Tips against statically charged sofas. What you can do about it

Electrically charged sofa? Here's what you can do about it

Give your sofa get an electric shock from time to time? Then you've come to the right place. We'll show you why and how you can avoid electric shocks in the future.

Electrically charged furniture - what's behind it?

You're probably familiar with it: You sit down on the sofa and you get a wipe. These mini electric shocks can be quite unpleasant. If the whole thing happens in the dark, there may even be a visible spark. But why can furniture and other objects become statically charged in the first place?

There are several reasons for this.

• Dry air: A very common cause of static electricity is dry air. Normally, positive and negative charges can be balanced by the humidity in the air. However, as soon as the air is too dry, which is often the case in winter, this equalization can no longer take place and sparks can fly.

• Friction: In everyday life, friction often leads to static electricity. Friction is not only created when vacuuming the sofa, which can lead to small electric shocks, but also when you simply walk through your living room.
• Material: Whether something can become statically charged is of course also influenced by the material. Non-conductors are, for example, plastics or rubber. Synthetic man-made fibers, on the other hand, are more susceptible and therefore charge more easily.

Our tips against static charge

Of course, we know many useful tips on how you can prevent unpleasant sparks - so pay attention:

Use dryer sheets

Wiping the sofa with a dryer sheet is probably the easiest way to counteract static electricity. Dryer sheets are actually intended for the tumble dryer and give your laundry a fresh scent. However, as they also have an excellent effect against static electricity, they are perfect for a little "sofa rubdown".

Increase humidity

Have you ever noticed that your sofa gives you electric shocks, especially in winter? Static electricity can build up much better in dry heated air.

To increase the humidity in your home, you can use a humidifier, for example. But there is an easier way: a few plants in the room can significantly increase the humidity level in the air.

Sofas are usually particularly charged immediately after vacuuming. By slightly moistening your sofa with an atomizer, you can effectively counteract discharges and thus electric shocks

Antistatic sprays

Some upholstered furniture already has antistatic components incorporated into the fabric, but of course this is by no means the case for all upholstered furniture. Antistatic sprays are a super simple solution for anyone who wants to reliably remove any charge from their sofa.

Simply spray the sofa from a distance of around 30 cm and leave to dry. The sofa can then be used immediately and the electrostatic charge is history.

Make your own antistatic spray

You can also easily make your own antistatic spray. You will need the following:

• 1 spray bottle
• 1 teaspoon of fabric softener
• 1 cup of water

Simply mix fabric softener and water and you're ready to go. Shake the solution well before use. Even with the homemade spray, keep enough distance from the sofa to avoid stains.

Discharge charged surfaces with metal

Another tip that you can easily implement at home to unload your sofa: Grab a metal coat hanger or other metallic object and run it over the sofa surfaces. You will notice that even a little metal helps to rebalance the charges.

With these simple tricks, you can easily prevent electric shocks.

Want more tips?

• Walking barefoot prevents sparks. Electrostatic discharges are encouraged by rubber soles and socks. If you walk barefoot, however, no sparks can fly.
• Apply cream regularly. Dry skin is more likely to cause an electric shock. Especially in the winter months, you should moisturize your skin well.
• Add 50ml of baking soda to your washing powder to prevent static electricity.
• Fabric softener, dryer balls, a ball of aluminum foil or a damp washcloth in the dryer are also considered secret weapons against static electricity.
• Pay attention to the materials of your clothes. Cotton Natural fabrics or other natural materials are less charged than nylon or other synthetic fibers.

One thing is certain: with these simple tips and tricks, those annoying electric shocks no longer stand a chance. 😉

So you can enjoy your sofa again without any worries - and without any sparks.