How to clean your humidifier
While humidifiers can have many health benefits, it’s necessary to clean them properly. A dirty humidifier is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can cause asthma and allergy flare-ups, flu-like symptoms, and even lung infections.
It’s important to clean your humidifier every three days. Here’s how to do it:
- Use distilled water: Tap water contains minerals that can cause unhealthy bacterial growth inside a humidifier. Distilled water contains fewer minerals and is the best choice for your humidifier.
- Change your humidifier water: Empty your humidifier tank and try to replace the water at least once a day.
- Use hydrogen peroxide: Clean your humidifier with 3% hydrogen peroxide to remove minerals in the tank. Make sure to rinse the tank after cleaning so chemicals don’t disperse into the air.
- Replace the humidifier filter: Make sure to replace your humidifier’s filter (if it has one) as often as recommended by the manufacturer, or more frequently if dirty.
- Clean and drain your humidifier before storing it: Make sure to empty and clean your humidifier before stashing it away for the summer.
Make sure to keep track of humidity levels
Overall, the environmental protection agency(EPA)recommends keeping the humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50%. Too much humidity can produce condensation that causes bacteria and mold, leading to respiratory problems and triggering allergy or asthma symptoms.
You can check the humidity level in your home using a hygrometer, which measures the moisture in the air. Often, these are built into humidifiers and look like thermometers.
Takeaways
Humidifiers can prevent sickness during drier winter seasons by reducing the spread of influenza. They can also help moisturize skin, assist with allergy and asthma symptoms, relieve congestion, and reduce snoring.
However, if your humidifier is not maintained properly, it can accumulate bacteria that can worsen allergy symptoms or cause sickness or infections. Therefore, make sure to clean your humidifier properly and monitor humidity levels to achieve these health benefits.
