Have you noticed that your lips are chapped and your throat is too dry when you wake up in the morning? One of the culprits forcing you to drink more and apply lip balm every time you drink is the air, specifically the dryness of it.
The moisture in your home can evaporate when the heater is on. Obviously, nobody would trade warmth for smooth lips in the winter (unless you have other priorities).
One way to maintain enough moisture in the air is with a humidifier. This is a tool that will keep your air humidity levels moderate.
This article teaches you how to use a humidifier the right way.
Humidity Setting
Your room air should have a perfect balance of moisture and humidity. There is no need to add too much humidity, so it is best to keep it below 50% but above 30%. If your humidifier doesn’t have a monitor, you can purchase a hygrometer. They are usually available everywhere for an affordable price.
If the humidity goes over 50%, it will create a favorable environment for bacteria to spread and mold to grow.
Water Quality
You want to breathe fresh air that isn’t harmful to you at home. The best type of water to use for your humidifier is distilled water. Distilled water is clear of minerals and bacteria. Consequently, it eliminates the possibility of your humidifier spreading unhealthy mineral particles.
Other reasons why you should consider distilled water are:
- It prevents mold growth
- It improves air quality at home
- It keeps the humidifier clean
Humidifier Maintenance
You cannot expect clean air if your humidifier is dirty. You need to regularly clean it and change filters if needed. Here are some tips to help you:
- Every time your humidifier finishes its work, make sure to dry the tank.
- The scale buildup can be emitted into the air so make sure to scrape it off. Use a water and vinegar mixture and spray it onto the scale.
Make sure to properly clean and dry your humidifier to avoid bacteria, molds, and chemicals being released into the air you breathe. You might not realize there is something wrong with your air until you get an irritated throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by humidifier users:
How often should I change filters?
There are some humidifiers that have filters. Ideally, you shouldn’t use the filters for a long period, but change them every few months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your humidifier doesn’t have filters, simply clean the tank and make sure there is no scale left.
Can I use a humidifier in a child’s room?
A humidifier that boils water and released hot steam may be considered a safety risk. Children might accidentally burn themselves. Cool mist humidifiers could be a more suitable option. However, you need to keep them clean at all times to eliminate harmful particles from being spread around.
Why is tap water not recommended?
There are better alternatives to tap water, such as distilled and filtered. Tap water contains dissolved minerals and solids that form a scale in your humidifier. When not removed, harmful particles can spread and enter your lungs.
Another reason why tap water isn’t a good option is that it can worsen air quality, and this is the opposite of what humidifiers are supposed to do. After some time running your machine with tap water, you may notice white “humidifier dust” on the surface.
Can I use tap water with a demineralization cartridge?
Yes, using a demineralization cartridge filters the tap water and removes harmful particles and minerals from it. As a result, you won’t experience white dust and won’t have to deal with scale.
Can I use bottled water?
Similarly to tap water, bottled water is not recommended. The reasons are the same. You will have to wash off the scale and clean your humidifier more often. The water from natural springs (as companies advertise it) does contain minerals and they might not be fully filtered.
Bottled water can be your alternative to tap water up until you purchase distilled water.
If there is mold on my humidifier, can I keep using it after cleaning?
In case of scale and mold, you should be able to clean it off and run your humidifier again. However, if heavy chemicals aren’t able to remove mold, it is best to change the device.
Mold tends to appear when there is too much humidity in the room. So, it is also a sign for you that the humidity level is too high and needs to be lowered.
Wrap-Up
Humidifiers are great for any cold or hot season when the air is painfully dry. All you need to do is turn your humidifier on and enjoy the moisture filling up your room. No more dry throat problems and your lips are about to regain their smoothness.
Follow these useful tips to keep your humidifier running smoothly and clean:
- Use distilled water (alternatively, you can use bottled water but only for a limited time).
- Empty and dry your humidifier before refilling it again.
- Clean it well if there is a scale buildup.
- Keep your humidity level at around 50% but not lower than 30%. Use a hydrometer to measure the humidity level.
