When winter comes, I notice that I’m a lot more static-y. The worst is getting out of the car — I always get a shock when I’m closing the door! What’s behind the “shocking” change?
I have the same problem — winter seems to be my time to give and receive a lot of those little static jolts. Basically, static electricity is caused by an imbalance in positive and negative charges in electrons, which are part of every single atom that makes up the universe.
The cause for the personal shocks is deceptively simple: dryness. Winter tends to be a dry season (although here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s usually pretty rainy and damp). It’s colder, so we keep the heat on. We pull out the sweaters, fleeces, and heavy coats.
When things are dry, you get more friction. That’s what starts up the static! All those layers of clothes, rubbing against each other (and your skin) can build up a charge. (And for the record, static electricity is around during the rest of the year, we just don’t notice it as much. Humidity in the air can help move electrons — the real cause of static shocks — away from your body faster so you don’t get stuck with a big charge.)
Some tips to help you reduce the friction:
- Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Dry skin can contribute to your static problems. Keeping yourself hydrated from the inside can help.
- Run a humidifier. That can help cut down on shocks inside the house.
- Run a dryer sheet over your clothes if you’re having a static-y day. I learned this trick from a friend back in high school and it does seem to help! There are commercial static sprays you can use, but I find that the dryer sheet trick works just as well — and leaves you smelling laundry fresh.
- Touch something to ground yourself before you touch something metal. If you’re always getting shocks from metal doorknobs, try touching the wood door first. That might help.
- Choose natural fibers rather than synthetics. Synthetics tend to pick up more of an electrical charge.
- There are actually conductive shoes available made for folks who work with electronics. Search for ESD shoes if you’re curious.
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