My Microfiber Couch Has Static

Versatility

• Since its inception 30 years ago, microfiber has proven to be a versatile textile. It is both water repellent and water absorbent. Because of the versatility of this fabric, it has a vast array of uses, which also accounts for its popularity in the upholstery sector. The difference between microfibers, however, is the structure of the polymers used to construct the fabric and the balance of polyester to nylon.

Static Electricity

• Static electricity results in a mild shock, felt when a positively charged atom merges with a negatively charged particle. As far as microfiber sofas are concerned, dry human skin often acts as the positive charge while the material acts as the negative charge. If a positively charged human spends a lot of time moving around on other surfaces that build up static electricity, like carpet, when he sits down on a negatively charged microfiber surface, this results in a mild electron-static shock.

Microfiber

• Microfiber is designed to accommodate static electricity charges. In fact, it is a large part of the brilliance of the fabric. Charged microfiber doesn’t collect dust like other furniture might; it’s water resistant and absorbent all at the same time. If a microfiber sofa contains a consistent negative charge, shocking the owner to the point of repeat annoyance, she can bring the fabric back to a neutral charge by cleaning the fabric with water regularly or by making some simple changes to her environment.

Preventing Static

• Beyond cleaning microfiber surfaces with water to return them to a neutral charge, there are commercial solutions. Static guard sprayed on microfiber reduces static charges. Adding moisture and humidity to a room by employing a humidifier or vaporizer also reduces the static electricity buildup in the air. Bringing plants indoors may also help reduce static buildup, and even the regular use of hand lotion works to eliminate static electricity buildup potential on human skin accumulated from other surfaces.