April 13, 2022

We’ve all felt the shocking tingle from static electricity. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of static cling from your clothing and prevent static around your house.

What Is Static Electricity?

You have felt it zap your skin, but what exactly is static?

In simple terms, static electricity is the buildup of electrical energy on the surface of an object. Static is usually created through friction, which produces an electric charge.

As the charge moves from one object or surface to another, it releases that electric buildup and produces a “shock.”

This explains why you may feel a zap after your clothes rub together and you touch someone or something. You may also recall wrapping yourself in a fuzzy blanket, shuffling in your socks to the fridge, and then feeling a zap when you touch something. You created friction and (unknowingly) static electricity.

However, you don’t always create it yourself by shuffling around. Winter is one of the best conduits for static electricity.

Static is affected by humidity levels, and it increases when the air becomes cool and the humidity drops. During the winter, when we crank the heat to keep warm, that further decreases humidity levels in our home and ramps up the possibility of static electricity production.

How To Get Rid of Static Around the House

Now that you know what static cling is, let’s talk about how to get rid of it. While static electricity can sometimes be a little painful, it’s more annoying than anything else. Thankfully, you can follow a few simple tips and tricks to reduce static buildup around your house.

Use a Humidifier

Having a humidifier in your home is beneficial, especially if you are prone to dry skin or have tropical indoor plants. A humidifier adds moisture back into your environment—aka back into the air circulating throughout your home.

You can infuse a continuous stream of moisture into your home with a humidifier, placing the unit in an open room that allows circulation to the rest of your house.

If you don’t use a humidifier, you can boil a pot of water on the stove, allowing the moisture to seep into the air. Add a few drops of essential oils or bundles of herbs to release a pleasant aroma too.

Use Fabric Softener on Blankets and Bedding

Fabric is a primary source of static electricity, whether it be your clothing, upholstery, or carpet. As we mentioned, when fabrics rub together, that friction is what causes static. So, use a fabric softener paired with dryer sheets to reduce static.

For furniture and carpets, you can rub a dryer sheet over the surface to pick up any static cling. It may also help eliminate loose dust since static attracts dirt and dust.

Clean Your Floors

Dust and static go together like peanut butter and jelly. Keeping your floors tidy and clean will reduce dust and, in return, minimize static electricity.

P.S. Learn how to clean laminate floors or how to clean wood floors the right way.

How To Get Rid of Static on Clothes

Did you know that synthetic fibers will build up a static charge faster than cotton? The next time you go shopping, opt for cotton clothes.

Fabric Softener

You can also get rid of static on clothes by using a high-quality fabric conditioner in the wash and tossing a few dryer sheets in the dryer.

The Downy Wrinkle Releaser is an anti-wrinkle and anti-static spray that works well, and you can simply spray it on your clothes post-wash.

Moisturizer

Though not directly related to the clothes themselves, applying body moisturizer may also prevent clothes from rubbing against your skin and creating those unwanted zaps. Moisturize your skin after you shower or as part of your morning routine.

Dryer Sheets

Circling back to dryer sheets, these handy smell-good sheets are amazing at getting rid of static cling on clothing. Take a single sheet and run it over your clothes, making sure you rub the sheet over your arms and legs if you are wearing long-sleeves.

Real Cleaning Services

Ready to experience what a truly clean house feels like? Our team is professionally trained to ensure only the highest-quality cleaners step foot into your space. We are also insured, so that means you can rest easier knowing your space is protected while we work.

Whether you need a one-time deep clean for your home or a thorough office cleaning, we get our hands dirty in it all to give your space a real clean. Request a quote today to gift yourself a fresher environment tomorrow.