What To Put In Humidifier To Prevent Mold: 4 Best Options

White vinegar and distilled water are helpful additives to your appliance. Now you know what to put in humidifier to prevent mold formation.

Humidifiers are a helpful gadget to have at home. It will make the environment comfortable, and it will keep your skin healthy.

 

The Benefits Of Using A Humidifier

Humidifiers release moisture into the air and make a closed room feel comfortable. They combat dry air, so they’re essential for people with asthma and respiratory issues.

Have you noticed your lips cracking and your nose becoming dry during cold seasons? Well, a humidifier can solve all these problems and moisturize the air. People love humidifiers for several reasons:

 

1. It keeps the skin and hair moist

Cracked lips and dry hands are a common occurrence during winter. People resort to using heaters, but they release warm and dry air into your room. Humidifiers spread moisture and make indoor conditions more bearable.

 

2. It helps manage dry cough

People usually develop an unproductive cough when the air is dry. A humidifier can help with loosening your airways. 

 

3. It’s good for snoring

Dry air prevents your airways from being lubricated, so you’re more likely to snore. A humidifier can loosen the air, and alleviate the symptoms.

 

4. It’s beneficial for your home

A humidifier isn’t only good for you; it can benefit your home too. Houseplants grow better with a humidifier, and wallpaper isn’t prone to cracking.

However, you must also exercise caution when using your humidifier. Don’t put it too close to your bed, as it may lead to respiratory problems. Here’s a guide on how close your humidifier should be to your bed.

Dirty humidifiers can also do more harm than good. You need to make sure everything inside is clean to prevent you from getting sick.

Now, we’re getting to the main problem; one thing you should look out for is mold formation in your humidifier.

 

How Does Mold Form Inside?

Humidifiers are enclosed tanks that spread moisture in the air, so they are the perfect breeding ground for mold when not cleaned properly. Black, green, white, or brown patches as a sign of mold.

Once you see these, you must clean your device right away. Leaving the humidifier unattended could lead to respiratory illnesses like asthma or allergies. 

 

Step-By-Step Process On Cleaning A Moldy Humidifier

Once you spot mold on your device, you should clean it. The cleaning is straightforward, and it won’t take too much time. 

Step #1. Empty your humidifier.

Step #2. Use hot water and white vinegar to rinse your humidifier.

Step #3. Scrub everything off. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub off mold or scales.

Step #4. Use warm water to wash off all the remaining mold. 

Step #5. Ensure the parts are dry before you put them back together. This will prevent mold from growing again. Here’s some information about how mold dies when it dries out.

 

Useful Additives That Can Prevent Mold

Now that you’ve finished cleaning your humidifier, you can reassemble it. Several useful additives can prevent mold from growing in your device again.

 

1. White vinegar

This liquid is antibacterial, so add one cup to your humidifier to prevent mold from growing. 

 

2. Tea tree oil

This essential oil is a natural disinfectant so mold spores won’t grow in your device. Add a few drops to your humidifier for protection from mold. This oil can also be a breathing aid for people with asthma. 

 

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Put a few drops of this chemical into the reservoir, and mold won’t grow in your humidifier anymore!

 

4. Humidifier tablets

There are some products specifically designed to prevent mold growth in a humidifier. You can buy these tablets and pop one into your humidifier to keep it clean.

 

How To Prevent Bacteria In Your Humidifier

Sometimes putting additives in your humidifier isn’t enough. You should have regular sanitary practices to keep your device free from bacteria.

 

Change the water regularly

Don’t let water sit too long in your humidifier. Mineral deposits may develop if you leave the water in too long. 

 

Use distilled water

Distilled water has less mineral content than tap water. These mineral deposits could develop into bacteria or mold if they’re left unattended. 

 

Clean the device regularly

Follow a cleaning schedule so your humidifier doesn’t develop mold. Clean the container once a week using the instructions above, and allot time to deep clean the tank once a month.

 

Keep the surroundings dry

Your humidifier releases moisture, but make sure the area around it isn’t too damp. Excess moisture could lead to mold and bacteria growth. 

 

Make sure your air is clean

Your general air quality must be clean to ensure your humidifier will work properly. Change the filter in your heating and air conditioning system regularly. 

 

Keep your humidifier up to date

Old humidifiers may not work so well, and they will start to break down. These devices can usually last up to five years before they need replacing. 

 

Store the device properly

Make sure all the parts are dry and dispose of all the used filters and water cartridges.

 

Conclusion

Humidifiers are helpful gadgets, but they are prone to mold growth. You can keep the device clean when you know what to put in humidifier to prevent mold from growing. Now you’ll have excellent air quality at home!