You sit down on your cozy couch or brush against your chair, and suddenly, ZAP!—you feel a sharp shock. Static electricity can be a surprising yet unwelcome guest in your home, especially when it builds up on your furniture.
But what exactly is static electricity, and why does it accumulate on the materials in your home? While we aren’t experts, we have learned a few things about furniture! Find out what causes this electrifying issue and how to eliminate it in this guide.
What is Static Electricity?
Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charge on the surface of an object. It happens when two different materials, like your clothes and your couch, rub against each other. This rubbing causes electrons to move from one material to another, creating an imbalance where one object ends up with extra electrons (negative charge), and the other loses them (positive charge).
When you touch something with this built-up charge, the electrons quickly move to balance things out, which can cause a small shock.
What Causes Static Electricity on Furniture?
Several factors can contribute to static cling on your furniture, including:
- Dry air: Static is much more common in colder months or in spaces with low humidity.
- Synthetic fibers and fabrics: Materials like polyester and microfiber are notorious for attracting static. They hold onto electrical charges more than natural fibers like cotton or wool.
- Friction: Any kind of movement—like sitting down and getting up—can create friction between your clothes and furniture. This friction may generate static.
Is Static Electricity Dangerous?
While static electricity is more of an annoyance than a serious danger, it can still be unpleasant. Frequent shocks can be irritating, especially if you’re lounging on your sofa or handling delicate items. Plus, static can cause dust and pet hair to cling to your furniture, making it appear dirty and harder to clean.
But don’t worry! Static electricity can be managed, and there are several effective ways to reduce or eliminate it altogether. Here are eight tips to help prevent static cling.
How to Get Rid of Static On Furniture
1. Increase Humidity
Dry air is a major cause of static electricity. If you live in a dry climate or it’s the winter season, your drier indoor air is likely contributing to the problem. Investing in a humidifier is a simple and effective solution. By increasing the moisture level in the air, you can help reduce the buildup of electrical charges.
Don’t have a humidifier on hand? Even small changes, such as placing bowls of water near heating vents or keeping houseplants throughout your home, can naturally add moisture to the air.
2. Wipe Down Furniture with a Damp Cloth or Paper Towel
Wiping down your furniture with a slightly damp cloth or paper towel can instantly neutralize electrical buildup and eliminate static cling. Just be sure not to oversaturate the fabric—you want it damp, not wet—since excessive moisture can damage some materials like leather or wood.
3. Apply Anti-Static Products
Specialized anti-static products, like sprays or wipes, are available specifically for furniture. These products coat fabric with a conductive layer that helps dissipate electrical charges. Use these products regularly to keep static electricity at bay, especially during dry seasons.
Rather not buy a new product? A quick and easy way to combat static is to make your own DIY anti-static spray for furniture. Mix one part liquid fabric softener with eight parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your furnishings. Fabric softener helps reduce friction and can prevent static buildup.
Note: Be sure to test anti-static sprays on a small, hidden section of your furniture first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
4. Rub a Dryer Ball or Dryer Sheet on the Furniture
This might be one of the simplest solutions to combatting static! Dryer sheets are designed to reduce static cling in clothes, and they can work just as well on your furniture. Simply take a dryer sheet and gently rub it over the surface of your couch, the blanket on your bed, or chair.
Similarly, a dryer ball can be used to achieve the same result. These static-attracting items can neutralize sparks. Plus, they leave your furniture smelling fresh!
5. Run a Metal Household Item Along the Furniture
This may sound a little unconventional, but it works! Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity, meaning it can help transfer and neutralize static charges. Run a metal object, like a wire hanger or spatula, along the surface of your furniture to help discharge static.
Do this gently and regularly, especially in dry weather or after vacuuming, which can increase static building. This simple tip for how to get rid of static cling is quick and easy, especially when you don’t have a humidifier, spray, or wool dryer ball handy. You likely have a metal hanger or object within reach right now!
6. Stay Moisturized
Believe it or not, dry skin can make you more susceptible to static shocks. Applying a good moisturizer regularly can help prevent that annoying zap when you touch the furniture. Look for lotions with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or glycerin for the best results.
7. Opt for Natural Fibers
If you’re working on winter home improvement projects, shopping for new furniture, or reupholstering your current pieces, consider choosing natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen. These materials are less prone to static buildup compared to synthetic fabrics like polyester or acrylic. At CORT Furniture Outlet, we offer a wide range of furniture with natural upholstery options, so you can find stylish, budget-friendly pieces that reduce static issues.
8. Keep Your Furniture Clean
Dust, pet hair, and other debris can contribute to static buildup on furniture. Regularly cleaning your sofa and furniture with a vacuum or a lint roller helps reduce the static charge. For fabric furniture, consider using a specialized upholstery cleaner to keep it in top condition while minimizing the risk of static.
Help Avoid Static Electricity with CORT Furniture Outlet
While static electricity might be harmless, it can still be annoying and surprising! Plus, it can turn a good hair day into a flyaway nightmare.
When you’re ready to revamp your space with fresh furnishings (and perhaps less static), your local CORT Outlet, both in-store and online, awaits you. We offer up to 70% off retail prices on gently used furniture, making it easy to find something new and exciting for your home.
But the savings aren’t the only thing you’ll love about CORT. All our furniture pieces are CORT Clean Certified™, a promise that your purchase has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Plus, all CORT Outlet pieces are CORT Certified™, meaning they’ve also been inspected by our experts to meet our highest standards for structural integrity and cleanliness.
Shop with confidence at your local CORT Outlet or online today.
