Do you have a problem with static electricity in your home?
Many people do, and they often wonder if air purifiers cause it.
This blog post will explore the relationship between air purifiers and static electricity.
We will also discuss whether or not air purifiers actually cause static electricity and if there is anything that can be done to prevent it.
Let’s get started…

Do Air Purifiers Cause Static Electricity?
Some air purifiers can cause static electricity, while others don’t. It all has to do with how the air purifier works and what materials it is made of. If you are using an air purifier that uses negative ions to clean the air, it is possible that it is causing static electricity.
This is because the negative ions can attach themselves to dust particles and other pollutants in the air, making them heavier so that they fall to the ground.
However, not all air purifiers use negative ions to clean the air. Some air purifiers use ultraviolet light or ozone to kill bacteria and viruses.
These types of air purifiers will not cause static electricity.
Note: also that there are electrostatic air purifiers. This type of air purifier has electrostatic air filters that send static charges through the air to attract dust and other particles.
What Does It Mean When There’s A Lot Of Static In The Air?
Static charges build up when there is a lot of friction in the air. The friction between particles in the air produces positive or negative ions, which is what is called “static electricity.”
When there are a lot of static charges in the air, you may experience what is called “static cling.” This is when your clothes stick to your body because of the static electricity.
You may also notice that your hair stands on end when there is a lot of static in the air.
This is because the static electricity is attracted to your hair, which is made of a material that conducts electricity.
Static charge can happen when the air is very dry, such as in the winter.
It can also happen if you use an appliance that emits a lot of heat, such as a hairdryer or curling iron.
Using an air purifier that emits negative ions can also cause static electricity.
Can Static Electricity Hurt You?
Static electricity is often harmless.
However, if the static charge is large enough, it can cause a shock. Your body is composed mainly of water, which is a good conductor of electricity.
If the static charge is strong enough, it can cause an electrical current to flow through your body, which can be painful or even dangerous.
It is important to note that static electricity can also damage electronic equipment.
This is because the static charge can build up on the components of the electronic equipment and discharge suddenly, causing a power surge that can damage the equipment.
So while static electricity will not always hurt you, it is important to be careful around electronic equipment if there is a lot of static in the air.
How Do You Stop Static Electricity?
There are various ways that you can stop static electricity.
1. Use A Humidifier
This is one of the top ways to stop static electricity because it increases the air’s moisture, reducing friction.
2. Use Anti-Static Lotion Or Spray
This may seem like an odd way to stop static electricity, but it works.
Applying lotion to your skin creates a barrier that prevents static charges from building up.
3. Avoid Synthetic Fabrics
Wearing natural fibers such as cotton and wool will help to reduce static electricity because they do not create as much friction as synthetic fabrics.
4. Use A Metal Object
Touching a metal object, such as a doorknob, can help to discharge the static electricity from your body. You can use any other metal object that you have around the house.
5. Use An Anti-Static Dryer Sheet
Adding a dryer sheet to your laundry will help to reduce static electricity.
The dryer sheet will absorb the static charges as your clothes tumble in the dryer. You can also use fabric softener, which has a similar effect.
6. Add Some Baking Soda To Your Carpet
If you have static electricity in your carpet, you can sprinkle some baking soda on it and vacuum it up.
The baking soda will help to absorb the static charges.
Can Compressed Air Cause Static Electricity?
No, compressed air can’t cause static electricity. Static electricity is generated by friction; compressed air does not create friction.
However, if the compressed air is fast-moving, it can blow dust and other particles around, which can create static electricity.
So while compressed air cannot cause static electricity, it can contribute if there is already a lot of static in the air.

How Do I Know If There Is Static Electricity In The Air?
You can usually tell if there is static electricity in the air by the way your hair reacts.
If your hair stands on end or feels like it is being pulled, there is likely a lot of static in the air.
Another way to tell if there is static electricity in the air is by how your clothes react.
If your clothes stick to your body or each other, then there is likely a lot of static in the air.
Most importantly, if you are using electronic equipment and it starts acting strange, such as the screen flickering or the sound cutting out, that is also a sign of static electricity in the air.
Final Thoughts: Do Air Purifiers Reduce Static Electricity?
Static electricity can be annoying, but it is usually harmless.
If your air purifier does not produce negative ions, it might help reduce static electricity in the air.
However, if your air purifier produces negative ions, it could worsen the problem.
If you are concerned about static electricity, consider the tips above on how to stop static electricity.
Looking For Air Purifier Guides?
If you’re looking for more air purifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on air purifiers.
- Can You Plug An Air Purifier Into A Surge Protector?
- What Are The Top Air Purifiers For Pregnancy
- 5 Best Air Purifiers For Epoxy Resin
- Top 5 Air Purifiers That Have The Most Activated Carbon

(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.