How to Avoid (Static) Electric Shock

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Easy ways to prevent static shock, like making wardrobe changes

Co-authored by Kamel Almani

Last Updated: July 26, 2024 Approved

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Changing Your Wardrobe

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Preventing Static Shock at Home

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Avoiding Static Shock in Public

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Static shock is the result of the redistribution of electric charges between different materials. While relatively harmless, static shocks can be annoying and slightly painful. Luckily there are a variety of methods you can use to reduce your likelihood of experiencing static shock, such as changing your wardrobe and altering your environment.

Ways to Stop Static Shocks

Wear cotton socks and shoes with rubber soles.
Stick with fabrics that are less likely to conduct electricity, like cotton.
Slip on an anti-static wristband.
Set up a humidifier at home.
Rub some fabric softeners on any carpet in your space.
Switch to cotton bedsheets.
Put on moisturizer before you go outside.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing Your Wardrobe

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1
Change your footwear. Static electricity is generated whenever two materials come into contact with one another.^{[1]
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Research source} Oftentimes, footwear scraping across fabrics and other surfaces generates electric shock. People tend to build up electrostatic charge when they walk around, but certain types of shoes can reduce the risk of shock.
- Rubber is a powerful insulator. If you have carpeted floors, or work in a carpeted office, wearing rubber soled shoes greatly increases your chance of experiencing static shock. Opt for leather-soled shoes instead.^{[2]
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- Wool is also a good conductor and can rub against fabrics to generate static charge. Try going for cotton socks over wool socks.^{[3]
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Be careful with certain fabrics. The type of clothing you wear can increase your risk of static shock. Certain fabrics are better at conducting electricity than others and should be avoided.
- Layering in general, even with similar materials, can increase the likelihood of static shock as materials with different electron charges can interact to produce static shock.^{[4]
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- Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, conduct electricity well. Limiting the use of such materials in your personal wardrobe can reduce risk of static shock.^{[5]
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- Wool sweaters and wool clothing in general, tend to produce a more static shock. Opt for cotton when possible.^{[6]
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Invest in anti-static wristbands. Some companies sell wristbands you can wear to reduce your risk of static shock. If altering your clothing and footwear does not work, this might be a wise investment.
- Static shock bracelets work using a process called passive ionization. The conductive fibers found in the bracelet will flow off the strings and into your wrist, reducing the voltage in your body, and therefore, the intensity of static shocks.
- Static shock bracelets are relatively inexpensive. They usually cost under $10.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preventing Static Shock at Home

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1
Humidify your home. Static shocks are more likely to occur in dry environments. Keeping your home humid can reduce your risk.
- Ideally, your home should be above 30% rh, or relative humidity. You can measure the humidity of your home by purchasing a humidity thermometer online or at a hardware or grocery store.^{[7]
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- Raising the air humidity to 40 or 50% rh can help reduce static shock. You should aim for this range.^{[8]
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- Humidifiers range in price. Large humidifiers, designed to work in a large space, can cost over $100. However, a humidifier for a single room might only be $10 or $20.
2
Treat your carpeting. Having carpeting at home instead of wood floors puts you at greater risk for static shock. Certain measures can be taken to make your carpet less conductive to static electricity.
- Rubbing fabric softener sheets over the carpet can prevent the buildup of static electricity but such methods do not have a permanent effect. Try repeating the process once a week.^{[9]
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- You can also place cotton rugs on areas of the carpet that you walk across frequently as cotton is less likely than certain fabrics to conduct electricity and cause static shock.^{[10]
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Adjust your bedsheets. If you're getting electric shocks in bed, adjusting your bedding might help.
- Opt for materials like cotton over synthetic fabrics or wool.^{[11]
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- Try not to layer sheets, as fabrics rubbing together can cause static buildup. If your bedroom is warm enough, you may be able to ditch your top sheet or blanket.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Static Shock in Public

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1
Moisturize your skin before going out. Excessively dry skin, especially dry hands, increases the risk of static shock. Always moisturize your skin before you go out.
- If you wear panty hoes or silk lining, make sure you moisturize your legs before getting dressed to go out.^{[12]
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- Keep a travel sized bottle of lotion in your purse or backpack in case your skin gets dry at work or school. Be especially careful to remember lotion during months, where dry skin is a common ailment.
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Take precautions shopping. Many people experience static shock when shopping. There are measures you can take to reduce the effect.
- When pushing a cart, hold onto to something metal like your house keys. This discharges any energy you build up walking before you touch anything with your bare hands.^{[13]
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- Wear leather soled shoes over rubber soled shoes when shopping, as the former are less likely to conduct electricity.^{[14]
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Avoid static shock when getting out of the car. Static shock is common in cars. There are ways you can avoid getting shocked when leaving your car.
- Sitting in the car generates electrostatic charges because of the constant friction and motion caused by the movement of the car itself. When you leave the seat of your car, you take some of this charge with you. Your body voltage ends up rising when you exit a car.^{[15]
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- The voltage discharges when you touch the car door, causing a painful static shock. You can prevent this by holding onto a metal part of the door frame as you leave your seat. The voltage will dissipate into the metal painlessly.^{[16]
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- You can also hold your keys before touching the car door, allowing the voltage to move to the metal in your keys without causing you any pain.^{[17]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you get rid of static on clothes?

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman.

Kamel Almani

Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Use a liquid fabric softener with antistatic properties. Then, hang your garments to dry instead of tumble drying them.

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Tips

Electric shocks are most common when the air is dry, which is often in the winter. Take extra precaution during this time of year.

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Hold onto your car or house keys, which may help prevent you from getting shocked.
Try putting polystyrene in your shoes so that you cannot get a static shock.

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