Static cling

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Static cling is the tendency for light objects to stick (cling) to other objects due to static electricity. It is common in clothing but occurs with other items, such as the tendency of dust to be attracted to, and stick to, plastic items.

Cause and prevention

In clothing static cling occurs from static electricity usually due to rubbing as in a clothes dryer (the Triboelectric effect). It is especially noticeable when humidity is low allowing static electricity to build up. Certain substances can reduce this and are often included in fabric softener and dryer sheets. Antistatic agents make the surfaces slightly conductive, which reduces or prevents the static charge buildup. (Diluted fabric softener is sometimes sprayed on carpets as an inexpensive way to reduce static discharge.)^{[citation needed]}

In advertising

Advertisers in urban areas, eager to use guerilla marketing techniques, have turned to static cling as a distribution medium. In an advertising campaign for MSN, Microsoft's online service, thousands of butterflies resembling the MSN logo were affixed to surfaces in New York City and held there with static cling.^{[citation needed]}