The Humidifier Mistake That Can Make You Sick

Phil Oliver, co-owner of Air Treatment Heating and Cooling in Virginia, says that the number one humidifier mistake that can make you sick is failing to clean and maintain a humidifier regularly.

“Stagnant water in humidifier reservoirs becomes a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other pathogens dispersed directly into the air you breathe,” he explains. “This can trigger respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and exacerbate conditions like asthma.”

Oliver adds that many homeowners aren’t aware of how often they should clean their humidifiers, noting that portable units usually require weekly cleaning, while whole-home systems need regular filter changes to perform optimally and mitigate health threats.

For best results, consult your humidifier’s manufacturer instructions regarding cleaning frequency and technique.

Other Humidifier Mistakes to Avoid

Beyond failing to clean a humidifier, Oliver says there are other humidifier mistakes you should avoid to protect your appliance and your health, including the following:

• Over-humidifying your home. Oliver recommends keeping home humidity levels below 50%. If the air is too humid, mold and mildew can take over, causing health issues and damage to your home.
• Using tap water. Oliver recommends using distilled water in portable humidifiers rather than tap water, as the minerals in tap water can create white dust and build up in the appliance.
• Failing to monitor humidity levels. For best results, Oliver recommends monitoring your home’s humidity level with a hygrometer and adjusting your humidifier use accordingly.

How to Clean a Humidifier

To clean your humidifier, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the unit. Before getting started, unplug the unit for safety.
2. Disassemble the unit. Remove all parts, including the tank, filter, and any other removable parts, and then drain them.
3. Disinfect the tank. To remove any potential mold or bacteria in your humidifier’s tank, fill the tank with clean water and add a teaspoon of bleach. Let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes, then carefully drain it and rinse it out.
4. Replace the filter. If applicable, replace the humidifier’s filter.
5. Clean all other parts. Clean the rest of the humidifier, removing all dust and debris from the base, fan blades, and other areas.
6. Rinse and dry the whole unit. After all the dust is removed, rinse off the applicable parts of the unit and dry them thoroughly before plugging the unit back in.
7. Reassemble and plug in. Reassemble the unit, refill the tank with distilled water, and plug the unit back in.

If you notice mineral buildup in the tank or base of your humidifier from tap water use, you can often remove it quickly with distilled white vinegar.

Jacob Fox

Why Should You Use a Humidifier?

Increasing your home’s humidity level can be beneficial during certain times of the year when the air is drier. However, Dr. Stephanie Kayode, an allergy physician at Allergy Care London, explains that a home with too much humidity can present numerous health threats, including mold spores, bacteria, and dust mites.

“This environment is linked to asthma flares, chronic cough, bronchitis, allergies, and increased respiratory infections, as mold, dust mites, and damp inflame the airways and trigger immune responses, infections, and allergic reactions,” Kayode explains.

She emphasizes that low humidity can also prevent health concerns and recommends homeowners keep indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60% for best results. (Remember, though, anything above 50% could have an effect on your home and the items in it!)

“In this range, damp, mold, and dust mites are controlled, mucosal barrier defenses are not impacted, and the lungs and skin function better,” Kayode explains.

Tips for Using a Humidifier

To get the most out of your humidifier, follow these tips:

• Dry before storing. People rarely use a humidifier throughout the entire year, so they store the unit for part of the year. If the unit isn’t fully dry before being placed in storage, mold and bacteria can grow.
• Prioritize changing the filter. While the costs of humidifier filters can add up, it’s important to change them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some filters, like wicking filters, stop working as effectively over time.
• Keep it away from walls and furniture. While your whole-home humidity level may be ideal, anything in close proximity to your humidifier is still at risk of moisture damage. For best results, position humidifiers away from walls and furniture.
• Don’t add fragrances, oils, or chemicals. Humidifiers and diffusers aren’t the same thing. Unless specified by the manufacturer, never add anything other than distilled water to your humidifier tank.