Five ways to avoid winter’s static electricity shocks (mobile)

1.)    Change your wardrobe

Our clothing can have a major effect on how static electricity is stored. Synthetic fibres such as polyester may encourage a build-up of electrical charges while natural cotton fibres are neutral in terms of static electricity. Wearing cotton socks is said to decrease static electricity build-up. Also settle for shoes with leather soles rather than rubber soles if you have a major problem with static shocks.

2.)    Divert static electricity

If you get static electricity shocks each time you touch the door handle, touch it with a metal key before touching it with your hand. Hold onto the roof of your car while getting out until both feet are on the ground. Look for ways to divert the static build-up before you come into direct contact with materials.

3.)    Increase the humidity in the problematic areas

Now that you know that dry air increases static electricity build-up, a humidifier would be a solution to the problem. Also try to keep your hands properly moisturised during the day.

4.)    Get an anti-static or grounding wrist strap/ band

If you are that serious about getting rid of the nuisance, then go big. Get yourself a wrist band that will earth you and divert the static build-up. A warning to those who start searching for these items on the internet: they can set you back anything from R50 to R500 and possibly more.

5.)    Treat furniture and car seats

This might be more of an expensive hassle than a solution, but if you are serious about getting rid of static electricity, try it out. Buy some anti-static spray to apply to your furnishings and car seats. If you can’t find any, rub the surface with fabric softener sheets or spray it with diluted fabric softener.