How to Get Rid of Static in the House
Static electricity buildup is harmless but can be frustrating to live with in a house. When you are going about your daily business running out the door, petting your cat or turning on a reading lamp, static can cause an unexpected and slightly painful zap. When you find the kids ducking for cover when you reach out for a kiss, or your cat hiding under the bed to avoid your touch, you know it is time to take serious measures to get rid of static. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use a humidifier to get rid of static. Dry air allows carpets and textiles to accumulate static charges. Keeping a humidifier running will prevent the atmosphere from becoming conducive to static electricity buildup.
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Turn on your heater. Warm air will reduce static electricity buildup. The cold winter air is notorious for being dry. Even if you don't plan to be home, set the temperature control on your heater to keep your rooms from getting too cold to prevent static charges.
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Avoid synthetic fabrics, which promote the buildup of static charges. If you have been having trouble with static electricity in the home, try wearing natural fibers for a few days, such as cotton or wool, to stop static shocks.
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Place dryer sheets in the dryer when you are doing your laundry to get rid of static charges in the fabric. Don't let your laundry continue to tumble in the heat after it is dry; remove it as soon as it is ready to come out.
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Wipe everything down with dryer sheets. These are made to reduce static electricity in your laundry, but can also reduce static elsewhere. Dust all of your furnishings, drapes and appliances with a dryer sheet. If your carpet is the culprit, give the surface a quick wipe with a dryer sheet. You can even wipe yourself, your hair and clothing down with drier sheets for a quick solution.
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Don't get wall-to-wall carpeting if you want to stop static shocks. If you are redecorating, use tile or hardwood floors in place of carpeting. Area rugs are fine as they can be removed temporarily if they are causing a problem.
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Use a static-reducing spray. You can spray these on your clothing, hair brushes, pet brushes, furniture, carpets, rugs, drapes, blankets, pillows and sheets to help eliminate some of the built up static charges surrounding you.
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References
- Photo Credit vandergraff image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
