What kind of water should you put in your humidifier: regular or distilled? Rules for operating the device

The level of air humidity greatly affects your well-being. During the heating season, air flows from radiators and electric heaters mercilessly dry out the already dry air. It’s difficult to be in such an atmosphere, hard to breathe and almost impossible to work, don’t you agree? People with colds and allergies suffer even more, as the irritated mucous surface of the respiratory tract and eyes becomes very sensitive to air quality.

Fortunately, these problems can be solved with the help of an ergonomic air humidifier, which quickly replenishes the amount of moisture missing in the microclimate. However, like any equipment, this device requires careful maintenance. High-quality water suitable for the device will not only extend its service life, but will also have a beneficial effect on the health of household members.

In this material, we will tell you what kind of water to pour into a humidifier, look at the types of this technique and the principles of its operation, and find out how to independently prepare an acceptable liquid for refilling at home.

Why is air humidity important?

Humidity is one of the key characteristics of indoor air quality. According to sanitary standards, the acceptable level of relative humidity in a room in the warm season is 30-60%, in the cold season - 30-45%.

For children, doctors recommend raising this value to 50-60%, since a young developing organism is more sensitive to air parameters. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of using a humidifier for your child.

To measure humidity, a special device is used - a hygrometer. However, purchasing it for home use is not entirely advisable. A much more profitable purchase would be a wireless weather station, which, in addition to air temperature and atmospheric pressure, also shows the level of relative humidity. Advanced models display information not only about weather conditions outside the home, but also analyze the microclimate in the room itself

The level of air humidity quite clearly affects the state of the body:

1. Excessively dry air becomes a companion to long-term respiratory diseases - the depleted mucous surface cannot resist viral or bacterial infection. Therefore, the recovery process is delayed, and undesirable symptoms in the form of a runny nose and cough manifest themselves even more clearly.
2. Low humidity makes breathing difficult . Due to lack of oxygen, dizziness and other ailments may occur. It is extremely difficult to concentrate on work in such an atmosphere.
3. Skin and hair are the first to suffer from dry air, losing their own moisture . The surface of the eyes also becomes dry, causing the person to experience discomfort.

Additionally, dry air can cause damage to wooden furniture, various finishing materials, musical instruments, and negatively affect indoor plants. During intensive operation of heating devices, the humidity level drops to at least 20%. To avoid these problems, you need to buy a suitable model of humidifier and fill it with high-quality water.

Positive and negative properties of aromatic oils

Even in ancient times, various ailments were treated with plant extracts. Nowadays, modern science has proven that these substances really have a beneficial effect on mental and physical health. The phytoncides contained in the essential product enter the bloodstream when inhaled, so they have an immediate effect.

Essences are especially useful if you need to restore the nervous system and put your mental and emotional state in order. Aroma oils added to a humidifier have a beneficial effect on:

• functioning of the respiratory and cardiac systems;
• appearance of hair and skin;
• brain function and ability to concentrate;
• the immune system, making the body more resistant to viral and bacterial infections.

For the most part, essential oil contains antioxidants that prevent premature aging and remove harmful carcinogens from the body. Therefore, plant extracts are often used as substances that optimize the functioning of the body and effectively fight many diseases.

However, do not forget about the negative properties of aromatic oils. An air humidifier that emits a rich herbal odor along with steam, in addition to a positive effect, in some cases also has a negative effect. Thus, the addition of natural flavoring can be harmful if the dosage is not observed and the extracts are mixed incorrectly.

What harm can aromatherapy cause?

Inhaling healing vapors can have a negative effect if:

tendency to allergies (you need to be especially careful when handling sage and thuja); bronchial asthma (an attack can be sudden, so you should consult a doctor before performing the procedure); pregnancy (special care should be taken when using rosemary, cedar, sage and basil); breastfeeding (the inhaled aroma with mother's milk will instantly enter the baby's blood, which can have a negative effect on a fragile body).

Also, people who have problems with the thyroid gland, kidneys or high body temperature should avoid the procedure during which a humidifier with aromatherapy function is used.

Ways to check air humidity levels

The best way to check is to use a hygrometer or weather station that reads information indoors.

However, if such equipment is not available, you can approximately calculate the humidity level using an ordinary glass of water .

The method of checking the air humidity level using a glass will not give specific percentages. However, in this way you can clearly find out whether the microclimate in the room is sufficiently humid

A glass glass must be filled with cold water and placed in the refrigerator so that the temperature of the liquid drops to approximately 3-5 degrees Celsius. After this, the container is installed in the room at the maximum possible distance from the heating radiators.

If the glass becomes covered with condensation that dries within five minutes, the humidity in the room is considered low. Average humidity is indicated by the persistence of condensation on the walls of the glass even after five minutes. If the glass is covered with small streams and drops, the level of humidity in the room is increased, there is no need to buy a humidifier.

What is distilled water and how to make it yourself

Manufacturers of most models of air humidifiers recommend using distilled water when operating them. What is this water and how can you prepare it yourself?

Distilled water is water that has been purified from various impurities of organic and inorganic origin.

The first group includes bacteria, viruses and various waste products of animals and plants, the second group includes various salts and mineral supplements. Such purified liquid can be obtained through a certain technological process. This process comes down to three main stages:

• preparation of ordinary water;
• distilled production;
• providing storage conditions for the manufactured liquid.

At the first stage, it is important to give the prepared water time to settle. In approximately 2 hours, hydrogen sulfide and chlorine compounds will be released into the atmosphere, and after another 5-6 hours, heavy metals will “fall to the bottom.” Thus, the required time for water to settle is approximately 6 hours. After this, you need to place a pumping tube in the container, placing one end of it on the bottom, and through the other, express the lower third.

The production of distilled water at home occurs through its evaporation. To do this, fill the enamel container with prepared water approximately halfway and place it on the stove. An oven rack is placed in the water, and on it is a glass or porcelain plate, covered with a lid on top. It is advisable to choose a dome-shaped lid, placing it with the convex part down.

After the water boils, its evaporation begins, to speed up this process, you can put something icy on the lid - pieces of ice, for example. Water vapor, reaching the cold lid, turns into droplets of already purified water, which flow down the lid and fall into a glass container. Thus, after a certain period of time, a sufficient amount of distilled water is collected.

In addition to this option, distilled liquid can be obtained from... rain. After all, rainwater itself is already purified.

Of course, this method is suitable for those who live outside the city. It is worth remembering that you should not collect the first drops of rain - they contain a lot of pollutants. The process itself boils down to the need to leave a sufficiently large container in the rain for two days. As a rule, during this time all minerals have time to dissolve in water. The container must be perfectly clean.

The finished water must be frozen in order to use it whenever necessary. To do this, take a suitable container, fill it with distilled liquid and place it in the freezer. The condition of the water must be checked periodically - it should not be completely frozen. Only ice is suitable for use; unfrozen water accumulates salts and chemicals and cannot be used. Ice is thawed and used where needed. In our case - to fill the capacity of the humidifier.

Types of humidifiers and their functioning

Manufacturers offer extremely ergonomic and functional models that work on slightly different principles. What exactly needs to be poured into the humidifier fundamentally depends on the type of equipment. There are several types of such devices currently available on the market.

Type #1 - steam humidifiers

Steam humidifiers evaporate water through natural heating processes. The liquid is brought to a boil and then turns into steam.

These are the most effective models, however, they are not without certain disadvantages, among which are:

• high energy consumption;
• the need to control the level of moisture.

However, some modifications can even be used as an inhaler if the kit includes a special nozzle.

The working principle of a steam humidifier is shown in the diagram above. The design may include a separate compartment for oils. This allows you to make the air not only more humid, but also fragrant. Additionally, some essential oils, such as tea tree, have antibacterial properties that can neutralize airborne pathogens

A significant advantage of such a humidifier is the device’s low demands on water quality, since any clean liquid is suitable for it: artesian, spring, demineralized or distilled. However, it is worth remembering that the generated steam will be inhaled by people, so you should not fill the humidifier with plain water from the public water supply.

Type #2 - cold type humidifiers

Traditional cold-type humidifiers require special cartridges that saturate the blown air with the necessary moisture. Such models are filled with liquid, which the built-in fan drives through the cleaning unit.

Cartridges are extremely susceptible to clogging, so distilled water, free of any impurities, must be used for them.

The diagram shows a cold-type humidifier device. In addition to the main components, the device can be equipped with an air ionizer, an additional antibacterial filter or even an ultraviolet lamp, which also fights microorganisms

However, the cartridge still requires regular replacement: on average, it is updated at least once a quarter. If you do not use distillate, the cartridge will partially remove impurities of heavy metal salts and make the water softer, but will quickly become unusable.

Type #3 - ultrasonic humidifiers

Ultrasonic models produce moisture due to mechanical vibrations on a special membrane. Water entering this unit is split into fine particles, which are carried away by the air flow generated by the fan. The process is carried out without heating, however, along with water, any impurities contained in the liquid are split into fractions.

Therefore, although the ultrasonic humidifier is extremely convenient and productive, the device remains the most sensitive to water quality. Only a distillate that does not contain minerals or unwanted metals is suitable for it.

We discussed in more detail the features of ultrasonic humidifiers, their pros and cons in this material.

The figure shows the structure of an ultrasonic humidifier. In addition to the membrane, the device may have additional cartridges and coarse water filters, which improve the quality of the generated steam

The most primitive and least demanding of water are spray humidifiers, which simply spray tiny drops of water into the air. Any purified water is suitable for them, but do not forget about its characteristics, since microdroplets will get into the lungs.

Another type of humidifier is equipment with an air purification function. We talked more about purifying humidifiers in our next article.

On what principle do the devices work?

Modern models of units use a combination of several humidification methods.

The standard equipment is as follows:

• The housing that houses the internal parts;
• A reservoir where you fill the humidifier with water;
• Replaceable internal filters (most often they contain silver ions);
• A device for heating or boiling liquid - most models use a special tube;
• Small fan with low power;
• Optionally, the devices are equipped with an ultrasonic membrane;
• A separate compartment (chamber) where steam is generated and then released;
• Ultraviolet lamp;
• Steam distribution device - a small atomizer with the ability to adjust steam flows.

The general operating principle of a standard humidifier looks like this:

1. After filling the tank with water, it is supplied in small portions through filter cartridges. This is the basic level of purification. Thanks to filters with silver ions, most harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can enter the human lungs through the air are killed.
2. Passing through a special tube - a heating element - water for air humidifiers reaches the required temperature for steam formation.
3. When boiling, steam appears, which, under the influence of pressure, moves into the vaporization chamber.
4. Through special holes in the steam compartment, a fan supplies fresh air into it.
5. During operation, the ultrasonic membrane constantly vibrates. Under the influence of waves, the liquid begins to evaporate into the air from the fan, thereby moistening it. Inside the device, constant air movement is ensured, due to which the enriched and humidified gas moves to the atomizer. Once air enters this compartment, it spreads throughout the room.

Important! The presence of an ultraviolet lamp, although not a prerequisite, will be a useful addition to the device. Ultraviolet radiation is concentrated inside the unit, so as air moves, it kills germs and bacteria that can harm the body.

Water requirements for a humidifier

As it becomes clear from the above, the degree of purification and demineralization of water suitable for a particular humidifier depends on its type. Most often, manufacturers indicate this information in the device data sheet or instructions.

However, if you plan to pour regular bottled water into the device, it is worth remembering that its particles will enter the body practically unchanged. If the quality of the liquid is poor, this can cause health problems.

Water has a lot of indicators, but for a humidifier the most significant is hardness.

There are two types of water hardness:

• temporary is characterized by the presence of magnesium and carbonate salts;
• constant - the presence of non-carbonate, for example, chlorides or sulfates.

Water with high temporary hardness forms a carbonate salt precipitate when boiled. This is what we see on the surface of pots and electric kettles after long-term use.

Scale on dishes is the main indicator of excessively hard water. You should definitely not use such a liquid for a humidifier.

Its softness directly depends on the temporary hardness of water. Constant hardness or calcareousness indicates the degree of mineralization of the liquid and characterizes its drinking qualities.

Temporary hardness can be partially reduced by boiling or freezing. Additionally, high temperatures will destroy viruses and pathogens. However, if your humidifier requires demineralized water, simply boiling it will not help.

Water hardness is calculated in degrees of hardness °W (°W = 1 mg-eq/l = 1/2 mol/m3):

• soft has indicators up to 2 °F;
• medium hard – 2-10 °F;
• hard – more than 10 °F.

Normal water hardness from a central water supply source should not exceed 7 °F, in some cases – 10 °F. However, already at a level of 4-5 °F, users will observe scale on dishes, a film on the surface of freshly brewed tea, stains on dishes, etc.

Therefore, you should absolutely not pour such water even into an air humidifier that uses undistilled water. The best solution for any humidifier is distillate.

Cold humidifiers

In such devices, air is driven by a fan through a special cartridge with humidification, which helps cool the air and saturate it with moisture. If you use regular tap water, the cartridge will quickly become clogged and will have to be replaced. Therefore, the water must be carefully filtered, preferably distilled. If this is not possible, you need to purchase cartridges that reduce the hardness of the water component.

Features of distillate preparation

In order not to constantly buy distilled water for a household humidifier, you can prepare it yourself. This distillate is suitable for all types of humidifiers and will be completely safe for household members.

However, the process is quite lengthy and does not make it possible to obtain too large a volume of liquid at one time.

To distill water at home, it is not necessary to use a special apparatus. A saucepan with a concave lid is perfect for these purposes.

To begin with, the water must be allowed to stand for 6-8 hours. During this time, volatile impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide and chlorine, will be naturally removed, and heavy metal salts will sink to the bottom of the dishes used. It is this lower layer of liquid that must be carefully pumped out with a tube, removing about a third of the water.

After this, the water is ready for the distillation process, which is carried out in the following way:

1. The settled water is poured into an enamel pan, the volume of which is twice the volume of the prepared liquid.
2. A grate is fixed above the surface of the water, on which a container is installed to collect the distillate.
3. The pan is covered with a concave lid, with the dome of the lid directed towards the collection container.
4. After this, the evaporation process itself begins. After boiling, the water is converted into steam, which, settling on the surface of the lid, turns back into water and flows into the prepared container.

To speed up the distillation process, it is better to constantly cool the surface of the lid.

Ice works great to cool the lid. After contact with a cold surface, steam is quickly converted into purified water

After preparation, distilled water must be cooled and frozen. Part of the liquid that does not freeze must be drained before use.

Water for ultrasonic models

It is recommended to fill the ultrasonic humidifier with distilled water.
The ultrasonic variety of household humidifiers is the most “capricious” among the known types in terms of the quality of the water poured into the container. At the same time, samples of this technology are distinguished by their manufacturability and high productivity. From the description of the principle of operation of the device it follows that this is the safest and most effective method of humidification, requiring additional costs and meeting a number of special requirements. First of all, they relate to the working fluid poured into the container.

For efficient operation of the device, it is recommended to use demineralized or distilled water. If this requirement is violated, you will have to frequently change the cleaning filter or cartridge, the cost of which on the market is relatively high. For users who are not ready to spend time and money selecting a liquid to fill into an ultrasonic device, it is best to abandon it and purchase a simpler steam device.

How to add water to a humidifier?

Filling the humidifier with water always follows the instructions for the device. If documents for equipment are lost, you can search for the necessary information online or on the manufacturer’s official website.

However, there are general principles for replacing water in the device that all owners should follow:

1. Any remaining liquid in the reservoir must be completely drained.
2. The water container is thoroughly cleaned and washed.
3. If there is scale deposits on the walls, it must be removed with a weak solution of vinegar.

Such measures allow you to maintain maximum cleanliness of the humidifier tank, on which the safety of using the device largely depends.

A dirty filter must be replaced, since continued use of a clogged membrane is harmful to health and can cause damage to the device.

If the container is not washed from dirt or mold, the humidifier must not be started. Spores and microorganisms from a humidifier can become airborne and cause certain diseases.

How to clean yourself

Let's consider cleaning several climate control devices from the Boneco company, with different humidification principles.
Cleaning the Ultrasonic Humidifier

To do this, the manufacturer recommends using a special cleaning composition, which must be diluted in warm water at the rate of 1 packet per 1 liter of water.

1. Drain all liquid from the device.
2. Pour part of the solution into the water tank, and fill the lower part of the humidifier with the second part of the remaining solution.
3. Clean the reservoir with cleaning liquid from various contaminants using a soft brush.
4. The bottom of the humidifier should just sit with the cleaning solution for a few hours.
5. After that, thoroughly rinse both the lower part of the humidifier and the reservoir with running water.
6. Assemble the device and remove any remaining moisture from its surface.

Cleaning an air washer is practically no different from cleaning traditional humidifiers. Let's look at cleaning the Boneko Air-O-Swiss 2055D device

1. Remove the water tank from the rear of the appliance.
2. Remove the top part of the device and thoroughly wipe its inner surface with a damp soft cloth, avoiding water getting on the fan.
3. Remove the structure consisting of plastic disks and rinse them thoroughly under running water, avoiding water getting on the engine.
4. Wipe the lower reservoir, removing limescale and dirt using a soft brush.
5. Reassemble the device in reverse order.

These simple tips will help you with weekly cleaning of your HVAC equipment. But do not forget that the device should be disinfected at least once a month. To do this, perform the same steps, but with a solution made from 1 spoon of bleach per 1 liter of clean water, after using which, thoroughly rinse the device several times with running water.

Signs of using poor quality water

You can understand that the water placed in the tank does not meet the requirements of the device by the following signs:

• the container smells unpleasant;
• the remaining water has changed color or become cloudy;
• pockets of mold or green plaque have appeared on the walls;
• there is scale;
• An unaesthetic white coating appeared on the furniture in the room.

Traces of scale indicate increased temporary water hardness, which can be removed by pre-boiling. Mold and green growth indicate the presence of spores and bacteria in the water, which can be harmful to health. Plaque on furniture and other surfaces most often appears after using ultrasonic humidifiers, during which, in addition to water, salts are also broken down.

All these facts indicate that the selection and preparation of water for a humidifier needs to be approached more responsibly.

Selecting water for the steam device

Steam humidifiers are considered the most unpretentious devices in terms of water used during their operation. Since the end result of the action of such an evaporator is steam, which we inhale, the nature of the water component is not of fundamental importance.

The exception, perhaps, is the case when tap water is of very low quality. Then it is imperative to use filters to clean it. If you do not do this, the resulting sediment will negatively affect the operation of the device, which you turn on regularly, and it will quickly fail.

Using the right water in steam models extends their life and improves their performance.

How to humidify the air without a humidifier?

Methods for increasing the humidity level in a room without using a special humidifier are quite primitive, but still remain quite effective. These methods are suitable for the user if the device suddenly becomes unusable.

Let's take a closer look at these methods, and also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ten most popular models among users so that you can choose a new humidifier to replace the broken one.

On a trip, when it is inconvenient to take additional equipment with you, knowledge about traditional methods of increasing humidity will also not be superfluous.

To increase the level of air humidity, you can simply fill the pan with water and, after boiling, remove the lid, leaving the liquid to boil over low heat. However, it is worth monitoring the water level in the container to avoid fire hazards. To save gas, you can simply bring the water to a boil and then leave the pan on the windowsill or table.

Placing containers of water near heating appliances will also increase the humidity in the room. To increase the effectiveness of such natural humidifiers, choose dishes with a wide neck, as this will increase the area of ​​evaporation.

Drying things after washing right in the room near the radiator also increases humidity. However, it is worth remembering that clothes must be thoroughly rinsed from detergents, since their components will also enter the air and lungs during the evaporation process. Additionally, radiators can be covered with damp towels, which will also increase the relative humidity.

Indoor plants also have a beneficial effect on humidity levels. The most famous and unpretentious of them is chlorophytum. This lush flower cleanses the air efficiently and improves the microclimate.

Ventilation and wet cleaning are the key to strong immunity and a way to neutralize the chances of getting a cold. These same mandatory measures improve the internal microclimate in the room and increase humidity to the required standards.

Opening the bathroom door after taking a shower is another way to increase the humidity in the apartment. Evaporation from the bathroom will move to other rooms, stabilizing dry air. We looked at more ways to humidify the air without a humidifier in the next article.

However, it is worth remembering that all these artisanal methods of increasing humidity can play an unpleasant joke on your health. If the humidifier evaporates high-quality purified water without unwanted impurities and pathogens, then in the methods described above, any bacteria or viruses, as well as heavy metal salts, chlorine particles and other harmful elements contained in ordinary water, can enter the internal atmosphere of the house.

Causes of contamination of climate control equipment

In order to learn how to clean a humidifier with your own hands, first of all, you need to understand how it increases the humidity of the air in the room. True, if the humidifier is dirty, you can take a completely different route and have it repaired, or call a specialist from a service center, but this procedure will cost approximately 30% of the cost of the device itself. If you decide to repair the humidifier yourself, then read this article.

What happens when water boils

A steam humidifier works on the principle of an electric kettle: boiling water turns into steam, which, when combined with air, increases its humidity level. But, when water is boiled, the salts in it do not evaporate along with the steam, but are deposited in the form of a dense limescale deposit on the internal surfaces of the device and especially on the heating element. Plaque sharply reduces the thermal conductivity of the heating element of the humidifier, as a result of which this device begins to work worse and eventually fails.

There are types of humidifiers where the water does not boil, but evaporates at room temperature. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with them.

Ultrasonic Humidification Equipment

The device contains a special membrane, which, vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency, breaks the surface of the water into fine water dust. The moisture particles are so small that they create “cold steam” or fog. Water dust mixes with the air, and salts in the water settle on the surface of furniture, floors, equipment, etc., creating a white coating. This is the most common “disease” of ultrasonic climate control technology. In addition, such a “patina” appears over time on the internal surfaces of the device’s parts, which can cause deterioration in its operation, even to the point of failure of the device.

Humidifier of traditional - mechanical type

The operating principle of this type of air humidifier is to create an air flow mechanically, which, when in contact with a moistened cartridge, leads to the evaporation of moisture from its surfaces. As a rule, all the salts in the water are retained in the cartridge, which, during intensive operation of the device, becomes clogged after a certain time. As a result, there is a loss of productivity. The second problem is frequent stagnation of water in the tank, which leads to the growth of bacteria on the internal surfaces of the humidifier tank and the appearance of a putrid odor.

Combined action technique or “air washing”

Such devices include devices in which the humidification function is coupled with air purification. These climate systems are most often called “air washers”. The principle of their operation is not complicated: a certain structure made of a whole set of plastic disks rotates in a container of water. The air flow created by the fan “washes” the wet discs, due to which the air is humidified. Most of the contaminants in the air remain on the disks, and when they rotate, they are washed off with water into the device’s tank.

“Washers” require careful care and frequent changes of water, since they have all the “diseases” that traditional humidifiers suffer from. The only thing worth remembering is that such climate control equipment is more difficult to clean and wash due to its more complex design.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The TOP 7 best air humidifiers were compiled by the author of the video below. The review describes the key characteristics of the models, their advantages and disadvantages:

The process of preparing distilled water using a saucepan and a lid is clearly shown by the creator of the following video:

The difference in the results of using an ultrasonic humidifier filled with distilled and ordinary water was revealed by the author of the video below. Using a special device, the content of undesirable impurities was recorded when using ordinary liquid and their low level when pouring distillate:

An air humidifier is an almost indispensable device for the heating season, when the humidity level in the room drops to critically low values. Maintaining a favorable microclimate in housing will help avoid a number of health problems, improve the general condition of the body and the performance of people. Therefore, it is so important to fill the device’s reservoir with high-quality, properly prepared water, on which not only comfort, but also a person’s well-being will depend.

What type of humidifier do you use and what kind of water do you fill in the tank? Share your experience of using the humidifier with other users. If you have questions or want to supplement the above material with useful information, leave your comments in the special block located below this publication.

Useful tips

Helpful tips on caring for your product will help make your life easier and keep your device in perfect condition for as long as possible.

They are as follows:

• This equipment needs to be looked after promptly and disinfected as often as possible so that harmful microbes and bacteria do not multiply inside;
• Do not neglect weekly descaling of the device, as limescale will lead to a decrease in the performance of the humidifier and its further breakdown;
• if you want to effectively humidify the air in the room and have an original accessory in your home, purchase an ultrasonic device;
• It is best to perform disinfectant actions in the open air of a private home or on the balcony;
• if you do not want to resort to strong chemicals to remove large deposits of scale, mucus and mold, do not bring the device to a deplorable state;
• Do not pour too hard water into the device; it is better to purchase distilled water or pass the liquid through a filter;
• to improve the condition of tap water, install a magnetic converter in your home, which will prevent scale from depositing on the walls of the device;
• Do not leave the same portion of water in the device for a long time;
• stagnant water creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms and bacteria;
• You should not turn on the unit at maximum operating mode; it is better to turn off the device for a while, giving it a little rest;
• Do not pour too little or too much water into the device; strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions;
• try to clean the device 2 times a week;
• Carefully monitor the filter and membrane of the device, promptly replace worn parts with new ones;
• It is better to replace an old device with visible defects and damage with a new unit;
• Before you start cleaning and disinfecting the device, make sure that the device has cooled down, and only then start washing it;
• The device should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Before the start of a new season, the humidifier is first washed under water, dried and then used.

These are all the secrets of proper product care at home. They will help extend the life of the device. In turn, the device will delight your household for a long time with high-quality work, and your health will be in “safe hands.”

Why is it better to choose distillate?

When choosing water for a humidifier, you must remember that ultimately the harmful impurities contained in it will get into the air, and from there into the lungs of the inhabitants of the room.

Therefore, the better the cleaning it undergoes, the better for the health of the residents . This applies to any model of humidifier. Therefore, it is obvious that distilled water is the optimal choice for the device, regardless of its operating principle.

The vast majority of brands that produce air humidifiers recommend using it. It differs from the usual one for the better in that it is purified to the maximum from any impurities, organic and inorganic.

For the device itself, the quality of water is also important. All metal salts and other harmful impurities settle inside on parts of the mechanism and clog the filters and cartridges used. Consumables have to be changed more often. If this is not done, the humidifier simply breaks down.

Another negative point is that the appearance of nearby interior items suffers . An unaesthetic whitish coating appears on them (impurities contained in untreated water settle on the surfaces).

What are the consequences of a wrong choice?

If during operation of the device you do not take into account the model, its type and the manufacturer’s recommendations, the consequences will be as follows:

1. Parts of the device become covered with scale due to the accumulation of salts. With regular use, the layer of this scale increases and is difficult to remove;
2. The heating tube or ultrasonic membrane also becomes covered with sediment, which reduces the performance of the device and ultimately leads to failure;
3. Substances and harmful impurities settle on all surfaces in the room and accumulate in the human lungs.

It is very simple to determine that a low-quality liquid is being poured into the tank: it changes color and stains the walls of the device, lime deposits appear on the heating elements, and the smell in the room becomes unpleasant and musty. An option to solve the problem is to choose high-quality water or replace the humidifier with a more unpretentious model. If you strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations, the device will work effectively for a long period of time.

What to look for when buying a humidifier

It is impossible to accurately answer which humidifier is best. After all, for each individual room you need to select your own device. For example, if there is simply dry air in the room, then you can get by with an inexpensive device.

But everything changes if the device is purchased for a child with breathing problems. In this case, it is better to spend money on an expensive climate system.

How to calculate productivity?

Before going to the store, you need to decide on the budget that can be spent on the purchase. Depending on this amount, you can determine the characteristics of the device.

In most cases, the box with the humidifier indicates the volume of air that passes through the filter per unit of time. In this case, it is better to give preference to models that will process at least two volumes of the room in one hour. To calculate the dimensions of the room, you need to multiply the ceiling height by the area.

Water consumption and noise level

The size of the tank directly determines how long the humidifier will operate without the need to add water. As for consumption, look at models that evaporate 8-12 liters per day. Their range is quite large. Therefore, everyone can choose the device that is optimal in quality and cost.

The noise level needs to be given special attention. After all, no one will like it if the air humidifier constantly makes an unpleasant and disturbing sound.

It will simply be impossible to sleep with such a device.

Try to immediately find out which filters catch which dirt. In addition, they will have to be changed regularly. Therefore, ask where you can buy them at an adequate price.

Useful additional features

A good solution would be to order a humidifier with an indicator showing when you need to add water. It makes using the device easier.

Pay attention to the auto-shut-off functions when the device overturns and protection against operation without water. After all, you can simply forget to fill the tank or accidentally touch the device, which will lead to a fire.

Remember that a humidifier, first of all, must be safe for household members.

The following useful details are also worth adding to the above functions:

1. Cleaning required indicator. All attachments, containers and filters require regular maintenance. Therefore, it is better to buy a device that will tell you when it needs to be cleaned.
2. Pen. To avoid having to carry a humidifier, buy a model that is easy to carry.
3. Rotating sprayer. With its help, moisture will be distributed evenly throughout the room.
4. Night mode. This feature is especially important for humidifiers that are noisy or have an overly bright display.
5. Protection against a leaky water tank or incorrect assembly.

A good solution would be to buy a device that, in addition to cleaning, also ionizes the air. Indeed, in this case, the air will better attract moisture, which will make the device operate more efficiently. But give preference to models that allow you to turn off ionization.

It is highly not recommended to use oil-based flavors that are simply poured into water. This will lead to device failure

In order for your apartment to always smell like flowers, it is not at all necessary to fill all the window sills with plants. It is enough to purchase a humidifier with aromatization function. As a rule, the smelling solution is poured into a special capsule through which air is drawn in.

Quite often, humidifiers will run at night. Therefore, it is worth thinking about illuminating the water. Such a night lamp can be installed in a children's room and will make its interior more comfortable for the child.

But it is important that the backlight is turned off if necessary

In addition to humidifiers, many air conditioner models have the function of increasing the level of moisture in the ambient air. Our recommended article will introduce you to the guidelines for their choice for furnishing an apartment.

Cleansing and softening

An important indicator of the quality of a liquid is its hardness. It is determined by the amount of magnesium and calcined salt. The more of these elements, the more likely the formation of sediment and plaque. Salts that may be present in H2O are either temporary or permanent. There are several ways to clean liquid from temporary salts:

• boiling;
• freezing;
• settling.

To get rid of permanent salts, you need to use filters.

These devices can be attached directly to the tap; they come in the form of carafes that soften and purify the liquid using special cartridges. It is believed that decanter filters purify water better, so they are recommended for use in preparing liquid for humidifiers.

Where can I buy?

Distilled water is used for the production of medicines and diluting medicines, as well as for diluting concentrates (antifreeze, electrolytes).
Accordingly, you need to look for it in auto stores and pharmacies. There are also Internet sites where distilled water produced by different brands is presented.

In the description you can familiarize yourself with its features and choose a container of a suitable size for yourself.

DIY water softening

For a steam humidifier, it is enough to soften the water using home filters. The filtration systems shown in the table below differ in their characteristics.

Reverse osmosis systems have the best user reviews on drinking water quality discussion forums.

Advice! For most steam humidifiers, running the water through a flow-through purifier is sufficient.

Flavoring additives

Adding aromatic oils will allow you to achieve not only a pleasant aroma in the room, but also some healing effect. But not all models of humidifiers support the aromatization function, so before adding esters you should read the operating instructions for the device.

If the device does not support the function, adding oils may cause damage. In addition, oil will enter the fluid reservoir, causing parts of the device to quickly become dirty, and harmful bacteria may form on them, which will then be released into the air along with moisture.

What liquid should be used for a humidifier depends on the type of device. But since moisture will enter the air and then into a person’s lungs, it is better to use well-purified water without harmful impurities.

Why is dry air bad?

Air with relative humidity below 30% worsens the course of asthmatic diseases, increases the risk of respiratory infections, and contributes to dry skin. Many people feel “sandy” in their eyes and dry nose when the air humidity is low.

A small amount of moisture has a negative effect on wooden floors, furniture, musical instruments, and paintings.

Moisture in the air is essential for young children. They will get sick less often and breathe better in a room with sufficient humidity, babies will get rid of crusts in the nose and will sleep more soundly.

There is only one way out - you need to moisturize.