If you suffer from dry, itchy skin, allergies, or asthma, a humidifier should be the solution you seek. By putting moisture into the air, a humidifier provides fast, soothing relief.
However, the problem is that humidifiers use water and heat, which, unfortunately, creates the perfect environment for mold to grow.
To prevent that, there are several things you can do, including cleaning your humidifier’s water reservoir regularly. There are also several additives you can add to the humidifier’s water to prevent mold from growing and preventing scales.
How To Prevent Mold in Your Home Humidifier
Preventing mold from growing in your humidifier is as simple as cleaning the water reservoir. It’s quite easy, actually:
- First, empty the water reservoir.
- Next, rinse it out with very hot water and some white vinegar. (Vinegar is anti-fungal.)
- Then, use a dense cloth and some lemon-based cleaner to remove any scales and mold
- Rinse the reservoir again with very hot water.
- Set the reservoir aside to dry before putting your humidifier back together.
Additives That Can Prevent Mold in Your Humidifier
Using your humidifier regularly will naturally use a lot of water also. There are several additives you can put into that water to prevent mold. Keep in mind that every time you fill the water container, you need to add them again. They include:
- Hydrogen Peroxide. An antibacterial and anti-fungal, hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and works very well. Half a teaspoon in the water reservoir every time you fill it should prevent mold from growing and bacteria.
- Teatree Oil. Tea tree oil serves two purposes; it’s a natural disinfectant and a breathing aid that can help people with asthma and other types of respiratory illnesses. Like hydrogen peroxide, it’s an anti-fungal and antibacterial as well as an antiviral. 5 or 6 drops in your humidifier’s water reservoir should do the trick.
- White Vinegar. An anti-microbial, as well as antibacterial, white vinegar, is excellent for preventing mold. One cup added to your humidifier’s water reservoir will work correctly.
- Humidifier Tablets. Most grocery stores sell humidifier tablets, which can prevent mold and lime buildup in your humidifier’s water reservoir. One tablet every time you fill it with water is recommended.
A Clean Humidifier Is Much Better For Everyone’s Health
Keeping your humidifier clean is vitally important. By doing so, everyone in your home will breathe easier and stay healthier. That goes for your AC and HVAC systems as well. If your home’s vital systems aren’t putting out fresh, clean air, Texas Air Repair can help. We’ll diagnose the problem, tell you precisely what’s wrong, and advise you on what needs to be repaired or replaced.
Don’t let your AC, HVAC, or humidifier struggle while your energy bills double. Call the AC repair experts at Texas Air Repair today, or leave your name and contact info below. One of our friendly reps will get back to you right away.
Additionally, check out our other post regarding humidifiers vs. dehumidifiers and which is better for your home.
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