Static shocks!

Curry_Queen

Is there anything at all I can do to get rid of, or at least minimise, the number of static shocks I'm receiving everyday?

I've noticed it's particularly bad whenever I wear anything fleecy like my dressing gown, or wrap myself in my big fleecy blanket. I even thought maybe my indoor shoes were causing it, as they're rubber soled, but it happens even when I'm barefoot!

It's got to the point now that almost everything I touch I get a nasty shock from, even non-metal items. The poor cats are getting weary of me stroking them anymore as they always get a shock off me too. I even had to abandon the hoovering yesterday as I was getting constant shocks off it even through the plastic handle

I don't use fabric softeners, only vinegar, but that doesn't seem to solve it either. Is there anything else I could try?

RacyRed

That is interesting CQ, I've been getting loads of static shocks recently too, but only at work so it is obviously something there.

It is not just me at the office either, people are beginning to be reluctant to use some of the equipment as it can be quite painful if you have 3 or 4 shocks one after the other. I had thought it might be the carpets they have there, but am really not sure.

taplady

Hi CQ!
I too get lots of shocks especially from the car door.Also from other people.Am sure there's a scientific reason for it but it's beyond me! :rolleyes:
To stop them when I open the car door I pull my sleeve up over my hand before I touch the car and it seems to help!

Here's an explanation from my DS1:

Static shocks are caused when 2 Insulators (2 Items which do Not conduct electricity ie. A cloth and a plastic ruler) are rubbed together. The electronic particles (electrons) are brushed off from one item to the other which unbalances the charge on the item and so they try to escape. Because humans unfortunately DO conduct electricity we gain those electrons which gives us a static shock.
I'm not entirely sure how it happens from Metallic or electrical items but i should think its the same principal of gaining electrons from other items.

Hope this helps! :rolleyes:

sandymogs_2

I have the same problem myself I found this http://homepages.pavilion.co.uk/jeremys/home.htm#nuisance
and this
http://www.school-for-champions.com/Science/feedback.cfm?topic=Static+Electricity+Shocks

wigginsmum

We've had the same problem just this weekend - the cats are cringing.

ladygrey_2

I have this problem with my car
can't get out and close the door without it happening

Becles

I think some people are more susceptible to static than others. I can remember using a Van De Graaf (?) generator in physics that produces static. You had to stand on a plastic bucket to insulate yourself from the floor, then put your hands on the metal globe to charge yourself up. It had little effect on some people, but I used to soak up loads. All my hair would stand on end, and I could light bunsen burners by pointing my finger at them. The static would spark against the metal and light the flame :eek: :rotfl:

I've always had static shocks off things, and often I can hear it crackling when I brush my dry hair. I was dusting the TV screen the other day with a tissue, and the dog sniffed my other hand and he got a big static shock up his nose :rotfl:

Curry_Queen

sandymogs wrote:

I have the same problem myself I found this http://homepages.pavilion.co.uk/jeremys/home.htm#nuisance
and this
http://www.school-for-champions.com/Science/feedback.cfm?topic=Static+Electricity+Shocks

Some very interesting facts in those links, especially the second one, so thanks for that :T

So basically, I need to start wearing a metal thimble, only wear 100% cotton clothing, get some houseplants and walk around barefoot all the time :rotfl:

It's interesting to read that it gets worse in dry winter weather though and although I knew that weather played some part in it,I always thought it was indicative of an electrical thunderstorm on it's way.

Racy, have you got photocopiers in your office? It says that these are a very high source of static shock so maybe that's what is causing the problems at work, as well as a dry atmosphere if the heating is on constantly.

Curry_Queen

I remember doing that experiment in physics Becles, and I too had the same effect LOL! Interesting you should mention hair, as normally I don't get much, if any, static in my hair ... until I dyed it last week that is :eek: ... now I have to keep it tied back otherwise it's constantly stuck to my face and driving me crazy!!! I don't know whether there's something in the dye I used or whether it has caused it to become drier or something, but it's certainly got a lot worse

moggins

I keep getting them off the car too lately, I've been thinking of investing in some rubber driving gloves

nicki_2

I've been having problems with static shocks lately as well...maybe it's the weather? OH was not amused when everytime he came near me I gave him a shock :rotfl: The biggest one came when he tried to pinch my bum as I got out the car, thankfully DD wasn't in the car at the time becuase he would have made a sailor blush with his language :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I've recently bought new running shoes and that seems to have helped alot but I still have no idea whats causing the shocks for me.