How to Eliminate Static Electricity

Sometimes you experience, clothes clinging to your body, hair standing on after removing a woolen cap, or putting on a silk shirt or even a shock when you touch someone, this is nothing but static electricity! It is actually the accumulation of electrical charges on surface of a material, which is probably a non conductor of electricity. As there is no flow of charge, it is known as 'static'. This usually involves two materials, one having excess of (+) electrons and one having excess of (-) electrons. This happens when these materials are pulled apart or rubbed together. Electricity produced by friction caused by pressing or rubbing of two objects against each other, leads to triboelectric effect, where the electrons from surface of one material are transferred on the other. Hence, the one losing electrons will have excess of (+) charge and the one who gains will have excess of (-) charge. Attraction, repulsion, sparks, or shocks are caused due to the buildup of electric charge due to friction.

How to Get Rid of Static Electricity

In Hair
Oily and straight hair are prone to this problem. To prevent this problem, all you need to do is use a good conditioner for your hair. Make sure you do not apply it to roots or over scalp. Another way is using a hair lotion, hairspray, gel or mousse on your hair. Make sure you take it on your palm and then apply it over hair, not over the roots and scalp. One of the ways to eliminate it from hair brush is to spray some water or hair spray on it. You can also wipe it with a dryer sheet available at general stores. You must keep your hair and the hair brush clean. Usually blow drying will lead to problem of flyaway hair, so if possible keep hair slightly damp.

In Clothes
All you need to do is use a fabric softer. Use a fabric softener for the last rinse and wring cycle in your washing machine. Use dryer sheets to prevent static charge in clothes, especially woolen, nylon and polyester clothes. You can place these sheets inside sweater or any outfits or garment bag. Dry skin can make clothes cling to your body, so apply a moisturizer. You can use the following remedy. During the last wash cycle, put ½ cup of vinegar or borax in the machine. Using outfits made of natural fabrics is the best idea, these do not have much problem like that in case of synthetics. Synthetic clothing usually clings to body, so wear a cotton layer in between your body and clothing.

In House
You just need to increase humidity in your house. You can simply use a humidifier regularly. Use an anti-static potion spray over your furniture and carpets regularly. Place dryer sheets in each pair of your shoes. Reduce the use of carpets in your house wherever possible.

To make your house static-proof, just opt for things that prevent the build-up of static charges. Using natural materials, humidifiers and skipping use of synthetic materials is helpful. Keep dryer sheets handy to avoid that irritating cling!