Humidifiers have become very common household equipment and are very useful. The primary aim of a humidifier is to add the much needed moisture to the air. They help in avoiding dry nose, lip and skin and are a boon particularly in the winter. Like every other equipment, humidifiers also need to be cleaned at regular intervals. Failure to do so could not only cause the efficiency of the humidifier to go down but can also cause number of health hazards. In addition to the discomfort, it is also possible that there is a monetary loss due to the lack of efficiency. It also adds to the carbon footprint of the individual.
Every humidifier has a water reservoir and this is the water that is used to moisten the air. It is necessary to ensure that this water is clear. It is advisable to empty the tank and clean the surface of the tank on an everyday basis. Every manufacturer provides a list of cleaning products and disinfectants. The manuals also contain the procedure on how to clean the humidifier. It is necessary to ensure that the area around the humidifier does not become damp. In the case of dampness, the output volume of the humidifier can be reduced or it can be used intermittently. Some of the parts of the humidifier need to be replaced regularly. It should also be noted that failure to do so may not result in the non working of the humidifier but can severely affect the quality of air that you are inhaling. It is advisable to strictly stick to the guidelines given by the manufacturer.
The humidifier should be properly stored when it is not in use frequently especially at the end of the humidifying season. Ensure that all parts of the humidifier are completely dry. Materials such as demineralization cartridges, cassettes and filters should be disposed off promptly. At all times, ensure that the room humidity does not reach above 50%. The indoor humidity levels can be easily monitored with hygrometers which are readily available in the local hardware shops. It has been observed that many people use bleach for sanitization. This should be avoided and use of hydrogen peroxide is widely suggested. Use of distilled water which has far lower mineral content than the regular tap water has been suggested. This avoids scaling and crusty deposits which can be responsible for microorganisms.
