How to use a humidifier: rules and nuances of proper operation

Why are humidifiers needed?

An air humidifier is a unique device. It is necessary to create an optimal indoor microclimate.

Other important functions of this device include:

maintaining the required level of humidity in the room;
elimination of static electricity charges (they can arise in dry air);
cleaning the air from dust and microparticles of dirt, etc.

Air humidifiers prevent the development of various diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. They have a beneficial effect on skin, hair and nails, preventing the aging process. These devices can also be used to prevent nosebleeds in adults and children.

Some useful tips for using a humidifier in different situations

Cold. When a child has a cold, the body temperature rises, and therefore the body actively loses moisture. In young children, the body's thermoregulation works only through breathing: when exhaling, heat is removed, and when inhaling, colder and more humid air enters. That is why at a time when a child suffers from a cold, or scientifically a viral disease, he simply needs an additional portion of moisture. It is moist air that will contribute to the speedy cessation of rhinitis and will help in the fight against viral disease. At the time of illness, the humidity in the children's room should be increased to 70% .
Inhalations. If the doctor recommended inhalation, then some models of humidifiers can work as a nebulizer and are perfect for spraying medications into the air for a speedy recovery for your baby.
Dry cough. Many concerned parents ask the question: “We purchased a humidifier, how to use it if the child has a dry cough?” The answer is clear - use it as often as possible, because a humidifier allows you to moisten the mucus secreted in the upper respiratory tract and facilitate its easier coughing and, accordingly, removal from the body. In most cases, coughing attacks in a child occur at night, when the child is in a horizontal position. That is why doctors recommend periodically humidifying the air during the day, and at night turning it on to a mode that automatically maintains humidity, up to a level of 60-65%.

Important! Moisturizing sputum increases its volume, which can cause blockage of the airways. And the smaller the child, the higher the risk.

That is why the task of every parent is to prevent the mucous membrane and phlegm from drying out from the first minutes of illness, and for this you need to humidify the air masses in the house and carry out a set of preparatory measures recommended by your pediatrician.

General rules for operating air humidifiers

Before connecting the humidifier to the network, you need to check the tightness of its housing and cord. If the housing is cracked or the cord is damaged, the product cannot be connected to the outlet. If the device fails, you need to contact a service center.

It (like any other equipment) is guaranteed. But the warranty will be void if you repair the humidifier yourself.

Features of activating the humidifier

To turn on the humidifier, you must first connect it to the power supply by inserting the plug into the outlet. Then (depending on the type of device) you should press the on/off button on the unit body or activate the device using the remote control.

When the humidifier is turned on, the green indicator on its body lights up, and when turned off, the red icon lights up

All additional functions of the humidifier are indicated on the display after switching on. To activate them, press the desired button on the LCD screen.

Features of using different types of humidifiers

The humidifier should be placed on a dry and level surface. The machine must be in a stable position, otherwise it may tip over during operation. Tilt of the device may interfere with its normal operation.

You should not install the humidifier at a slight angle, even if it is well secured.

Before turning on a traditional type of humidifier, you need to place a filter in the water tray, attach the lower part of the device and secure the housing.

Then you need to fill the tank with distilled water and close the lid. After this, you should place the container on the lower part, turn on the device and select the most suitable mode using the switch on the body of the product.

If you need to turn on the steam humidifier, you should first fill it with water, keeping an eye on the liquid level indicator in the device. Then you need to turn on the device and select the operating mode.

During operation, the green indicator on the device body will light up. When all the water has evaporated from the tank, the indicator will turn red and the unit itself will automatically turn off.

When using an ultrasonic humidifier, one day before turning it on, you need to place the demineralization cartridge in a container with clean water. The next day, you need to fill the tank with water, close it with a lid and insert it into the housing. After this, you should install the part with the sprayer and turn on the unit.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are among the most modern and functional technology, and therefore they are often used in offices and other commercial premises.

If everything is done correctly, the green indicator on the device will light up. Then you need to select the appropriate mode and adjust the desired humidity level. When this parameter is reached, the humidifier will turn off on its own.

Safety precautions when working with a humidifier

Before turning on the humidifier, you should read its operating instructions. It provides general recommendations for using the device.

However, when using any type of humidifier, it is prohibited to:

add liquid to the reservoir of the switched on device;
use dirty water;
rearrange the device plugged into the outlet;
add flavoring agents directly to the water (there is a special compartment for this);
pour water into the humidifier through the hole intended for the release of water vapor;
block this hole, etc..

The operating time of the device depends on its design features. Steam humidifiers can achieve the desired level of humidification in just a couple of hours. But traditional models usually work slower and sometimes saturate the air with moisture for 10-12 hours.

Information on how long and at what mode the humidifier should operate in order to achieve the optimal level of humidity in the room can be found in the instructions.

Water is heavier than air, and moistened air currents automatically go down, and therefore it is better to install the device on a small elevation from the floor (for example, on a stool, coffee table, wall shelf or bedside table). Devices with large tanks (8-9 l) can be placed on a cabinet or high shelves.

When choosing the optimal location for installing a humidifier in a living room or office, you need to unplug it from the socket.

A small humidifier should be at a minimum distance of 50 cm from the floor. If you place the device on the floor, a small puddle will soon appear around it.

Due to the nature of its operation, this device should not be placed next to:

electrical appliances;
walls (otherwise unsightly stains may appear on the wallpaper);
upholstered furniture;
books and clothes;
central heating radiators (on the contrary, they dry out the air and can negate the benefits of using a humidifier).

The distance from these items to the humidifier should be about 30 cm so that moisture does not settle on them. Fine particles of water (after all, steam is one of the physical states of water) that get on technical devices can disrupt the operation of any equipment.

There should be enough free space around a household humidifier with any operating principle for normal air circulation

If there is an aquarium in the room, then you should not place a humidifier next to it. This is simply impractical, because water also evaporates from the aquarium, humidifying the air. Those. a double humidification effect is created, which can also negatively affect the indoor microclimate. Due to too much humidity in the apartment, pulmonary diseases worsen, and mold appears on the walls.

If there are children or pets in the house, the device should be placed out of their reach. In this case, it would be appropriate to install even a small air humidifier on a cabinet or high shelf.

Sometimes something like a plastic grill or fence is designed for the humidifier to prevent small children, dogs and cats from reaching it.

If there are no small children or pets in the apartment, then the humidifier can be placed in the middle of the room at some distance from the furniture. But the device should not interfere with free movement.

It is also important to remember that the humidifier is powered by electricity, so it must be installed near an outlet. If possible, you should avoid using surge protectors, extension cords and adapters, since these are additional connections and unnecessary contacts.

Insufficient humidity and human health

According to scientists, the human body is 70% water, and therefore one of the tools for its thermoregulation is the release of moisture, which, when evaporated from our body, produces cooling. This is a school physics course. But in order to release moisture, you need to consume it. We get the bulk of moisture not from drinking a glass of water, but from constantly inhaling air that contains moisture. Insufficiently humid air masses in the apartment disrupt the thermoregulation processes of its inhabitants.

Low humidity contributes to a sharp increase in dust in homes, and as a result, problems with the respiratory tract. An increased concentration of dust in the air is almost the main cause of allergic reactions, especially in children. The simplest, most modern and safe tool for maintaining the most comfortable level of humidity for humans and others is a humidifier.

What kind of water can be used in a humidifier?

Not only the duration of operation of the device, but also the nature of the device’s effect on the human body depends on the quality of the water poured into the humidifier. If you use ordinary tap water in the unit, the salts and chlorides dissolved in it will enter the humidified air, and then end up in the respiratory tract of all people in the room.

Children suffer especially badly from bad water in a humidifier, because they breathe at a higher speed and intensity than adults, and therefore many harmful substances will enter their lungs and bronchi.

Also, using dirty tap water has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the device parts. Scale forms on them, and the elements quickly become unusable.

To prevent this from happening, you need to use only clean water (bottled, distilled, demineralized, spring or artesian).

In addition, you can pour boiled and filtered water into the device, but this is often not recommended.

Some chemical compounds (including salts) in tap water are not filtered and do not precipitate after boiling, and therefore can subsequently have a detrimental effect on the health of household members and on the operation of the humidifier itself.

Standing tap water will also not bring much effect. Typically, water is left to settle for 7-8 hours, assuming that in the first 2 hours, chlorine and hydrogen sulfide compounds evaporate from the liquid, and then heavy metal particles are removed from it. But in fact, it will still not be purified.

The best rule to follow is to only fill the humidifier reservoir with water that you can give to your child or drink yourself.

Today, many people are afraid to drink even filtered and boiled tap water, so why put it in humidifiers? It makes more sense to spend money on normal, clean water now than to look for money for medicine later.

Pure artesian water is even sold in vending machines on the streets, and it is inexpensive. Clean, moist air will automatically increase pulmonary immunity, and saving “on matches” (on elementary water!) will not lead to anything good.

If the humidifier does not use all the water from the reservoir in a day, it still needs to be changed and the container cleaned. The fact is that a warm and important environment is perfect for the growth of bacteria.

After turning off the device, you should empty all the water and wash the tank if the device will not be used for the next few hours

The humidifier should not stand with water. When servicing the humidifier and draining the water, it should be unplugged. Otherwise, you may get an electric shock.

Use humidifiers as intended and correctly

Different models produce humidification using their own evaporation principle: cold, steam or ultrasonic. Each humidifier has specific safety requirements and recommendations for use.

Cold humidifiers

They not only humidify, but also clean the air from dust. Particularly effective use in rooms up to 80 m², where there are children.

Before turning on, you need to keep the device at room temperature for an hour.
Place it on a horizontal surface so that there is easy access to it when working.
Turn on the device when the air temperature in the room is from 5 to 30 degrees and the relative humidity does not exceed 80%.
The efficiency of the device will increase if it is located near a heat source.
It is better to fill the water tank with distilled or fresh filtered water. This will prevent the formation of limescale on objects located near it and inside the device.
The maximum humidification effect occurs after 10-15 minutes, if the water temperature is not higher than permissible (40 °C).
You can add a fragrance to a special niche or soak a cotton swab with it and place it in the tray.

Depending on the capacity of the humidifier and the dryness of the room, the device can continuously maintain humidity for several days. In modern models, when the water level drops below the permissible level, an automatic shutdown may occur.

Maintenance is very simple: the container needs to be cleaned every two weeks, the moisturizing discs every month.

Steam humidifier

This humidification option is more suitable for large or frequently ventilated rooms. At home, in addition to moisturizing, they use additional functions: an inhaler and an aroma lamp.

It is more economical to use a device with a power corresponding to the volume of the room for humidification.
Mobility, light weight and dimensions allow it to be installed in any room.
Any water can be poured. If it contains salts and minerals, they are not sprayed, do not enter the respiratory tract, or onto plants and furniture.
If the design does not have a hygrometer, the operating device needs to be monitored. Otherwise, the humidity may rise above normal.
It is not safe to leave a steam humidifier running unattended, especially if there are small children in the room.
The surface of the evaporator must be regularly cleaned of mineral deposits. Anti-limescale discs will help reduce scale formation.

If you want to save money, use water with minimal hardness, this will reduce energy consumption.

Ultrasonic humidifier

These silent humidifiers are effective for home use. Especially if there are objects in the room that require delicate handling - antiques, musical instruments, parquet.

However, they also have a serious drawback. Ultrasonic humidifiers do not have filters, and therefore you can only use distilled or at least boiled water. Salts, microelements and pathogenic bacteria contained in poor-quality water can end up in the room along with water dust. Marks will be visible on furniture and clothing.

How to add oil to a humidifier?

Not all humidifiers can add aromatherapy oils. Under no circumstances should oil be poured directly into the spray tank. The device must support the aromatherapy function and have a special compartment into which essential oils are added and specific compounds are poured.

Such devices include:

steam humidifiers;
ultrasonic models;
devices with a washing function.

Their design includes a special cassette or container. This is where the oil is poured, which is sprayed parallel to the water during operation of the humidifier. All aromatic oils poured into the spray unit must be of high quality and original.

After each procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the device (including the cassettes for aroma oils) so that different oil liquids do not mix with each other

In this case, the volume of essential oil used depends on the area of the room. Experts recommend using no more than 5 drops for every 15 sq.m. area. If these proportions are violated, all the benefits of aromatherapy disappear, headaches, allergic reactions and attacks of nausea may occur.

As for the duration of the procedure, a humidifier with essential oils should not work like a regular wash. When using for the first time, it is better to turn off the device after half an hour or an hour of aromatherapy and look at your condition.

If dizziness or increased blood pressure occurs, the duration of the session should be reduced.

Ultrasonic humidifiers

Devices of this type are produced specifically for humidifying large areas. Ultrasonic humidifiers are highly efficient and have more power. They are distinguished by their perfect design and are most popular among buyers.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are small-sized and silent. During operation, the device creates inaudible ultrasonic vibrations, which are emitted by a high-frequency piezoelectric lifter into a container of water. The pressure of water vapor above the liquid increases, resulting in rapid evaporation. A voltage is applied to a crystal placed in water, from which the water forms waves of different pressures. With the help of an air flow created by a fan, a vaporous water suspension enters the room.

Improved models of ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with displays. Using remote controls, you can set the desired parameters from a distance and select the desired operating program.

How to clean a humidifier?

Any humidifier needs periodic cleaning. To descale the device, you need to take out a water container and disconnect all possible parts from the device. If there is any remaining water in the tank, it must be poured out and the tank must be thoroughly rinsed under the tap.

Before pouring detergent into the humidifier tank, the body of the device must be wiped with a soft cloth and a solution of ordinary table vinegar.

The humidifier membrane is cleaned with a special brush, which is sold complete with the device. If this brush is lost, it can be purchased separately at hardware stores.

As an alternative, a small sponge without metal threads or a fleece cloth is sometimes used. To maintain the tightness of the sealing material, you need to thoroughly dry the device between uses by removing the plug.

To clean the water tank, only soft cloths should be used. Brushes with a hard surface may cause scratches inside the tank. If too much scale has accumulated in the container, you need to take a toothbrush with soft bristles and regular table vinegar 9-15%.

To clean a humidifier with vinegar, you need:

Open the balcony or window, as acetic acid vapors have a negative impact on health.
Dilute half a glass of vinegar (100 ml) in 2.5 liters of clean water at room temperature.
Pour the resulting mixture into the tank of the device.
Plug the humidifier into the outlet and run it in fast mode for an hour (the spout of the device should be turned towards the window; it is better to leave the room during this time, closing the door tightly).
Turn off the humidifier, disassemble and thoroughly rinse each part with water.

In addition to vinegar, you can use citric acid, soda, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine bleach to clean the device. Citric acid helps remove plaque safely.

Baking soda destroys putrid film and mold inside the device, which can appear due to high humidity. Hydrogen peroxide disinfects the humidifier reservoir. Bleach destroys pathogenic microflora in the tank and prevents its reproduction.

In addition to folk remedies, you can use commercial anti-scale preparations to clean the humidifier: Top House, Luxus Professional Technics, Unicum, BONECO A7417 Calc Off, etc.

The filters in your humidifier need to be changed every few months. The exact replacement time depends on the type of device and the quality of the water used in the device.

These filters also need to be washed periodically under running water. You cannot use aggressive chemicals to clean them: its residues cannot be completely washed off with water.

Getting ready for launch: how long to turn on the humidifier

It is forbidden to turn on the humidifier immediately after it has been delivered from the store. Before you start using it, the gadget must be kept at room temperature for at least 60 minutes.

Continuing the topic t, it is necessary to focus on the permissible operating temperature range - from 5 to 30 degrees with a plus sign on the Celsius scale

It is necessary to use the device in such a way that it is not surrounded by anything, otherwise it is impossible to achieve uniform air humidification.

It would be a good idea to pay attention to a number of other practical tips:

The gadget is always located on a flat surface;
A nearby heat source will help increase the efficiency of the humidifier;
The instructions for use state that only filtered water should be poured into the tank;
The temperature of the water being poured ranges from 19 to 35 degrees Celsius;
Trouble-free use is facilitated by matching the mains voltage to that specified in the operating instructions;
Expensive models can not only humidify the air, but also disperse the fragrance, for which a special compartment is provided.

Before connecting the Wellton humidifier to the network, you need to make sure it is ready. This concerns the quantity and quality of water, the sufficiency of voltage in the network and a number of other characteristics.

The influence of open vents on the operation of the humidifier

Any humidifier is designed to work in a room of a certain area. If the device’s passport says that it is suitable for humidifying a room of 20 sq.m., then for a room of 40 sq.m. the unit will be useless. At the same time, the device can provide a normal microclimate only if all doors and windows in the room are closed.

If a window, door or window is open in the room, the efficiency of the humidifier will decrease. This will happen for two reasons. Firstly, due to open doors and windows, the area of the room will increase. Secondly, dry air will enter the room from the street or from other rooms and reduce humidity.

The stronger the influx of dry cold air from the street, the faster the humidity level in the living room will decrease

Moreover, air humidity directly depends on its temperature. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air. For example, at +20 the air contains 17.3 g/m3 of water vapor, and at 0 degrees the maximum content is already 4.84 g/m3.

If you want to ventilate the room, then it is more rational to do this before turning on the device. But you shouldn’t leave the humidifier on all night with the window closed. Sleeping in a stuffy room, even with normal humidity, is unpleasant.

In the cold season, due to working radiators or heaters, the microclimate in the room will resemble the tropics: it will become hot and humid

A humidifier should be used not only in winter, but also in summer. The air in the apartment may become too dry due to actively operating air conditioners and climatic (weather) factors. For humidification in summer, it is best to use models with cold steam and ultrasonic devices.

The purpose of household humidifiers to create a healthy indoor microclimate

The normal air humidity in summer is 40%-60%, in winter – 35%-40%. For good health, you must always adhere to these indicators. The seeming harmlessness of too dry or too humid air is actually fraught with danger.

Low humidity leads to frequent headaches. A person may have no idea about the causes of illness if he does not know about the effect of low humidity on the body. There may be a sore throat, sore throat and difficulty swallowing. A large amount of dust, inevitable with a lack of humidity, can provoke allergies, which over time can develop into bronchitis and asthma.

When there is a lack of moisture, a person feels persistent fatigue and drowsiness, and has difficulty concentrating. The skin dries out and ages quickly. In children, dry air can cause frequent colds, as it reduces the protective functions of the mucous membranes and skin.

Low humidity is also harmful to things. Wooden furniture dries and cracks, parquet floors dry out, fabrics become electrified. In rooms with dry air, indoor plants do not breathe and dry out quickly.

A humidifier is used to combat these problems. After turning on the device, breathing in the room becomes much easier, negative symptoms recede. However, it is important to ensure that the humidity does not exceed the upper limit of the norm. Otherwise, mold and the smell of dampness will spread throughout the apartment.

Typical problems when using a humidifier

Sometimes a number of problems arise when using air humidifiers. At the same time, you can deal with many device malfunctions yourself.

If the humidifier does not turn on, you need to check the presence of water in the tank and make sure that the device is actually connected to the mains. Often, users simply forget to plug in the humidifier and, as a result, cannot understand for a long time why it does not work.

If fine water dust does not come out of the steam outlet, then you need to thoroughly wash the device. These holes are often clogged with residual detergents. In addition to additional cleaning, you can use the regulator to set a higher humidity percentage.

Also, the absence of steam sometimes indicates that the liquid reservoir is overfilled and the supply channel is flooded. In this case, you need to drain some water and turn on the device again.

If this does not help, you need to check the condition of the membrane and the mechanism that drives it. If they are damaged, you will have to contact a service center.

If the spray is too weak, accompanied by noise, you need to check the amount of water in the container. This can happen if there is no longer liquid in the tank, but the device does not automatically turn off.

In ultrasonic models, such a malfunction may indicate contamination of the ultrasonic transducer. In this case, the converter must be removed, cleaned, dried and installed back into the humidifier.

If a whitish coating appears on the walls of the humidifier and objects in the room, you need to change the filter and start using purified distilled water

If an unpleasant odor occurs from a working humidifier, you need to check the water and membrane. A similar smell may indicate that the water in the tank has stagnated and bloomed. Then you need to drain the liquid and wash the tank. If the membrane itself is dirty, you should thoroughly rinse the emitter with clean water and dry it well.

If the display on the device does not work (does not light up), then it is better to contact a service center specialist. Such malfunctions indicate a breakdown of the electronic component of the device.

The following article will introduce you to the instructions for making a simple device for air humidification, which we advise everyone interested in improving the microclimate of the surrounding space to read.

Use of a humidifier depending on its type

There are 3 main options for humidifiers:

Cold (classic). Provides a container for liquid driven through evaporators. Special fans draw in air and release it back already humidified. The convenience of such a humidifier also lies in the fact that it is also used for aromatherapy - a few drops of your favorite aroma oil instantly spread throughout the room. The device operates via the network in automatic mode; when the humidity level reaches 60%, it turns off automatically.
Steam. The principle of its operation is based on preheating water. Using two electrodes, water is brought to a boil and begins to transform into steam, spreading throughout the room. The process is repeated as long as there is liquid in the container; as soon as the liquid in the humidifier runs out, it turns off. When using steam models, remember that they consume much more electricity than classic ones, and they need to be installed at a distance from places where people sit or plants are located.
Ultrasonic. A silent and surprisingly economical version of the humidifier, the operating principle of which is based on mechanical vibrations converted from electrical vibrations. Such a device is considered the most suitable option for humidifying the air in your home. The hydrostat built into some models allows you to independently regulate the humidity level. Regular filter replacement is required for optimal and trouble-free operation.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Proper use of a humidifier increases its effectiveness. When installing the device, you should read the instructions and find the most suitable place for the device in the room.

Also, before you start using the humidifier, you should watch the video instructions to avoid common mistakes:

The humidifier can be used both in the apartment and in the office. You can even let children near the device, just tell them the basic rules for using the device in advance.

Would you like to share your own experience in choosing, operating and maintaining a humidifier? Do you have useful information on the topic of the article that is worth sharing with site visitors? Please leave comments in the form below, ask questions, post photos.

Typical problems that may arise when operating a humidifier

When using humidifiers, problems and minor malfunctions may occur. Most of them can be solved on your own.

The device does not turn on. First, as always, you need to check whether it is connected to the network. It's so obvious, but statistically this problem happens often. Inattention plays a cruel joke. Secondly, check the tank, it may run out of water.
Steam does not come out of the nozzle. The outlet may be blocked by dirt or residues of the detergent. It must be washed thoroughly.
Steam may not flow if the tank is filled above about 0 and the intake system is flooded. Excess water must be drained. If both of the previous tips do not help, you should try disassembling the humidifier and washing the membranes, filters and moving parts. If there is no result, you will have to return the device for repair.
The humidifier is bubbling and the pressure of moist air is weak. Most likely, the water ran out and the automatic shutdown did not work. If the device is ultrasonic, such “symptoms” may indicate problems with ultrasound generation. Treatment will consist of dismantling, cleaning, drying and reinstalling the ultrasonic transducer.
The steam is cloudy, and a salt coating appears on surrounding objects. This indicates low water quality or filter failure.
An unpleasant odor appears during operation of the device. This is a sign that the water has “bloomed”. It needs to be drained. Wash and dry all parts in contact with the liquid, paying special attention to the membrane.

The humidifier should be cleaned regularly

Proper care

The humidifier care procedure includes several measures depending on the degree of contamination of the device.

Daily cleaning

It is necessary to turn off the device every day and pour out the remaining water, then wash the humidifier with a brush and hot soapy water. This will allow you to timely clean it from plaque formed due to increased water hardness. The tank is rinsed with tap water; its subsequent filling should occur only after it has completely dried. When performing the above actions, you must be careful to avoid flooding the engine and other working components used.

Deep cleaning

Even with good daily care, deeper cleansing may be needed over time, no matter how often the device is used. Vinegar is used to treat the walls; to reduce the risk of damage to surfaces, you can dilute it with water. Stubborn plaque can only be removed in this way. After treating with a vinegar solution, rinse the device thoroughly under running water and leave it until completely dry. The frequency of deep cleaning is once every 2-3 weeks.

Disinfection

Its necessity arises when you need to clean the device from bacteria. As preparatory measures, you need to carry out the following: open the window and balcony sashes and thoroughly ventilate the room. Next, prepare a solution of half a glass of bleach and 4 liters of water. Pour water into the tank and press “on”. After some time, steam will begin to release; at this moment, turn off the device and wait 3-5 minutes, after which we empty the container of water. We rinse the container with fresh water, fill it again, and turn on the device for 5-7 minutes.

The number of repeat cycles depends on how quickly the bleach smell goes away. If the instructions indicate that it is undesirable to use bleach as a disinfectant, then hydrogen peroxide is added instead.

What water is suitable for humidifiers

In most humidifiers, water goes into the air in the form in which it originally is, with all the impurities, salts and contaminants. Both the user and his family will breathe it. In addition, if the liquid is of poor quality (for example, tap water), it spoils the device itself, clogs filters, nozzles, and scale may appear in heating areas. This is why water quality is an important consideration when using humidifiers.

For hydration, it is better to use distilled, bottled demineralized water or from natural sources. Occasionally, you can pour filtered or boiled tap water into the tank, and then remove the sediment.

The water used must be free of impurities

Tap water contains substances that are not retained by filters, are not neutralized, and do not settle when boiled. Getting first into the humidifier, these impurities enter the air and then into the respiratory tract, causing, at best, simply irritation of the mucous membranes.

Water consumption is not so high that you need to save on purchased water and use dirty water. Artesian or industrially filtered water can be collected from self-service machines. It costs quite a bit, about 2-3 rubles per liter.

It is worth paying attention to this point: unused water in the humidifier container can be kept for no more than 24 hours. Then it must be removed and the container washed. If this is not done, the remaining water will become “swampy” and pathogenic microflora will appear there.

Features of operation

If you bought a Vitek Airo2 humidifier, you need to read the instructions very carefully. This will help to operate the device correctly, which will contribute to its long and high-quality operation. If you purchased a humidifier during the cold season, then let it warm up at room temperature; you do not need to plug it in immediately. Be sure to carefully inspect the humidifier for scratches or damage before turning it on.

At first, the steam that comes out of the humidifier may have an unpleasant odor, but after a few days everything will return to normal. In order to eliminate this problem as quickly as possible, the manufacturer recommends opening the water tank and leaving it in a cool place for several hours. It is important to remember that you should not pour too hot water into the humidifier. Its temperature should not exceed +40 degrees.

The manufacturer recommends thoroughly cleaning the water tank and the working compartment underneath it every week. In addition, you need to periodically clean the filter. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the humidifier.

During cleaning, you must turn off the device and remove the plug from the network. If you do not plan to use the humidifier in the near future, then empty the water from it, dry it thoroughly and put it in a cool, dark place.

Humidifier in a wooden house

Many developers claim that in a house built from natural wood, optimal air characteristics for human life are maintained at any time of the year. One cannot but agree with this, since wood is a “living and breathing” material that provides its inhabitants with an optimal microclimate. Even in the summer heat, the air humidity in a wooden house does not fall below 40-50%. Moreover, this happens even in the cold season, when the air outside is as dry as possible.

But if you find that the humidity level in your wooden house has dropped below 40%, then use a humidifier , because dry wood cracks and cracks appear between the logs and the floorboard. Also, you should not make the atmosphere in a wooden house too humid. Wood is very sensitive to moisture, due to which rotting processes occur in it. The optimal humidity in a wooden house should be in the range of 40-60%.

Tips for choosing

Due to the fact that retail chains and various Internet sites are oversaturated with such household appliances, it would be useful for the average person to know how to choose the right ultrasonic humidifier for their home. Several factors need to be taken into account:

area of the humidified room;
functionality and noiselessness of the device;
product quality and manufacturer;
When choosing a humidifier for children, consider the issue of safe use.

Everything is clear about the serviced area; information about it is contained in the documentation attached to any product. Otherwise, there is the issue of noiselessness, because checking the device in a store and at home are 2 different things. When using an ultrasonic humidifier in the bedroom at night, it turns out that it gurgles and rustles, preventing you from resting peacefully. Therefore, while still in the store, you should listen well to the device while checking.

Some functions of the humidifier may also be unnecessary, for example, a bright display backlight or a standard hygrometer. The first prevents the child from sleeping, and the second can simply lie while being near a source of moisture. So don't waste money on something you don't need or even harmful. Regarding manufacturers, there are several brands that top the rating of ultrasonic humidifiers. These include Western European brands Boneco, Ballu and Electrolux.

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Simpler and cheaper products are offered by Polaris, Vitek and Neoclima, but they do not shine with quality. According to reviews, problems with Chinese ultrasonic humidifiers begin at the stage of studying the instructions. It is extremely meager and often does not even explain where and how to pour water, which leads to the failure of the new device due to the filling of the electronic unit. One of the user reviews about the operation of a cheap humidifier is shown in the video:

Advice. When choosing, remember that the best ultrasonic humidifier is the one that will ensure the health and safety of your loved ones, especially children. If there is a person living in the apartment who suffers from any serious illness, be sure to consult with your doctor before purchasing a humidifier.

Humidifier in children's rooms

Children most often suffer from excessively dry air in the room. It is the children's mucous membrane that instantly dries out from lack of moisture, which leads to heavy breathing, swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract. Dried mucous membrane becomes an excellent breeding ground for bacteria to multiply, which can lead to quite unpleasant diseases. A “stuffy nose” often causes restless sleep, the child does not get enough rest and this affects his behavior, ability to concentrate and learn.

That is why a humidifier must be running in the baby’s room. The best air humidifiers, according to the editors, can be found here. Many people ask: “How to properly use a humidifier in a children's room”? There are no special rules for use. It is important that the humidifier is safe and kept out of reach of the child during the day, since for children any thing that interests them, regardless of its purpose, can become a toy. Rule two: the humidifier must be automatic, that is, it must turn off when it reaches the required humidity levels. The optimal humidity in children's rooms should be kept within 60%.

Advice! Do not place the humidifier near the head of the bed while your baby is sleeping. Moisture that gets on the baby's bed can dampen it, which will lead to hypothermia for your child.

Features of ultrasonic models

One of the most technologically advanced types of humidifier, the working process of which is to generate fog due to the finely dispersed breakdown of water droplets by ultrasonic vibrations. However, the features of such spraying have their disadvantages associated with rapid wear of the working equipment. How to properly use an ultrasonic humidifier to extend its service life? The maximum that the user can do for this is, if possible, use clean distilled water for refilling. It is desirable that it does not contain microorganisms, heavy salts, suspensions and other mechanical particles that could clog the device emitter.