How do you prevent static cling with microfibre

Hi guys,

After I use my microfibre towels (they are the blue cookie monster variety from eShine with a couple of cheapo ones from Canadian Tire for non essential duties), I always wash and dry them. I use regular wash detergent and tumble dry them without any fabric softener sheets.

Problem is, when they come out, they have a VERY bad case of static cling. The cookie monster towels are no where near as bad as the cheapy ones but still have static!!

1. Should I not machine dry them?
2. Is it OK to use a fabric softener/static guard sheet?

The static issue is a pain when trying to use the towels as they attract dust and lint and also, I believe, pass the static on to the car.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks.

 

I don't machine dry any of my towels or use fabric softener. I just wash them like regular clothes, but add some vinegar to the rinse cycle. After there done I just lay them over a bunch of hangers and take up what small space I have in our closet.

 

I simply wash them with CG Microfiber Wash. Seperating wax towels from wheel towels, etc. When they are done washing I usually just let them air dry

 

Good advice wagonproject. I use vinegar in the rinse as well and it really makes them fluffy. I set my dryer on a low heat setting and have found this greatly reduces the static.

 

just a little variation on the above. I dry on low heat for 30 minutes. They are not completely dry when I take them out, and I then hang them to finish drying. I think the static cling starts to happen when the towels are already dry, but they are still being heated/agitated in the dryer.

 

Thanks for all the responses!! Very helpful. I am going to do the vinegar thing and hang dry the towels.

 

Vinegar rinse & hang dry.:thumb:

 

i use the blue balls from bed bath and beyond

 

I've had "blue balls" before but never heard of the ones at Bed Bath and Beyond... poor guy!! :applause2:

Sorry... couldn't help myself.

 

I'll have to try the vinegar rinse. How much vinegar are you adding? Thanks! I usually dry on a low heat setting. I have noticed static after a few loads but usually one quick snap of the towel and the static seems to be removed.

 

The key is LOW heat drying, air drying the towels will not produce the soft fluffy feel you need to have high performance wiping and reduce a great towel to the level of a cheap towel. The towels should be slightly damp when you pull them out of the dryer and this will vary with the type of machine you have.

 

Very good advice, thank you!

 

You're welcome! (I had given that exact advice a while back) :

 

4.Drying –air dry or use low / medium heat in a tumble dryer, by adding the 'Dryer Ball' will help plump up the fibres

5.Static – to avoid static build-up remove towels from machine while they are still a little damp and air-dry

6.Storage – store clean / dry towels in an air-tight plastic container