To prevent a nozzle from being clogged by suppressing the deposition of solid components in a discharge opening.

An aluminum web 11 is converted into a mat by using an electrostatic applicator 10. A discharge head 16 of the applicator is supported by an air actuator 36, and the position and orientation of the head 16 can be changed. The discharge opening of the head 16 is made to face the web 11 when the web 11 is converted into the mat. When the conversion into the mat is stopped, the orientation of the head 16 is changed to be downward while the application of voltage and the discharge of liquid are continued. When the head 16 is turned downward, the liquid in the discharge opening and its vicinity is dropped to be received by a liquid receiver 18. In this way, the deposition of the solid components of the liquid in the discharge opening is suppressed to prevent the nozzle from being clogged. Therefore, even when the conversion into the mat is reopened, the conversion into the mat can be done well.