Static and dust

In detail

Rubbing two insulating materials together transfers electrons between them and leaves both carrying a static charge, and a charged surface attracts light particles electrostatically. That is why dusting a television screen, a plastic light fitting or a laminate shelf with a dry duster often makes it worse within the hour: the wipe removes the dust and charges the surface, and the surface then collects new dust from the air faster than it would have done untouched. A lighting manufacturer's cleaning instructions state the mechanism directly, prohibiting a dry cloth on plastic parts because static already built up on them attracts dust, and specifying antistatic detergents without alcohol instead. The practical rules follow. A slightly damp cloth dissipates charge as it cleans, which is why damp beats dry on almost every plastic surface. A microfibre cloth traps particles mechanically rather than pushing them around. Antistatic products work by leaving a very slightly conductive residue. And synthetic textiles in dry winter air charge readily, which is part of why dust settles more visibly at that time of year and why fabric conditioner is sold on reducing static.

Why

• Fabric conditioner is explained by Static and dust
• Dust is explained by Static and dust
• Household plastics is explained by Static and dust
• Dusting is explained by Static and dust
• Anti-static wand is explained by Static and dust