We all want clean air. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to prevent pink mold in humidifier. If left untidy and unclean, then your health can be at risk.
A humidifier for the home is a device that adds moisture to the air. It reduces the symptoms of dry, irritated skin while also making the air feel warmer and thus healthier to breathe. When mold is present, however, the humidifier may be more harmful than beneficial.
How Dangerous Is Pink Mold?
Molds are commonly known as one of the major enemies, whether mold from our furniture or foods. When you find mold in your food, it is a red flag to throw the food away. There are different types of pink molds:
Serratia marcescens
Serratia marcescens is the scientific name for the first type of pink mold. It comes in pink and orange hues that you can frequently find in damp areas of your home. It is a type of bacteria.
Aureobasidium pullulans
Aureobasidium pullulans is another prevalent pink mold. Unlike Serratia marcescens, this is an actual fungus.
The pink tint of Aureobasidium pullulans fades to a darker brown or grey with time. This mold also likes growing in bathrooms and grout, but it prefers organic stuff to thrive on. There’s a good possibility you’ll encounter Aureobasidium pullulans if you have plants or visible wood in your home, as these are frequent sites for mold to develop.
Fusarium
Fusarium is the name for the third form of pink mold. This type of mold is relatively uncommon to encounter in your house.
If it does, be on the lookout. It may start with a potted plant, but it will quickly spread to your carpet or walls.
The most common type of pink mold found in home humidifiers is Aureobasidium pullulans. It is particularly problematic because pink mold can spread throughout your home for weeks without anybody knowing. Here’s an additional helpful guide on how to remove mold from inside walls.
What are the effects of pink mold on my body?
Being around pink molds for a long or enough period can make you develop lung infections, cardiac problems, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal disorders resulting from bacterial development. In addition, if ever you have a family member or someone in your household that has asthma, it can affect and worsen their condition.
If you discover Serratia marcescens in your home, those who are healthy should be unconcerned. The only problem you might run into is if this bacterium gets into your shower.
Serratia marcescens could cause a severe infection if it gets into an open wound. On the same note, if you or someone in your family wears contact lenses, you should be aware of Serratia marcescens. On contacts, you may discover Serratia marcescens growing.
As long as your immune system is in good shape, Fusarium is unlikely to cause you any difficulties. It can be an issue if it gets into your food, eyes, or under your finger or toenails.
Even so, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any mold. The sooner you find out about it, the more likely you will eliminate it as a threat. Here’s a guide to help you know what to put in a humidifier to prevent mold.
How To Prevent Pink Mold In Your Humidifier
Molds are most likely to be removed forever. It is why cleaning our household is essential.
When it comes to food, checking for the expiration dates is an absolute must. It is necessary to be meticulous when it comes to health and safety.
Step #1. Get rid of any remaining water in the device.
Step #2. Use hot water and white vinegar to clean the unit.
Step #3. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the interior of the device to remove any scales or mold accumulation.
Step #4. Use hot water to clean the unit.
Step#5. Allow for complete air drying of the unit and its components before reassembling.
It’s critical to develop the habit of cleaning your humidifier regularly. While changing the water daily in your tank is a good start, you should also keep your filter and other unit parts clean of build-up.
You may expect your humidifier to last longer if you do this regularly. Pink mold is unlikely to form in well-kept environments. As a result, make sure you do everything you can to prevent the likelihood of it creating and causing problems in your house.
You can put on additives to your humidifier to help protect against mold growth. Some of these are tea tree oil, humidifier tablets, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has been of help to you in learning ways on how to prevent pink mold in humidifier. Despite all the information above and the steps, taking proper caution by handling it by a professional is highly recommended. Remember to keep your home clean and your food safe.