# Can oil prevent static?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-oil-prevent-static/798528>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 11, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-oil-prevent-static/798528 "2017-10-11T00:46:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Contemplation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\
**Post date:** [October 11, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-oil-prevent-static/798528/1 "2017-10-11T00:46:39Z")

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I know water prevents static, but if I were to rub oil into the inside of a hat, would it prevent static?  
Static as in static electricity, static shocks, static charges, static cling and etc.

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**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\
**Post date:** [October 11, 2017, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-oil-prevent-static/798528/2 "2017-10-11T01:25:58Z")

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Fabric softener is often paraffin (wax) so oil, so yes it would as that is one if it’s claims.