Have you ever got a static electric shock? We know it is annoying, but what’s more bothersome is constantly getting it while vacuuming; it makes the process hard for you and leaves you frustrated.
If you can relate to this, you must wonder why you get a static shock every time you use a vacuum cleaner.
While cleaning, you constantly move the hose and rub it against carpet, wood, concert, and other materials.
- The hose extracts dirt from the surface that rubs inside the hose, causing friction that builds up negative charges.
- As your hand is more positively charged than the hose, it sends some negative charges to your hand to neutralize it.
- As our skin is a poor conductor, you feel a static electric shock as the charge cannot disperse correctly.
Read further if you are sick and tired of constantly getting static shocks. This article will answer why you get static shocks while vacuuming. We will also discuss a few helpful ways to prevent it.
Why Do You Get Static Electric Charge While Cleaning?
Electricity has positive and negative charges. When these electrons pass through a bad conductor, it produces static electricity. Since our skin isn’t the right one, you feel a sharp, tingling sensation while vacuuming.
Static electricity is relatively harmless but can cause a sudden shock. Vacuum cleaning is all about constantly rubbing the hose on the floor to extract debris.
Once the dirt enters the hose, it also starts rubbing, causing friction that produces static electricity.
Once the cleaner sends its negative charges to your positively charged hand, you feel a sharp sensation in your body as your skin cannot help disperse the current.
5 Ways To Fix Static Electric Shocks While Vacuuming
The only way to prevent static electric shock while cleaning is to provide a suitable path for the static electricity to disperse without coming in contact with your skin.
Here are a few helpful ways:
1. Use Copper Wire
Copper is a good conductor that disperses electricity like a breeze. The nanostructure of copper is ideal for the electrons to travel without coming in contact with you. All you need to do is to use cooper wire in your vacuum cleaner.
- Unscrew the hose from the vacuum cuff and place a piece of copper wire inside it.
- Screw the hose back on the cuff and wrap the remaining piece around the pipe to secure it properly.
- Once you have placed everything back, please turn on the vacuum cleaner and check its performance.
- If you still encounter the same problem, add more copper wire until the issue settles down.
Always ensure to unplug your vacuum cleaner before starting maintenance or repair.
2. Use a Humidifier
Lack of humidity and a dry environment increases the chances of static electricity. That is why you get a more static shock in winter than in summer.
Water is an excellent conductor that helps the electrons travel without contacting your skin. You can use an air humidifier in your room while cleaning. The moisture and humidity won’t let the electrons touch your skin resulting in a smooth cleaning experience.
If you do not have an air humidifier, pour water over your heating system. Once the pot gets hot, it will start evaporating the water, providing a similar effect as the humidifier.
3. Replace the Hose
Placing the copper wire inside the vacuum cuff is efficient; however, it doesn’t work on all cleaners. The latest cleaners have a single-piece hose that makes wrapping the wire difficult.
If that is the case, replacing your hose and getting one similar to your vacuum cleaner is better.
The new hoses are lined up with copper wires, making them an excellent option for your appliance.
4. Use Static Free Clothing
Another clever way to prevent static electric shocks is to wear anti-static clothes while cleaning. You should avoid wearing wool, nylon, and polyester, as these materials are excellent conductors.
Always choose cotton or other anti-static materials to protect yourself from static shocks.
5. Replace the Appliance
If nothing is working on your vacuum cleaner and you are still getting static shocks, it is advisable to replace it.
Several static-safe cleaners are made with ESD-safe hoses and utensils in the market.
If your 3-wire power cord is plugged in, these efficient ESD-safe vacuum cleaners will securely drain the static electricity to the ground instead of contacting your skin.
Takeaway
Cleaning your house is a time taking chore, and what makes it annoying is getting static shocks while doing the job.
When the vacuum cleaner’s negative charge interacts with your hand’s positive charge, you feel a sharp sensation in your skin as it doesn’t exit the current.
The best way to overcome this issue is to use a good conductor around the vacuum cleaner to ensure a safe path for the electricity.
Wear leather shoes and anti-static clothes. Adding moisture in the room can also be a good way to prevent it.
