Why do you need and how to use an antistatic agent for washing clothes in a washing machine?

Many things can accumulate static electricity. You can prevent its appearance even at the washing stage using special compounds.

Read the article about how to make a choice and how to properly use modern antistatic agents for washing clothes and linen in a washing machine.

What is it used for?

Antistatic – This product is based on:

• alcohols,
• silicone,
• surfactant,
• other active ingredients.

The main purpose of its use is prevent the accumulation of electrical discharges on fabricso that after such treatment it stops “beating with current”.

They stick to:

• villi,
• hairs,
• dust particles.

Antistatic agents are the solution to all these problems.

Kinds

There are several types of antistatic agents that can be used to treat clothing:

1. Alcohol sprays. They are presented in cans that contain ethyl alcohol and other auxiliary components (propane, isobutane, fragrance).

   Sprays are used after washing, treating electrified items with it. The aerosol not only eliminates static electricity from clothes, but also makes the fabrics soft.

   However, a significant disadvantage of such products is the unpleasant odor that remains on things for some time.

2. Water sprays. They contain: silicone, demineralized water, preservatives and other auxiliary components. Such compositions do not have a pronounced odor and rarely cause allergies. Use them after washing things.
3. Conditioners (liquid gels). It is these antistatic agents that are used when washing electrified items. In addition to eliminating static electricity, such products can solve a number of other problems, namely: making fabrics soft, making them easier to iron, and maintaining color saturation.

   The working components of antistatic air conditioners are surfactants and silicones, under the influence of which a thin film is formed on things. Charges roll along it without settling on the fibers.

4. Cream paste. Such compositions are used as rinsing aids for fabrics after the main wash. They are added to water, stirred, and electrified items are immersed in them for several minutes.

Rules of use for processing clothing

Antistatic agents should be used when washing in accordance with the recommendations given by the manufacturer. Depending on the brand, the dosage of the conditioner will vary.

Universal instructions for use antistatic agent for machine washing:

• place items in the drum of the washing machine;
• select the desired program;
• pour the gel into a special compartment - most often it is marked with a “flower” or “star” icon;
• start the wash cycle.

Antistatic agent can be used for washing in both hot and cold water.

If manual processing of fabrics is required, then the product is added after its completion.. The product is dissolved in water, the item is dipped into it, soaked for 5 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly.

What to replace it with?

Household antistatic agents can be replaced with improvised means. It turns out that many substances that everyone has in their home have the ability to remove static electricity.

They need to be added to the water during the rinsing stage. after main wash:

1. Vinegar. To prepare the solution you will need 1 tbsp. l. vinegar 9% and 1 liter of water. Such a home air conditioner will not only save things from electricity, but will also help to better rinse out any remaining detergent.
2. Hair conditioner + vinegar 9% + water (proportions 2:3:6). All components are mixed and poured into rinse water.
3. Salt: up to 3 tbsp. l. for 5 liters of water.
4. Lemon acid. For every 10 liters of water, take 2.5 tbsp. l.

How to choose the best?

Before purchasing an antistatic agent for washing, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Compound. An antistatic agent may contain: surfactants, silicones, alcohols, acids, glycerin. The fewer aggressive components on this list, the better.

   Be sure to pay attention to fragrances and fragrances. Many people prefer products that do not give off an extraneous odor.

2. Method of use. Conditioners are added to the washing machine immediately during washing. Things are treated with sprays and aerosols after completion.
3. Secondary functions. In addition to removing static electricity, many antistatic agents have an additional effect on the fabric: they whiten or preserve the color of things, making them softer.
4. What products will it be used for? There are products intended only for caring for children's things. They contain a reduced level of surfactants and contain a minimum of fragrances, which reduces the risk of developing allergies.

   Children's products should not contain components such as: A-terpineol (affects the nervous system), ethanol (impairs brain function), benzyl alcohol (can cause nausea and dizziness), linalool (impairs coordination of movements).

5. Price. The price depends on the manufacturer of the antistatic agent. Eco-friendly products are more expensive than conventional ones.

Top 3 popular remedies

The most popular antistatic agents for washing that are in demand among consumers:

Lenor Scandinavian spring

This is an inexpensive fabric softener that has the ability to remove static electricity. This gel can only be used to care for adult clothing.

It contains:

• cationic surfactants,
• aldehyde,
• flavorings,
• linalool.

For washing diapers and undershirts, choose Lenor for children, with an adapted composition. The cost of 1 liter is about 120 rubles.

Eared nanny

This The product is intended for children's clothes:

• does not contain dyes,
• softens linen,
• contains Aloe vera,
• passed all the necessary dermatological tests,
• does not cause allergies.

For hand washing, 1 cap (45 ml) is required for every 10 liters of water. For machine washing, take 2 measuring caps (90 ml) for every 4-5 kg ​​of laundry. The cost of 750 ml of product is about 80 rubles.

Synergetic

This biodegradable laundry detergent with an antistatic effect has an environmental certificate of conformity of the Russian Federation.

It contains:

• structured water,
• silver ions,
• plant complexes,
• flavorings based on natural oils,
• food coloring.

For every 5 kg of laundry you will need 30 ml of conditioner, so 2.75 liters is enough for 90 washes. Its cost is 230 rubles.

Important Tips

Before you start washing clothes with an antistatic agent, you need to familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

1. Calculate the dose accurately. If you use antistatic in excess, things will not be rinsed. They will give off a specific smell, so wearing such clothes is not comfortable. If you pour too little antistatic into the machine, it will not have the desired effect.
2. People with allergies are advised to use products designed for washing children's clothes.
3. If the antistatic agent contains bleach, then it is not used for washing black clothes.
4. To soften fabrics, you need to choose a product containing silicone.
5. After machine washing using an antistatic agent, the item does not require additional treatment. After hand washing, clothes must be rinsed.

You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.

Conclusion

An antistatic agent allows you to get rid of static electricity, make your laundry softer and give it a pleasant aroma. It can be used for both hand and machine washing.

When choosing a gel, you need to focus on several parameters, the main one of which is its composition.