Creating Anti-Static Spray

This instructable teaches you how to create a simple anti-static spray to help reduce the build up of a difference in charge on your robot. The static electricity that damages electronics is the same that makes clothes stick together. Here, we use generic fabric softener to make everything mildly conductive to the point where static charge differentials equalize and you do not get static discharge events (static shocks).

We have seen this in stores such as here and thought we could make it in appropriate sized batches with things we have around the house/shop ourselves.

Step 1: Step 1: Gather the Materials

You will need:
1 TBLS Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)
1 TBLS Fabric Softener
8 oz. Water
1 Spray Bottle

The fabric softener is used to make everything mildly conductive (the same way it makes your clothes not stick together). the Isopropyl alcohol is used to make the fluid evaporate quickly.

Step 2: Step 2: Water

Start out with about 8 oz. of Water. Water helps to dilute the solution.

Step 3: Step 3: Isopropyl Alcohol

Measure out 1 TBLS of Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) and add it to your spray bottle. The alcohol helps the solution to evaporate more quickly.

Step 4: Step 4: Fabric Softener

Add 1 TBLS of Fabric Softener to reduce the static.

Step 5: Step 5: Mix and Spray

Mix the solution with an implement or by shaking the container (Put on the lid first.) Spray onto a microfiber towel and rub on areas of plastic on your robot to reduce the build up of a difference in charge.

Comments

[kmblue50]

Does this work on metal and non clothing parts? Also can this be used like endust product on dusting mops?

[the making faset]

I have a printer, that gets soooooooooo dusty! I hope this works

[BobbiV1]

I am lookign for something to cleaner mirror trays and chrome type lamps. I am a house cleaner and my customer bought these things and when finished cleaning the dust goes right back on them! Do you think this will work or do you have any suggestions on products! It drives me crazy when I finish cleaning them and the dust goes right back on! I saw some cleaners on amazon and they want between $50 and $100 dollars for them! I know when there were the old fashioned TV screens there used to be a cleaner out there but I can't find it! I found a few bottles on amazon for plastic glass cleaners, I am not sure if they will work but I will try! I heard if you rub a bounce sheet on it to clean but it just streaks! Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[KevinM]

Could this be sprayed on a plastic toolbox to avoid static buildup, to avoid damaging electronic components?

[Cougar Robotics]

Yes but beware that it will wear off. If you are using it on a long-term storage solution, you will need to re-apply the spray. We used it on plastic robot components to avoid static buildup while running.

[KevinM]

Thanks. :) I'm going to keep looking, but I'll keep this one in mind.

[ShawnL29]

Can I make anti static peanuts with it?

[kainoz]

I have made this several times and have modified to suit.

I use 230ml tap water 30ml isocol (rubbing alcohol) and 15 ml liquid fab softener .

the 30ml of isocol makes the spray dry much faster ideal for clothing, which is what it is used for in my house. Excellent for poly gym wear etc. and much cheaper than pre bottled stuff. wife was buying bottles (150ml) for $7, got the 200ml fab soft and isocol for $15 make three bottles each time and have used very little over a dozen bottles. worked out around 75c per 150ml.

[dexusno]

I'm thinking about making this concoction to spray on hanheld game screens and also cd's and dvd's, to make them gather less dust.. Any experience here? I know anodized water is another anti-static sprayer that works good.

[Cougar Robotics]

We have never tried it on screens or CD's/DVD's. Good luck!

[craftyv]

Thanks a lot great tips. I'm currently looking for anti-static brushes (not sure really) for keeping my computer dust free. Can I spray it on a soft brush let dry and then use? Any ideas please????

[Adrenaluge-]

I have made dog beds and camping beds using Styrofoam peanuts. The peanuts do have the static problem and would make these projects completely impractical...if it were not for this a fabric softener 'anti static'. I make and use something similar but a bit heavier on the softener due to the very high surface area involved on large quantities of peanuts. I also use a mister nozzle so that the peanuts get good coverage with less water that needs time to evaporate. I also have tried tossing a mesh bag of(treated) peanuts into the clothes drier(low heat or the styro loses some sponginess). You can also toss in a wash cloth dampened in the solution, for just a few minutes. Either way works well.

Northwest is a moist climate so not too much static problems. How this would work in Arizona???...cannot say. I learned about non static sprays from my time screen printing electronics. Common sense carried it over(but with a non-allergenic spray)when I started making the beds. I am an avid camper but I GOTTA have good sleep wherever I go. Peanut beds are super comfortable!

[rimar2000]

Do you know what drug the softener contains? Maybe the label says. I don't live in USA.

[Cougar Robotics]

Let me start with an explanation (and I have updated the instructable to say this): the static electricity that damages electronics and the static that makes clothes stick together are the same thing. This said, fabric softener is mildly conductive (preventing clothes from sticking together) and prevents the buildup of static differentials which lead to static discharge events (static shocks). The fabric softener is used to make the surface conductive and the alcohol makes it evaporate quickly.

[rimar2000]

Thanks for your response. I am thinking to use your idea to manage HHO gas, it is dangerous when there are static charges that could produce a spark.