How to Avoid a Static Shock From a Couch

Controlling static shock on your couch can make the difference between getting zapped by electrical charges while lounging and relaxing shock-free. Static electricity occurs when two different materials composed of positively- charged protons and negatively-charged electrons touch and separate. The movement between the materials can cause a transfer of electrons onto one of the materials, particularly during dry weather, triggering static shock. Static builds up on certain materials that are good conductors of electricity, such as synthetic fibers and metal. You can decrease the incidence of static shock by treating your couch, clothing and the air in your home.

Anti-static lotion
Natural-fiber clothing and shoes
Anti-static spray or fabric softener sheets
Humidifier
Plants

Instructions

- 1
  Moisturize your skin, particularly your hands with anti-static lotion available at electronics stores. Static shock can occur when synthetic materials, such as polyester come into contact with dry human skin.
- 2
  Wear natural fiber clothing and shoes made of materials, such as cotton, wool or leather, or arrange a cotton or wool blanket between yourself and the couch when lounging. Natural fibers do not conduct electrical charges as well as synthetic fibers do.
- 3
  Spray an anti-static product on your couch or rub the couch down with a fabric softener sheet, as a temporary solution. Test the spray on an inconspicuous area of your couch to make sure there is no discoloration before using it on visible cushions and pillows.
- 4
  Raise the humidity in your home to 50 percent relative humidity, using a humidifier. Keep plants in the room that the couch is in to increase the humidity because plants take in water and release it into the air as water vapor, adding moisture. Moist, humid air decreases the conductivity of electrical charges, reducing static shock.

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