A humidifier can do wonders to keep the air around your home moist during the winter months when the humidity levels drop too low. Humidifier in ac room can also help prevent and cure different cold-related illnesses. But, there is something that can compromise the performance of your humidifier, and that is none other than mold.
Molds can form if you don’t clean and maintain your humidifier properly. These can then spread to the air together with the mist and trigger nasal infections. However, humidifier mold prevention is relatively easy with proper cleaning and maintenance.
How do molds form?
Mold is one type of fungus that can grow or thrive in enclosed and wet environments. These are often seen near moist or water environments as green, brown, white, or black patches. Since the humidifier is an enclosed tank, this gives mold an ideal environment for growth.
Maybe you think that a few molds won’t cause any harm. But, once they start multiplying, your humidifier will also spread and release them to the area around your home, causing different ailments.
One deadly condition is known as humidifier lung. This takes place once you breathe in the contaminated air that comes from a humidifier. A few of its symptoms include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, chill, lung inflammation, and more.
Mold can also lead to asthma attacks or cause illnesses for people with allergies. Thankfully, you can quickly get rid of molds by dealing with why they formed in the first place – your dirty dehumidifier.
Things to use to enjoy a mold free humidifier
There are several things you can put in the water chamber of your humidifier to keep it protected from scaly buildup and mold. Take note that a humidifier, by design, is warm and wet, making it the perfect spot for mold growth.
You can add any of the following to your humidifier so you can prevent mold growth in between regular cleanings:
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is among the cheapest ways to prevent mold in humidifiers that can kill both mold and bacteria. It can get things done in just a few drops added to the water reservoir.
Humidifier tablets
Humidifier tablets are available in both local and online stores. These help prevent lime buildup and mold growth inside your humidifier. Just drop a tablet into the reservoir with the right amount of water.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant and a few drops of it added to water not just prevent mold growth it also serves as a great breathing aid for those who suffer from asthma or respiratory illness. Distilled from the Melaleuca plant, tea tree oil is a type of essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
White vinegar
Prevent mold from growing by simply adding a cup of white vinegar to your humidifier’s water. This is a substance with natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that is safe for both your humidifier and the air.
Keep your humidifier free from mold and follow the tips above to enjoy bacteria-free and clean air in your home. Next, what is the best humidity setting for dehumidifier and what is the difference between ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers?
