What to do if clothes generate static electricity

　　When winter comes, when you take off your sweater, it crackles, when you touch the door handle, you get an electric shock, and your hair flies up with your clothes - this is all caused by static electricity. Not only does it make people feel uncomfortable, but it also easily absorbs dust and affects the image. So what should you do if your clothes become static? In fact, the solution is not complicated. The key is to start from the "source". The following simple and practical tips can help you say goodbye to static electricity troubles easily.

What causes static electricity in clothes

　　1. Friction produces charge transfer

　　When clothes are put on and taken off or during daily activities, fibers of different materials rub against each other, causing electrons to transfer from one substance to another, making the clothes electrostatically charged. In particular, tight clothing rubs against the body more frequently, charges accumulate quickly, and dust is easily absorbed and the skin adheres to other phenomena.

　　2. Dry environment reduces charge release

　　In winter, the air humidity is low (usually less than 40%), and charges are difficult to dissipate through water vapor conduction and tend to accumulate on the surface of clothing. In a dry environment, the fiber itself has poor electrical conductivity and the charges cannot be neutralized quickly, causing static electricity to be more obvious than in other seasons.

　　3. Differences in electrical conductivity of clothing materials

　　Synthetic fibers such as chemical fiber, polyester, and nylon have poor electrical conductivity and tend to store charges after friction.； Natural fibers such as cotton and wool have strong hygroscopicity and good electrical conductivity, and are less likely to generate static electricity. The higher the proportion of synthetic fibers in clothing, the greater the probability of static electricity.

Solutions to static electricity on clothes

　　1. Increase ambient humidity

　　Use a humidifier indoors to maintain the air humidity at 50%-60%, or place clean water or green plants next to the clothes to help conduct electricity through water vapor. You can also wash your hands before putting on and taking off clothes, moisten your hands and then touch the clothes lightly to help release static electricity.

　　2. Choose clothes made of natural materials

　　Give priority to clothing made from natural fiber fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool, and reduce the number of synthetic fiber materials. If the clothing contains synthetic fibers, it can be paired with natural fiber underwear to reduce charge accumulation during friction and reduce static electricity generation from the source.

　　3. Add softener when washing clothes

　　Add fabric softener during laundry. Its ingredients can form a protective film on the fiber surface, reduce the friction coefficient and reduce charge transfer. You can also dilute an appropriate amount of white vinegar and pour it into the rinse cycle. White vinegar can neutralize static electricity on fibers and make clothes smoother.

　　4. Eliminate static electricity before putting on and taking off

　　Before putting on and taking off clothes, wipe the surface of the clothes with a wet towel, or gently sweep the clothes with a metal clothes hanger. The conductivity of metal can quickly discharge the accumulated charge. You can also touch grounded objects such as walls, metal doors and windows with both hands to release the static electricity you carry.

　　5. Avoid over-drying clothes

　　High-temperature drying in the dryer will aggravate fiber drying and increase the probability of static electricity. It is recommended to dry the clothes naturally, or put a wet towel in the dryer before taking it out after drying, and run it for 5 minutes to allow the clothes to absorb a small amount of water and reduce static electricity.

Winter health tips

　　1. Nourish yin, moisturize and regulate diet

　　The climate in winter is dry, and problems such as dry mouth and skin are prone to occur. You can eat more yin-nourishing and moistening ingredients such as pears, tremella, and lilies, and drink them with boiled water of red dates and wolfberries. Reduce the intake of spicy and fried foods, and ensure you drink 1,500 ml of water every day to maintain body water balance.

　　2. Keep warm, protect the sun and prevent cold

　　Follow the principle of “warm your back, warm your waist, and warm your feet” and wear a hat, scarf, and gloves when going out to prevent your back and waist from getting cold.； Soak your feet in warm water around 40℃ for 15 minutes before going to bed to promote blood circulation. Keep the indoor temperature at 18-22°C to avoid colds caused by excessive temperature differences.

　　3. Moderate exercise to strengthen physical fitness

　　Choose gentle exercises such as indoor yoga, brisk walking, and Tai Chi, 3-4 times a week, for about 30 minutes each time, to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise in winter that depletes Yang Qi. After exercise, wipe off sweat and change clothes in time to avoid catching cold in the wind. Through exercise, you can enhance your immunity and resist the severe cold.

　　Therefore, prevention is more important than treatment. It is recommended to choose natural materials such as cotton, silk, and linen for close-fitting clothing, and wear less chemical fiber clothing to fundamentally reduce the generation of static electricity. Remember: to deal with static electricity, hydration is the key and preventing dryness is the foundation. By mastering these few tips, you will be "stable" all winter long and no more "calls" will come.