Due to the hot, dry, and dusty weather, you may be experiencing static electricity in your home. Twitter user Wallace Kantai recently posted about the phenomenon of static shocks plaguing homes in recent weeks. He further added that it increases the risk of nosebleeds and dry eyes. Therefore, you may need to get rid of static in your home to remain healthy.
The problem with static electricity is how it can make clothes stick together. It can also make touching certain objects painful. Furthermore, if you have a long hair pet, you can notice some zaps when it rubs against you or walks over fabrics. You may also notice your skin gets drier faster and your lips cracking.
Static electricity is the buildup of an electrical charge on the surface of an object. Electricity is released as a shock when it touches another differently charged object.
Why does static electricity increase in dry weather?
Static increases when the air gets dry. The moisture present in the air is a natural conductor. As a result, all static energy is earthed in the humid air. When humidity is lower than 40%, more static electricity is generated. For instance, static energy is discharged before you touch something if the air is humid.
When the air is dry, there is nowhere for the energy to go. Therefore, the energy is discharged through the surface and your hand. You may also notice sparks. Furthermore, objects and surfaces are less likely to hold static energy in humid conditions.
How do you get rid of static electricity in your home?
1. Humidify your air
The easiest way to do this is to add humidity to your home. You can purchase a humidifier to add moisture content to the air. If you can’t get one, boil water on your stove and do not cover the pot. As the water evaporates, it adds moisture content to the air. You can also add essential oils or herbs to improve the scent of your home. To be safe, don’t leave the pot unattended.6 Ways To Make A Natural Humidifier At Home
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2. Use fabric softener
If your carpet is a source of static electricity, mix some fabric softener with water and spray some on the surface. Furthermore, you can rinse your clothes with a fabric softener while doing laundry to reduce the chances of static buildup. You can also wear more natural fabrics such as cotton and avoid polyester blends to reduce static.
3. Keep your floors clean
Dust increases static energy. When dust particles rub together, they build up an electric charge. Furthermore, when the dust carries negative and positive charges, they get attracted to other objects that have opposite charges. Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors help reduce static buildup.
4. Keep more houseplants
Plants increase humidity via evapotranspiration. Spider plants and jade plants are perfect for humidifying your house. Jade plants also moisturise the night air. Avoid succulents like cactuses and aloe vera. Ensure you find plants with wider leaves. Group the plants close together to increase the humidity. Lifestyle: Tips For Buying Houseplants For First-Timers
5. Moisturize dry skin
You can get static buildup from dry skin which is made worse by dry and hot weather so make sure you are using moisturisers. You can experiment to see what works for you and reduces the incidences of static shock. Make sure you especially take care of your fingers and hands. Natural Skincare Tips For Dry Skin
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6. Natural over synthetic fabrics
Some fabrics cause more static shocks than others. One of these materials is polyester. Try wearing more cotton or wool fabric – this includes bedsheets, undergarments and sleepwear.
7. Try different types of shoes
Some types of shoes can create static shocks so you need to experiment with what gives the most or the least shocks. Synthetic soles on a synthetic carpet are likely to cause shocks and rubber and leather are best for reducing static shock.
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