Home Humidifiers: Humidifier Care and Use

Posted on December 31st, 2008 in Information by Humidifier Guide

Why humidifier care? Humidifiers need regular care and maintenance. Because they continuously release water vapor into the air, they are apt to spread harmful bacteria into your room if kept unclean. Additionally the water receptacle has to be cleaned and changed often, lest it become a breeding ground for invisible household pests. Here are tips and advice on basic humidifier care and Use.
 
Use your humidifier only when it is needed. Excessive moisture in the air can cause mold, mildew and a host of germs to grow in your house. First determine the humidity level of your room using a hygrometer. Also there are clear signs of dryness in the air: sore throat, cracked lips, and furniture damage among others.

- Humidifier care should be done once a week during regular use.
Consult your doctor immediately if you believe you are having breathing problems caused by your humidifier.
 
- Always unplug the humidifier before cleaning it.

- When changing the water, empty out the water receptacle completely. Wipe it and dry it before refilling it again. No trace of the “old” water must stay there for too long.

- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for humidifier care.

- You can clean the humidifier with a solution of water and a little hydrogen peroxide, or even a solution of water and bleach. However if you use bleach or other strong cleansing agent, be sure to wash the humidifier receptacle several times. This will prevent harmful chemicals from being sprayed into the air.

- Do not increase humidity level above 50%.

- Keep warm mist humidifiers away from children and pets. They may cause burns.

- No matter what, if you see condensed water drops in your glass windows, turn down the humidifier. This means there is too much water vapor in the air. If the humidifier cannot be adjusted, turn it off for a while.

- Humidifier care also requires that you keep the room dry. No extra moisture would help since the humidifier is doing that already. If you spill water or something, turn down or turn off the appliance.

- If parts need to be changed, use only those recommended by the manufacturer. Not doing so may damage the humidifier, or void the warranty on it.

- When you know you won’t be using the humidifier for a long time, empty it out completely. Dispose of used parts such as cartridges and filters. Clean the whole appliance thoroughly and dry it before storing it in a clean, dry place.
 
 
Humidifier care is essential to keeping your home environment clean and safe. Follow these directions so you can have safer, happier times during the low-humidity season.

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