What is static electricity, and why does it matter? Considering the heftiness of that question, we’ll start off with the basics. Have you ever experienced that horrifying moment when you realize your skirt has slid up your leg and stayed there, awkwardly clinging to whatever it can? Has your shirt ever clung to your body so tightly that you look like you’ve been sucked into a vacuum sealer bag? Have you tried sweeping up all the pet hair on your couch, only to have it disperse as quickly as you swept it? If so, keep reading. This one’s for you.
What is static?
You might remember running around as a child with a balloon in hand, rubbing it on your head to see if it would stick to your hair, or trying to make it stay attached to the walls in your house. This fun little phenomenon is known as static electricity– both a terrifying and awesome force of natural physics. Terrifying, for example, if you’re out in an open field during a thunderstorm. Awesome, however, if you’re a kid running around your house with a balloon.
Static electricity is caused by friction between two “insulators” (non-metals), when electrons are transferred from the surface on one object to the other. In case you were busy doodling or giggling with your friend during middle school science class instead of listening to your teacher (we’re all guilty of this at one point or another), here’s a little refresher for you.
How to Make your Own Static Guard
If static’s got you down, you’ve come to the right place. Static frequently plagues clothing and furniture on a daily basis, and sometimes, the only cure is static spray. Thankfully, there are many options for static spray, and there are even a few tools to help you along the way.
In some cases, it’s easier to DIY than to buy– and this is one of those cases. As long as you have a spray bottle on hand, you’re ready to go. There are a few different ways you could go about making your static spray, two of which are listed below.
Method 1:
2 Tbsp liquid fabric softener
1 cup water
Mix fabric softener and water in spray bottle and shake well before using.
Method 2:
1 cup witch hazel extract
5 drops lavender essential oil
Add witch hazel and essential to spray bottle and shake well before each use.
Both methods work on clothing and furniture. To use, shake the bottle before each use. Hold the bottle anywhere between 6-12 inches away from your garment or material, then spritz the area.
If you’re dealing with pesky pet hair clinging to your couch, chairs, or other furniture, spray the area before using the Fluffy Pets Brush (portable version available here) to collect all of the unwanted fur and remove it from the material.
What to Buy
If you do choose to buy your static guard rather than make it yourself, these are the products we recommend. Be careful if this is the route you take– many commercial static guards contain harsh chemicals that are detrimental to you and your home.
- Static Ex: natural and organic
- Sprayway: Amazon’s choice
- Static Schmatic: all-natural, toxin-free
- Tom & Sheri’s: Plant-based, travel-size
- Static Guard: the original
Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.