A cool mist humidifier relieves people suffering from various health and allergy issues.
Although the unit helps relieve many health problems (by adding a cool mist of water vapor in the dry air), if misused, it can cause havoc to the human body rather than any good.
Studies reveal that improper usage of cool mist humidifiers is many times responsible for several skin allergies as well as breathing issues in people.
However, by using the device properly along with regular meticulous maintenance and cleaning, it can offer great relief in dry air conditions and reduce various airborne illnesses.
How To Use Cool Mist Humidifier?
Knowing how to use an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier before actually using and running it in your home is most important so that you do not face any adverse outcomes.
No matter whether you are using a Vicks, Honeywell, Crane, or any other brand, the basic steps to use or operate your device are the same and should be followed with proper care.
Below mentioned are a few essential tips on how to operate humidifiers in the best possible way so that you achieve maximum benefits out of them.
1- Set Up A Humidifier
There are different types of humidifiers available with varied features, sizes, and effectiveness.
As different humidifier brands and models come with different settings, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines on how to operate your specific humidifier model in a hassle-free manner.
Following the guidelines will help you assemble the unit (if needed). Also, it helps to maintain cleanliness while operating so that you enjoy the benefits best.
2- Locate The Unit Safely
While installing your cool mist humidifier unit, make sure that it is placed in a living room where everyone can benefit from it.
However, if you want to get the benefits of extra humidity personally, you can consider placing it in your bedroom.
Furthermore, while installing the unit, ensure that it is correctly placed on a flat platform. It should be located at least 5 inches away from the walls or any other nearby heat source.
Also, take care that nothing is placed over the humidifier or near to it. This can block the air openings and can affect the running of the humidifier.
3- Use Filtered/Distilled Water
When you have placed and installed your device correctly, it is time to rinse the humidifier tank or reservoir and add fresh distilled water.
Although you can use simple tap water, the majority of the manufacturers suggest using filtered or distilled water as it has a lower mineral count and a lesser amount of impurities as compared to tap water.
The filtered/distilled water lowers the growth of micro-deposits on the unit, thereby lowering the contamination and odor.
You can use a Faucet water filter or water demineralization filter to get cleaned and filtered water for your device.
Using these, you can rest assured that your device is safe and the air you breathe is pure, fresh & harmless.
4- Keep A Check On Humidity Levels
The recommended relative humidity level of 50% or less should be maintained to avoid the damage caused due to over humidity/moisture in the air.
This is also important to prevent the development of microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and fungi, which get borne in warm, humid conditions.
If you see condensation on your glass windows or feel the dampness on your curtains, it is sure that the unit is generating too much moisture into the air.
This is not right and should be avoided!
There are several hygrometers available in the market at a meager cost. Installing one can easily help you to keep a check on the humidity levels in your room.
5- Functioning, Safety, and Cleaning Tips
Cool mist humidifiers utilize electricity as a primary power source.
And since the appliance also disperses water, there is a risk of electric shock if appropriate care is not taken while operating the device.
Few important things you need to take care of include:
- Never operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug
- Never fill in the water tank when the unit is plugged in
- Unplug the device while cleaning it in a safe, dry place
- Supervise carefully when your pets and kids are nearby
Cleaning of the humidifier should be done every 3rd day after continuous use.
Cleaning the device hardly takes a few minutes, and if done properly, you need not have to waste the entire day on it.
While cleaning, care that you use only recommended cleaning solutions and clean water.
How Often Should You Use A Humidifier?
Be reminded that a humidifier is a machine that is supposed to be used when there is a need to moisturize the dry air.
Hence you should use your unit depending on the environmental factors and dryness of the air you are living in.
Fortunately, this can be achieved by using an intelligent humidifier that comes with a humidistat sensor.
By using devices like these, you can rest assured that they only run when there is a need in your home.
By automatically sensing the indoor humidity levels, it switches on and off while maintaining the desired humidity in your home.
This means it saves the power and hassle of keeping looking at the unit.
Should You Leave a Humidifier On All Night?
People who want to use a cool-mist humidifier for humidification often have a question in mind “how long should they run a humidifier”?
Whether it’s a good thing to keep running their machine all night, or should they switch it off at midnight?
Well, there is nothing in leaving a humidifier on all night, especially if you or your baby often suffer from problems due to dry skin or hair, dry airways, sore throat, bloody nose, etc.
Most the modern machines come with auto shut-off functionality that switches off the unit due to the unit going waterless or when the desired humidity level is reached.
You, therefore, need not worry about any hazards if your unit remains switched on all through the night while sleeping.
If you leave your humidifier unit ON all night and day, it can help in relieving various severe problems caused due to dry air and temperature.
In the end, if you have not set up a humidifier at home for this winter season, get one now to relieve your family.
Below are a few videos to help you set up and use your humidifier machine safely in your room. Do check them out for sure…
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.