can overcome the problem of static electricity.
Step 2. Wash the dress by hand or machine on the gentlest setting
But first, check the label on the dress to make sure it's washable. Look for a label with washing instructions on the dress. This label should contain information on whether the dress can be machine washed and dried, or whether washing it will damage the fabric. Be sure to check this label before putting the dress in the washing machine. If you decide to machine wash your dress, try adding baking soda to reduce static electricity.
If the dress can be machine dried, include a dryer sheet with it, then remove the dress from the dryer while it is still slightly damp
Step 3. Use a hanger to hang the dress near the door
Set up a dress hanger on the door frame. If you are drying a dress, for example on a clothesline, be sure to put it on the hanger in the last 10 minutes of drying and not directly on the clothesline. This will prevent your dress from creasing and saving static electricity.
Step 4. Walk barefoot
Although it sounds strange, this method can reduce static electricity in your body. If you don't have static electricity in your body, so will your dress. So, walk barefoot if you plan on wearing a dress soon. You can also wrap aluminum foil on the sole of the shoe to prevent the accumulation of static electricity. However, walking barefoot may be easier to do.
Tips
- If your clothes are exposed to static electricity after being machine washed, they are likely too dry. Next time, use a lower temperature and/or shorten the drying time.
- Keep other clothes away when drying dresses, and dry them in an air-conditioned area.
- Washing clothes with hard water can cause static electricity to build up after the clothes are dry. So, installing a water softener can prevent this from happening.
- Don't wash clothes that can only be dry cleaned! Many formal clothes can be damaged if you don't follow the washing instructions.
- If you spray water on a dress, be careful not to get it too wet. Don't let you look drenched while attending a formal event.