How to Get Rid of Static in a Car
Static electricity can be a nuisance anytime, but is particularly annoying during the cold winter months when indoor heating decreases the humidity in the air and causes static. It seems to be more apparent when getting in and out of your car and can be dangerous at the gas pump. The most effective way to get rid of static in your car is to get rid of it on your body and from your car seats.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum jelly or glycerin
- Vinegar
- Plastic spray bottle
- Liquid fabric softener
- Car keys
Instructions
-
-
1
Moisturize your skin after showering with petroleum jelly or pure glycerin mixed with a little water. Dry off with a towel, but leave your body slightly damp and moisturize the whole body. Allow the moisture to absorb before putting on your clothes. You should also do this a few times a day only on your hands, because frequent washing will dry out the skin of your hands and make them more prone to static buildup. You can buy both items at drugstores or at a discount store. Moist skin is less likely to have static buildup. Glycerin and petroleum jelly are inexpensive, yet just as effective as costly moisturizers.
-
2
Mix 1 tsp. of liquid fabric softener and 1 qt. of water into a clean spray bottle, as suggested by the Electricity Central website. Spray this lightly onto your car seats and carpeting every few days to cut down on its conductivity and to increase humidity in your car. Just five or six squirts should cover the seats and floors.
-
-
3
Hold your car keys and touch them to the metal part of your car before entering it. The spark may still occur, but it will not shock your fingers.
-
4
Touch the outside metal shell of your car as you exit the vehicle. This will prevent shocking from static electricity.
-
5
Add about ¼ cup white vinegar to you rinse cycle. This will soften your clothes, leave them smelling fresh and reduce static cling
-
6
Wear cotton or natural fibers, as suggested by the Care2 website. This type of fabric is less likely to have static cling.
-
7
Use liquid fabric softener in your wash load or softener sheets in your dryer. These will cut down on static cling. in your clothes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid getting into your car while you are filling up your gas tank, according to the Hamilton County Environmental Services website. It could cause static buildup. Thus, when you next touch the gas tank nozzle, it could cause an explosion, although it is rare. If you must get back into the car due to inclement weather, discharge the static buildup by touching the metal shell of your car before handling the gas nozzle.
References
- Photo Credit Luxury Car sportscar from my luxury car series image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
