Abstract
This paper suggests the optimal conditions for the laundry to prevent from the electrostatic charge by the evaluation of the electrostatic characteristics in the full process of washing and drying. Cotton, nylon, and polyester fabrics were used as test washing specimens. Detergent and softener were used under the standard washing cycle, and then the electrostatic characteristics of laundry were measured. The results showed that the moisture regain decreased and the electrostatic charge increased with the drying time. It was observed that the specimen fabrics were already dried up before the standard drying cycle was finished. Consequently, the excessive drying caused a generation of electrostatic charge due to the removal of the trace of moisture remaining and the excessive friction. Especially, the softener played an important role to prevent from a generation of electrostatic charge, whose insertion was more effective in the drying than in the rinsing process. It was also shown that the electrostatic charge could be decreased by drying the fabrics of one kind. On the other hand, for drying the mixed kinds of fabrics, the electrostatic charge increased remarkably. Therefore we suggest that the laundry be classified according to the kinds of fiber, and then be washed and dried before excessive drying to reduce electrostatic charge And further, a proper use of softener is effective to reduce electrostatic charge.