What causes static electricity on clothes?
Quick answer
Static electricity builds up on clothes when different fabrics rub together and electrons move from one material to the other. One fabric becomes negatively charged and the other positively charged, so they stick together. It’s worst in dry air, because moisture normally lets the charge leak away.
Rubbing moves electrons
When two materials touch and separate, some electrons, the negatively charged particles in atoms, jump from one surface to the other. This is called the triboelectric effect (from Greek tribein, “to rub”). Learn more about electrons in which part of an atom has a negative charge.
Opposite charges attract, so a negatively charged sock clings to a positively charged shirt.
Some materials give, some take
Scientists rank materials in a triboelectric series. The further apart two materials are, the more charge builds up.
| Tends to become positive (loses electrons) | Tends to become negative (gains electrons) |
|---|---|
| Human skin, hair | Polyester |
| Wool | Acrylic |
| Nylon | Polyethylene (plastic) |
| Silk | PVC |
Cotton sits near the middle, so it produces little static.
Why winter is worse
Humid air carries a thin film of water onto surfaces, which slowly drains charge. In cold, dry weather, and inside heated homes, that film disappears and charge builds up. The same is true in tumble dryers, where hot, dry fabrics tumble against each other.
That little shock
Walking across a carpet in rubber-soled shoes can charge your body to several thousand volts. When you touch a metal doorknob, the charge jumps across as a tiny spark. The current is very small and brief, so it’s harmless, if unpleasant.
Ways to reduce static cling
- Fabric softener or dryer sheets coat fibers with a slightly conductive layer
- Don’t over-dry clothes; take them out while slightly damp
- Add a few wool dryer balls
- Run a humidifier at home
- Wear more natural fibers like cotton
- Touch a metal object with a key before your finger to discharge safely
Lightning is static electricity on a giant scale; see what cloud causes thunderstorms.
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