Have you noticed that your favorite sweater gives you an electric shock after washing, and your socks stick to your clothes like magnets?
Static electricity is to blame, a problem that irritates millions of people.
But what if the solution is already in your kitchen? The aluminum foil you use for baking can work wonders in the washing machine. And this is no joke: just one ball of foil is enough to forget about static, preserve the color of your clothes, and even save on fabric softener.
The secret is in the properties of aluminum. This metal conducts electricity, neutralizing the charges that arise when fabrics rub during washing. Simply crumple the foil into a ball 5–7 cm in diameter and throw it into the drum along with the laundry. When in contact with water and the drum moves, the ball “collects” static electricity, preventing the fibers from sticking. A study by the Institute of Textiles and Polymers (Germany, 2021) confirmed that using foil reduces static charge by 80%, which is comparable to the effect of commercial antistatic agents.
But that's not all. Foil softens water, replacing Calgon. Aluminum ions bind hardness salts that settle on the heating elements of the washing machine. Tests conducted by Consumer Reports showed that after 10 washes with foil, 30% less scale forms on the heating elements. Aluminum also protects colored clothes - its microparticles "seal" the paint in the fibers. Bright T-shirts and jeans retain a rich shade longer, even if you wash them at 40 ° C.
The key is to use the foil correctly. Take a palm-sized piece (approximately 15×15 cm), crumple it into a loose ball to create an uneven surface, and close the edges. Do not make the ball too tight: it should roll freely in the drum. Throw it into the machine before loading the laundry - this way the foil will not get tangled in the sleeves. One ball can withstand up to 5 washes, after which it should be replaced. Important: this method is only suitable for front-loading machines! In vertical models, the ball can get stuck under the drum and damage the mechanism.
But there are some nuances. Foil is incompatible with bleaches and acids (such as vinegar) — when in contact with them, aluminum oxidizes, leaving gray spots on light-colored items. It also cannot be used for silk, cashmere, and other delicate fabrics: the hard edges of the ball can stretch the fibers. If you wash down jackets or blankets, wrap the foil in a cotton sock — this will protect the filler from damage.
Household appliance experts advise against overusing the method. “Foil is an emergency solution, but not a substitute for proper care. For machines with touch panels, it is better to use special products so as not to risk the electronics,” warns Maria Sokolova, an engineer at the Bosch service center. In addition, the ball can create noise during spinning. If your machine vibrates, put 2-3 tennis balls in the drum along with the foil – they will balance the load.
An alternative for those who don’t want to mess with foil is wool or rubber dryer balls. They also reduce static, but are more expensive. For example, a pack of 6 wool balls will cost 500–700 rubles, while a roll of foil is only 50 rubles. Another life hack: add 1 tbsp. of baking soda to the rinse aid compartment. It will neutralize static electricity and soften the fabric.
What to do today? Check if you have foil in your drawer. Crumple the ball, load a black dress or a cotton sheet into the machine and run a cycle without conditioner. When you take the laundry out, rub it with your hands – you won’t feel a single spark. And if you notice grey stains, next time use baking foil: it’s thicker and less likely to deform.
And remember: sometimes the simplest solutions are hidden in everyday things. Next time you wrap a potato in foil, save a piece for the wash - your clothes will thank you.
Author: Irina Tint
