How to Use a Humidifier Safely (Plus, Setup & Cleaning Instructions)

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Tips for using a humidifier to sleep better
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Humidifiers are used to add moisture to dry air. They can help someone deal with congestion, dry skin, sinus discomfort and also help with things that affect our day-to-day lives, like static electricity. Using a humidifier correctly can greatly improve the living conditions in a dry home.

Best Way to Use a Humidifier

Clean the water reservoir and fill it with distilled water. Place your humidifier at least 12 ft (3.7 m) from the wall on a level, elevated surface with good air circulation. Determine the proper settings, then plug it in and turn it on. Clean the humidifier twice a week to help prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Section 1 of 3:

Using Your Humidifier Properly

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    Remove the water reservoir and clean it with mild soap and water before using the humidifier. This will clear out any residue from the manufacturing process, so you aren’t breathing those in when using the humidifier. [1]
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    After you clean the reservoir, add distilled water. Some humidifiers allow for tap water to be used, but distilled water will be free of any additives that tap water contains. [2] Add the water until it reaches the market water line on the humidifier’s reservoir.
    • If your humidifier uses a filter, insert it when you fill the reservoir. Replace the filter regularly, depending on the type of humidifier you have and how often you use it. Usually between once a month and once every 4 months. [3]
    • Change the water every time you use your humidifier. [4]
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    For a humidifier to add moisture to the air, it needs to be in a spot with good air circulation. Choose a level surface that’s high up with nothing underneath and at least 12 inches away from walls.
    • Don't place your humidifier underneath a shelf or near paper or curtains. Nearby objects tend to get dampened by the humidifier.
    • Before you turn on the humidifier, check the equipment and the cords to ensure they're in good condition. [5]
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    Plug in and power on the humidifier. Some humidifiers may have buttons or knobs that adjust the settings, so use these tools to change anything to your personal preference. If you are confused about what settings you should use or what any of the buttons or knobs mean, consult your owner’s manual.
    • Some humidifiers have a small space to add essential oils or vapor rub to the mist. This would be the time to add those items if desired. However, if your humidifier doesn’t explicitly say it’s compatible with those items, don’t use them.
    • Recommended humidity levels are normally between 30–50%.
    • When not in use, turn off the humidifier. Don’t run the humidifier in an empty room.
    Cheryl Mendelson, Homekeeping Expert

    Properly using a humidifier can provide welcome relief when indoor air is dry. Choose a humidifier based on room size, then find an appropriate central location away from walls and heat. Maintain humidity between 30-50%. Monitor with a hygrometer, refill the tank regularly, and change filters per manufacturer instructions. Disinfecting weekly helps prevent mold or bacteria buildup for healthier air.

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    If you’re a regular user, clean your humidifier at least twice a week. This will help prevent bacterial growth from forming in the humidifier and water. For less frequent users, clean your humidifier before each use since bacteria and mold can grow in longer intervals of time between uses. [6]
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Set Up Your Humidifier

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    There are many different types of humidifiers on the market, so finding the best humidifier for your needs and circumstances is very important. A few of the most common humidifiers include: [9]
    • Central humidifiers . Central humidifiers are used to humidify an entire house. They are built into the house’s heating and cooling system.
    • Evaporators . Evaporators are smaller humidifiers that use filters and fans to add moisture to the air. These types of humidifiers tend to be very affordable.
    • Impeller humidifiers . Impeller humidifiers release a cool mist into the air. This is especially good news for people who have children in the house. These humidifiers use fast-moving disks to release their mist and work best for single rooms.
    • Steam vaporizers . Steam vaporizers heat the water in the reservoirs and force it to cool before releasing it into the air as a mist. These are the most economically friendly humidifiers, but they can release hotter mists, which can cause burns.
    • Ultrasonic humidifiers . Ultrasonic humidifiers use vibrations to release moisture into the air. Since these come in both cool and warm mist variations, they are a good choice for a home with children. Pick one that is sized properly for your intended use and room volume, and be aware that they will vary in cost depending on size and features.
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    Humidifiers come in many styles, each with recommended settings and care instructions. The instructions may differ from others you have owned, so it is important to read the instructions for your specific humidifier carefully. [10]
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    With the help of the owner’s manual, put together any apparatuses that need to be assembled before your humidifier can be used. This can include things like adding wheels for mobility, basic assembly of the humidifier, or personal preference settings (such as the size of the mist opening).
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Section 3 of 3:

Common Humidifier Questions

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    There are many benefits to using a humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate or use air conditioning and heating in your home. They help with dry skin, eyes, and nasal passages, which can help reduce the number of bloody noses you have. [11]
    • Some people who live in dry climates use humidifiers to alleviate asthma symptoms. [12]
    • Humidifiers can also help relieve symptoms associated with colds, flu, and allergies, including coughing, stuffy noses, and sore throats.
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    Sleeping with a humidifier running can help you sleep more comfortably because it helps alleviate stuffy noses and coughing. It also provides white noise, which can help block out noises that disrupt sleep. [13]
    • Place the humidifier about 6 ft (1.8 m) feet from the bed near a heating or air conditioning vent if possible, like on top of a dresser. [14]
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    Only run a humidifier long enough to maintain a humidity between 30% and 50%. This usually means running your humidifier for 12 hours a day. [15] Run the humidifier overnight to help you sleep.
    • The recommended time for your humidifier to run depends on the current humidity level, type of humidifier, and room size.
    • If you’re suffering from a respiratory condition or illness, you may need to run the humidifier longer.
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    There are some risks to using a humidifier, especially when you don’t properly clean them. A dirty humidifier can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Then, as soon as you turn it on, it mists germs and spores into the air. You can develop lung irritation or a serious infection when you breathe them in. Additionally, Air polluted by dirty humidifiers is often more harmful to children than adults. [16]
    • Clean humidifiers every day to every third day to help prevent breathing harmful bacteria.
    • Use a scrub brush to remove any film or scale deposits and then wipe all of the surfaces dry. [17]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any mistakes I should avoid when I'm using a humidifier?
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Always read the manual that comes with your machine, and follow the manufacturer's instructions, especially for cleaning and maintenance. Check the equipment and cord every time you use the humidifier, and place it on a flat surface before you use it.Also, make sure you're using the right unit for your home, and monitor the humidity levels in the air while the unit is on.
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      Tips

      • Tap water has not been conclusively shown to cause health risks when used in humidifiers. Distilled water is a purer alternative that causes fewer complications with the humidifier apparatus.
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      Warnings

      • Do not allow the area around the humidifier to become damp. This encourages the growth of mold and mildew.
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      • Young people, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung conditions may be more susceptible than others to airborne bacteria, so humidifiers used around these populations must be cleaned carefully and often.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Humidifier
      • Water (distilled optional)
      • Mild soap

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/danger-of-humidifiers/
      2. ↑ https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/quick-tips-using-humidifier-safely
      3. ↑ https://www.onehourheatandair.com/expert-tips/air-quality/how-often-should-you-change-a-humidifier-filter/
      4. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      5. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/preventing-waterborne-germs-at-home.html
      7. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      8. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/humidifiers/buying-guide/
      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/humidifiers/buying-guide/
      2. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/benefits-of-a-humidifier-while-sleeping
      3. ↑ https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/news/2016/indoor-humidity
      4. ↑ https://www.popsci.com/article/science/fyi-why-does-white-noise-help-people-sleep/
      5. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/benefits-of-a-humidifier-while-sleeping
      6. ↑ https://www.respiratorytherapyzone.com/how-long-should-you-run-humidifier/
      7. ↑ https://time.com/4685972/humidifier-disinfectants-bacteria-water/
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/humidifier_factsheet.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To use a humidifier, start by cleaning the water reservoir with mild dish soap to remove the residue from the manufacturing process. Next, add water to the reservoir up to the marked water line. Then position the humidifier on a flat, raised surface. Additionally, place the unit at least 12 inches away from the walls in order to prevent mold and moisture damage. Finally, plug in the humidifier and adjust the settings according to your preferences. For more advice, including how to clean your humidifier, keep reading.

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