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How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

Working out at home can be a great way to save money and get in shape, but it can quickly become a deterrent if your home gym starts to smell bad. In this blog post, I will discuss tips on stopping a home gym from smelling. We will also cover some common causes of gym odor and how to prevent them. Let’s get started.

Why Do Home Gyms Smell Bad?

There are several reasons why home gyms can start to smell bad. They include:

Poor ventilation

Ventilation is among the most critical factors in keeping a home gym smelling fresh. If your gym is located in an enclosed space with little or no ventilation, the sweat and body odor from your workouts will quickly build up, leading to a nasty smell.

Dirty equipment

Another common cause of foul odor in home gyms is dirty equipment. If you don’t regularly clean your gym equipment, it can start to harbor bacteria and dirt, which can lead to an unpleasant smell.

Stale air

If your home gym is located in a basement or other area that doesn’t get much fresh air, the air can start to feel stale and stuffy. This can also contribute to an unpleasant odor.

Moisture

Another common cause of bad odor in home gyms is moisture. When you sweat during your workout, the moisture can collect on surfaces and start to grow mold or mildew. This can lead to a musty or unpleasant smell.

Bacterial Buildup

This is one of the most common causes of bad odor in home gyms. When you sweat during your workout, the bacteria on your skin can transfer to surfaces in your gym. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell.

Using scented body oils

Another unlikely factor causing your home gym to smell is the scented body oils you might be using. These oils can interact with the sweat and bacteria on your skin to create an unpleasant odor.

Rust or rubber odors

Rubber can sometimes give off an unpleasant odor, especially when it’s old or worn. If your gym equipment is made of rubber, the bad smell could be the source. Rust can also cause an unpleasant odor, especially if it’s left to build up on surfaces.

Leaving dirty gym clothes in your gym bag

If you leave your gym clothes in your gym bag after your workout, they can start to harbor bacteria and sweat, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your gym clothes as soon as possible after each workout.

How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

Now that we’ve covered some common causes of bad odor in home gyms, let’s discuss tips on how to stop a home gym from smelling.

Here are a few tips:

Make sure your gym is well-ventilated If your space is not well-ventilated, the sweat and body odor from your workouts will quickly build up, leading to a bad smell. Be sure to open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air during and after your workout.

Even after your workout sessions, you want to make sure you are airing out your space. This will help to prevent the smells from becoming trapped and intensifying.

Invest in a quality air purifier

Air purifiers are among the best ways to remove bad odors from your home gym. They work by circulating and filtering the air, which helps to remove bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants that can cause an unpleasant smell.

If you choose an air purifier for your home gym, you must pick one with a HEPA filter. This will help remove any bad smells and pollutants from your gym.

Clean your equipment regularly

Another important tip for preventing bad odor in your home gym is to clean your equipment regularly. This includes wiping down surfaces after each use and deep cleaning them weekly.

Deep cleaning can be done by using a disinfectant or sanitizing surface wipes. You can also use a vinegar solution to deep clean your gym equipment. Just be sure to rinse the surfaces well after cleaning them with vinegar.

Wash your gym clothes regularly

Another important tip for preventing bad odor in your home gym is to wash your gym clothes regularly. Gym clothes can harbor bacteria and sweat, leading to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your gym clothes as soon as possible after each workout.

Use a time-release air freshener

Time-release air fresheners are a great way to keep your home gym smelling fresh and clean. These air fresheners slowly release fragrance over time, which helps to mask any foul odors that might be present.

Be sure to choose an air freshener that is designed for small spaces such as home gyms. You also want to choose a fragrance you enjoy, as you’ll be smelling it for a while.

Use a dehumidifier

Since moisture is among the most significant contributors to bad odor in home gyms, using a dehumidifier can be extremely helpful. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which helps prevent bacteria and mold growth.

Choose a dehumidifier that is big enough for your space and has an automatic shut-off feature. You also want to empty the dehumidifier regularly, as the collected water can become stagnant and lead to a bad odor.

Check for mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can also cause an unpleasant smell in your home gym. These growths thrive in moist and humid environments, so be sure to check for them regularly.

If you do find mold or mildew, be sure to clean it up immediately. You can use a commercial mold and mildew cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar.

Wear clean clothes

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to make sure you are wearing clean clothes when working out. Sweat and body odor will quickly build up on dirty clothes, creating an unpleasant smell.

Use charcoal filters

Charcoal filters are another great way to remove bad odors from your home gym. These filters work by absorbing odor-causing particles from the air, which helps to keep your gym smelling fresh and clean.

Activated charcoal filters are the most effective type of charcoal filter. However, there are so many out there to choose from that it can be challenging to know which one to get. Do your research and read reviews to find the best charcoal filter for your needs.

Use essential oils

Essential oils can also be used to freshen up your home gym. These oils are known for their ability to mask bad odors and create a pleasant scent in your space.

You can either diffuse essential oils throughout your gym or make your own DIY air freshener using a few drops of oil and water. Be sure to choose an essential oil that you enjoy the smell of, as you’ll be smelling it for a while.

Use clean towels

Make sure the towels you use in your home gym are clean. Towels can harbor bacteria and sweat, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your towels regularly and store them in a dry place when not in use.

You may also want to consider using paper towels for wiping down surfaces after each use. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your gym smelling fresh.

Avoid carpets

Carpets are a breeding ground for bacteria and can quickly become smelly. If possible, avoid using carpets in your home gym. If you must use a carpet, be sure to clean it regularly and vacuum it often.

Consider using a yoga mat or exercise mat instead of a carpet. These mats are easy to clean and won’t harbor as much bacteria. Plus, they provide a comfortable surface to work out on.

Hire professional cleaners

For all-around deep cleaning and freshness, hire professional cleaners to clean your home gym regularly. They will be able to get rid of any bad odors that might be present and leave your gym smelling fresh and clean.

Be sure to ask about their cleaning methods and products before hiring a company. You want to ensure they use safe and effective products that won’t damage your gym equipment.

Following these tips can keep your home gym smelling fresh and clean.

Final Thoughts

Taking simple precautions is easy to prevent your home gym from smelling bad. Be sure to use a dehumidifier, wear clean clothes, and use charcoal filters to keep your gym smelling fresh and clean. You can also use essential oils or hire professional cleaners for an all-around deep clean.

Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful tips for stopping a home gym from smelling. If you have any other suggestions or questions, share them in the comments below.

Pink Mold in Your Humidifier: Why It’s Dangerous and How to Stop It

Is pink mold in a humidifier dangerous?

Yes — it can be, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. The microbes behind the pink film (often Serratia marcescens bacteria or the yeast‑like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans) can irritate the lungs, skin, and eyes, and may contribute to infections with repeated exposure. The good news is it’s common, very fixable with a thorough clean, and preventable once you dial in your humidity and maintenance routine.

What Pink Mold in a Humidifier Looks Like (and What It Really Is)

Open the tank to top off water and you see it: a salmon‑pink film, maybe a slick ring near the waterline, or a faint stain around the mist outlet. It’s not your humidifier “going bad,” and you don’t need to throw it out. That color usually points to microbes that love damp, mineral‑rich places — exactly what a warm water tank provides. A quick reset (clean, dry, refill) clears it, and a couple of smart habits keep it from returning.

Why you’re seeing pink mold now

Pink growth is more likely when indoor air stays moist for long stretches and water sits in the tank between refills. Minerals in tap water leave a light scale that microbes can cling to. If your unit has been running a lot, or the room feels a little “clammy,” your home might simply be running too humid — and the humidifier tank is where that shows up first.

Think of pink mold as a friendly warning flag. It’s your cue to check the broader humidity picture in the room and adjust before the problem spreads beyond the tank.

Do a quick humidity check (takes 30 seconds)

If you have a hygrometer, glance at it. The healthy target is 30–50% relative humidity. When readings sit above 55–60% for hours at a time, you’ve created great conditions for mold and bacteria — in the tank and around the house.

No meter handy? Look for simple clues: persistent condensation on windows, a faint musty smell, towels that don’t quite dry, or allergies that seem worse when the humidifier runs. Any of those point to “a little too damp.”

Easy ways to nudge humidity back into the sweet spot

You don’t need a renovation — just a few friendly habits:

Let fresh air help. On mild days, crack a window for 10–15 minutes; moving air pulls excess moisture out. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans during showers and cooking.
Give the humidifier breaks. If you’re over 45–50% RH, pause the unit or lower its setting. Many models don’t need to run 24/7.
Consider a dehumidifier. Basements and tightly sealed rooms benefit from occasional drying cycles, especially after storms or laundry days.
Use distilled water. Fewer minerals mean less residue on tank walls — and fewer places for pink film to get started.

Right size matters (so you don’t over-humidify)

A humidifier that’s too large for the room can overshoot your target quickly and keep the air damp — exactly what pink mold prefers. Matching output to room size prevents “tropical” conditions and makes maintenance easier. If you’re not sure your unit is a fit, here’s a simple guide:
How to choose the right size humidifier for your room.

Okay — how do I get the pink out right now?

Here’s a gentle, effective clean that most manufacturers are happy with:

1) Power down and empty. Unplug, remove the tank, and pour out any water.
2) Soak to loosen. Fill the tank with white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This softens residue and disrupts the biofilm.
3) Light scrub. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to reach seams and corners. Avoid abrasive pads that can scratch the plastic (scratches give microbes hiding spots).
4) Rinse thoroughly. Warm water rinse until you no longer smell vinegar or peroxide.
5) Dry completely. Air‑dry parts on a clean towel before reassembly so you’re not trapping moisture in crevices.

Tip: Skip bleach unless your manufacturer specifically recommends it — it can pit plastics and leave fumes you don’t want to inhale.

Simple habits that keep pink mold from coming back

Refresh daily. Don’t let water sit in the tank more than 24 hours. A quick dump and refill knocks down growth dramatically.
Weekly reset. Do the soak‑and‑rinse routine once a week during heavy use. It takes about the length of a TV episode and pays back all season.
Mind the minerals. Distilled water reduces scale (less “grip” for microbes). If you stick with tap, clean a touch more often.
Optional helpers. Some people like a drop or two of tea tree oil or a labeled “humidifier treatment” tablet; use sparingly and only if your manual allows additives.

When to consider replacing the unit

If pink film returns immediately after a proper clean, or the tank has deep scratches and permanent staining, replacement may be cheaper (and safer) than battling hidden biofilm. Motors and misters last longer — and run quieter — when the water path is clean.

The bigger picture: a healthy home humidity rhythm

Humidifiers shine when they take the edge off dry winter air — preventing nosebleeds, easing coughs, and protecting wood furniture — without pushing your home into the soggy zone. Keep an eye on that 30–50% range, size the unit to the room, and give the tank a weekly reset. Do that, and pink mold tends to become a non‑issue.

Want a broader, step‑by‑step overview that covers types, setup, safety, and maintenance? Dive into our
Complete Humidifier Guide
for clear tips you can use today.

Quick answers to common questions

Is pink mold the same as black mold?

No. Pink growth is most often Serratia marcescens (a bacteria) or Aureobasidium species (yeast‑like fungus). It’s generally less hazardous than black mold but still irritating — especially with repeated exposure. Treat it seriously, clean it fully.

Can I keep using the humidifier while there’s pink film?

Pause it, clean it, then resume. Running through the film can aerosolize contaminants and worsen irritation or allergies.

What humidity should I aim for?

30–50% RH is the comfort and health sweet spot for most homes. If you’re consistently above 55–60%, reduce runtime, ventilate, or use a dehumidifier until the reading drops.

Will a bigger humidifier fix dry air faster?

It will — but it’s easier to overshoot and end up damp. For steady comfort without pink mold, match capacity to your room:
humidfier sizing guide.

Bottom line

Pink mold in a humidifier is a nudge, not a nightmare. Clean the tank thoroughly, keep your indoor humidity in the 30–50% range, and make sure your unit is sized for the space. With those pieces in place — and a quick weekly reset — you’ll keep the pink film away and your air comfortably healthy. For deeper how‑tos and setup tips, explore the
Humidifier Guide.

Is “White Noise” a Reason to Buy a Humidifier?

There is something about the noise that a humidifier makes while it’s misting the air that has an almost instantaneous sleep effect to it.

It’s very calming and hypnotizing at the same time. Combined with the relief of being able to breathe because of the moisture it emits into the air, humidifiers are kind of an elixir for helping you rest.

Interesting enough, you can browse YouTube and find a number of videos that provide the sounds of a humidifier that you can play while you are sleeping.

But not all humidifiers produce that white noise effect. And even though there are many people who enjoy the calming sound of a humidifier, there are just as many people who do not want to be able to hear their humidifier working at all.

And I can’t blame you, whatever side of the fence you’re on, because I can see the point of both.

Types of Humidifiers that produce White Noise

1.Evaporative cool mist humidifiers create a white noise effect that can be comforting to sleep with.

2.Impeller humidifiers have a spinning disc that makes a humming noise that can be

But if you’re looking for a quiet humidifier, ultrasonic humidifiers do not have a fan or a disc which makes them the quietest type of humidifier. relaxing too.

Should you buy a humidifier based on the White noise it makes?

Probably not.

Humidifiers can be pretty sophisticated devices these days. And come with all kinds of bells and whistles.

But one of the benefits to these humidifiers is that they are quiet.

And quiet seems to be a feature that most people are looking for when they are looking to purchase a humidifier.

Take the Levoit lv600s

This humidifier fully hooks up to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled by your phone or an Alexa or Google Assistant.

You can simply tell your humidifier what percentage of humidity you want, and it does the rest.

It is easily filled from the top, which is a huge improvement over other kinds of humidifiers that require you to take the tank off and turn it upside down to fill it.

It runs up to 50 hours without having to be refilled and can humidify a 500 square foot room up to four times faster than any other humidifier.

It features a built-in hygrometer and hydrostat so that you can set the humidity level to what you want and then leave the humidifier to reach and maintain that level.

And it can be used as either a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist humidifier.

And don’t forget, it is a fully functioning essential oil diffuser at the same time.

But if you’re looking for a white noise humidifier. This one is not it. This one is very quiet as a benefit.

Noisy humidifiers tend to be less sophisticated and rely on technologies that aren’t as good at humidifying the air.

Which is the primary point of having a humidifier.

But if the humidifier noise is something that you are very much interested in,

Air Care in a Whole House humidifier

This is a large humidifier that doesn’t have most of the bells and whistles that say the Levoit does but it does come with a hygrometer / humidistat automatic shut off to maintain the correct humidity.

You can also cover up to 2600 square feet which is pretty amazing.

It also comes with casters, which can give you an ideal of how heavy this thing can be with water in it.

And being a larger unit, it definitely has the humidifier sound that people either find relaxing or despise

Other White Noise options.

And like I mentioned before, there are plenty of videos that play the sounds of a noisy humidifier to sleep by.

And if you don’t want to use your phone or tablet to play a video while you’re sleeping,

you can always take another route and purchase a white noise machine dedicated to giving you a dozen or so soothing White noise sounds and a night light to boot.

White noise machines come in an array of different styles. Some are made to look like an office device that blends in with the other office supplies, while other white noise machines are cute and come in shapes that look like anything from turtles to owls for the baby’s room and bed.

Rose White Noise machine

This is a nice noise maker that would look good in the kids room, for the living room.

It illuminates in seven seven different colors and it has 16 soothing sounds that range from ocean waves, the chirping of insects and birds, water flowing in the valley, and rain.

It also has four lullabies for the young ones.

In addition it features an automatic shut off timer. See Here

Another noise machine that has some interesting sounds including the usual rain and thunderstorm, campfire and ocean sounds.
But also has some very unique sounds including vacuum cleaner, fetal tone, gentle surf and shushing.

This white noise machine is called the “Dream Egg“.

recap

The white noise that you can get from a humidifier is one of the most relaxing sounds especially when you factor in the relief that you are getting from the additional moisture that is providing.

If you were specifically looking for a humidifier to get you that “white noise”, then you should look more at evaporative humidifiers and impeller humidifiers.

Both of these types of humidifiers use fans and discs that create that humidifier hum and gurgling sound.

But even though the noise from a humidifier may be something that many people enjoy, it is also something that many people do not enjoy in the least.

Most of the humidifiers you find these days are exceptionally quiet. Because quiet is what sells.

But the features that you can get in a humidifier these days are amazing. And make the drug store humidifiers of the past seem like pretty small potatoes.

And the truth is if you’re searching for the white noise that you are used to hearing from running a humidifier,

You can find videos of humidifiers running on YouTube.

And if that’s not an option for you, White noise machines are inexpensive and can give you a couple of dozen different options right at the push of a button.

Dehumidifier Smells Musty?

Does Your Dehumidifier Smell Musty?

Musty is a word that describes the smell of mold.

When your dehumidifier smells musty, it is almost more than certain that it has mold and bacteria growing in the water or the filter and you need to give the whole unit a thorough disinfecting.

Dehumidifiers like their cousin, the humidifier have a predisposition for becoming moldy because of standing water.

And dehumidifiers even more so.

Why?

1. The Dark

The fact that dehumidifiers are collecting water into a basin that is dark makes them more likely to grow mold and bacteria even faster. Low light and dark are essential for mold to grow.

2. Collect airborne contaminants

Dehumidifiers also have the added component of removing airborne germs like bacteria, molds, spores, and pollen from the air which go into the water tank and are allowed to grow and populate till the tank is emptied and cleaned.

3. Not visible

Unlike a humidifier that usually has a clear basin that you can see the water and get a visual idea of whether it is getting dirty, dehumidifiers collect water into a bucket that you cannot see.

And in this case, out of sight, out of mind, can mean that mold and bacteria can get a stronghold.

With all this in mind you can see that a dehumidifier has an even greater predisposition to growing bacteria and mold inside of the water than a humidifier.

This is a very serious situation when it is not taken care of in a timely manner.

Inhaling bacteria that has grown on water can make you very sick.

Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever to a lesser degree or diseases that are caused by breathing in water grown bacteria.

Legionnaires disease is responsible for death in many people, especially the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Whether you’re talking about a dehumidifier, a humidifier, or an evaporative cooler, these types of appliances are prone to becoming germ farms.

And they all require a stricter attention to keeping them clean because of that fact.

Exception?

There is one caveat to helping you keep a dehumidifier cleaner longer. That is to run a continuous hose from it so that the water does not collect in the dehumidifier but goes outside.

But regardless, even with the continuous hose, they need to be cleaned often to ensure that they are kept safe and healthy.

How to Clean Your Dehumidifier

Routine cleaning of the dehumidifier is essential for keeping it from developing germs and bacteria and also for running efficiently.

The main components that you want to dial in on when cleaning a dehumidifier are:

The water basin
The filter

The coils
outside

1. The water basin

Arguably the most important part of cleaning a dehumidifier is keeping the water basin and around it disinfected.

Bacteria can begin to grow in water in as little as 48 hours. And since dehumidifiers have all the criteria; low light, dust, and moisture, for mold to flourish,
Special attention should be given to the water basin to ensure that it is kept clean and disinfected thoroughly and often.

Fortunately it’s not a tough job.

a. unplug the machine

No use risking the chance of being shocked regardless.

To clean the water basin on your dehumidifier, simply take the basin off and dump the water out.

Using cleaning vinegar, which is a little more acidic than regular white vinegar, completely scrub out the basin and rinse it.

Add a couple of cups of vinegar back into the basin and fill it up. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Dump the vinegar out, rinse it out with warm water and allow it to completely dry.

2. The filter

Dehumidifiers are almost identical to window air conditioners in their mechanics.
And if the filter is allowed to get dirty enough to inhibit the airflow, the machine will not do its job properly.

To clean the filter, simply pull it out and knock off the loose material into the trash.

To take a cleaning brush and scrub the rest of the debris out of the filter.

Knock it off again, into the trash.

At this point, if the air filter is particularly dirty, canned air can be used to blow the filter out even further.

And if it’s still grimy after that, wash it under the faucet using warm water.

If you end up having to clean the filter with water, be careful to let it dry completely before you reinsert it.

Since water is one of the components of mold taking root.

3. The coils

The coils are less likely to be dirty and are not considered an essential part of routine maintenance. But they can still get dirty over time.

If the coils on your dehumidifier or window AC get dirty. The machine will not run as efficiently and use more energy.

Dirty coils can also cause the machine to freeze up quicker.

To clean the coils, a can of coil cleaner can make the job very easy.

Coil cleaner foams up similar to bathroom cleaner. Simply spray the coil cleaner all over the coils, let it foam up and sit.

After it has sat for the amount of time that the direction says, wash the coils off with warm water, preferably with the spray bottle, and let it completely dry.

4. Outside

Wipe the outside thoroughly with cleaning vinegar. Sure to get into the nooks and crannies where water can get access to and eventually cause bacteria to grow on the outside of the machine.

Recap

Does the dehumidifier smell musty?

A musty smell is almost always certainly an indication that there is mold somewhere in the vicinity.

When you smell that mustiness coming from your dehumidifier, then the most logical reason is that it has mold and bacteria growing or starting to grow in the water or even around the water basin.

Since dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air that is filled with bacteria and allergens like mold spores and dust mites,

The moisture that is collected inside of the dehumidifier has a chance of developing mold and bacteria even faster than just standing water on its own.

And you couple that with the fact that it is dark inside of the basin, you have all the ingredients for mold and bacteria to take root faster.

Bacteria growing on standing water can be dangerous to breathe.

Legionnaires disease is caused by inhaling a certain bacteria that has grown on water.

So keeping the water basin emptied and thoroughly cleaned on a dehumidifier is very important.

Fortunately it’s a job that you can do with some household items like a scrub brush and some vinegar.

And if the area where you have your dehumidifier can accommodate it, you can skip the water basin all together and hook up a continuous hose. So that the water coming into the machine goes outside instead of collecting into a bucket.

Air Purifier vs a Humidifier for Your Baby?

There’s nothing like having a new baby in the house. And as parents we want to do everything possible to ensure that babies and children get the best protection from airborne transmitted illnesses.

The air we breathe has much more of an effect on the state of our health than many people realize.

And quality of your air including how clean it is and the relative humidity can affect a baby even more so because of their delicate immune systems.

So how do you know what is the best way to keep the air quality healthy so that your baby is breathing healthy air?

Do you need an air purifier or a humidifier for a baby?

Air quality is a combination of the proper relative humidity and the cleanliness of the air. It’s hard to separate the two.

Humidifiers and air purifiers are both needed to keep the air in your baby’s room both hydrated and clean to ensure protection against airborne viruses and allergens.

During the winter months, a humidifier edges out the air purifier when it comes to keeping your baby healthy and comfortable.

During the dry winter months, a humidifier will not only moisturize the air, it will help keep the air clean as well.

Is a humidifier the same as an air purifier?

Not too many people talk about this point, but a humidifier is actually a type of air purifier all on its own.

How so?

Humidity droplets way more than dust particles including viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens.

When there is a lack of humidity in the air these particles are allowed to float and travel further and longer.

When the proper humidity has been added back into the air through the use of a humidifier, the particulates floating through the air become too heavy to float and fall to the surface.

That means that viruses and allergens cannot transmit through the air as easily.

Another aspect that makes a humidifier a type of air purifier is that moisture washes the air when it is emitted.

That is one of the main reasons the air seems so fresh after a good rain.

But….

Humidifiers are not needed all year long. And though there are plenty of exceptions, humidifiers are usually used primarily during the winter months then stored away for the rest of the year.

Air purifiers, on the other hand, are beneficial all year long.

An air purifier will filter the airborne particulates that can get into your baby’s lungs and interrupt their sleep as well as cause sneezing and coughing fits.

But air purifiers do nothing to humidify the air.

A vicious circle.

A Better Way

A better way to judge whether or not you need a humidifier or an air purifier for your baby is to buy the right equipment to actually measure the moisture level and the allergen content of the air.

Hygrometer is a humidity gauge/meter that will let you know if the humidity has dip below the 40% mark that indicates that your humidity is too low and could be causing adverse health effects in your baby and everyone in your family.

An air quality tester, test the air quality to ensure that the air in your home is not full of mold spores, and other bacteria.

So fortunately there is a way to measure your air quality other than your hair is frizzy or you’re sneezing a lot in certain rooms in the house.

A hygrometer and an air quality tester are the only scientific way to know whether or not you need an air purifier or a humidifier for your baby.

Air purifier /Humidifier Combination units.

Product manufacturers realize that air quality is not humidity versus Air cleanliness. It requires both to maintain the health of your air and family.

There are many air purifiers/humidifiers on the market.

Some better than others and some much better than others.

1.Air Washer

When you first start looking for a humidifier-air purifier combination device, you quickly discover an appliance called an air washer.

Air washers use water as a type of filter to clean the air. The air is drawn into a big basin of water where it goes through a cleaning process and then is released back into the atmosphere.

Air washers make very good humidifiers.

And if you are just looking for a humidifier and air purifier that you will use during the winter, air washers are very efficient and do a great job.

But… They have the same problem as any other humidifier in that the air is not dry all year long and there is a huge portion of the year where you do not want to have a humidifier running and adding extra humidity to the air.

2. Another type of humidifier / air purifier combination device is simply an air purifier that has a humidifier setting.

This is more of a conventional HEPA air purifier that has a humidifier with it all in the same box.

So you can get away with one device to use as a humidifier when you need it to moisturize the air and an air purifier when you want to filter the air.

This is a pretty good idea as far as convenience goes and if you have a lack of space.

But because these units have to have room in them for the HEPA filters and the water basin, the water basin tends to be smaller. Which means you will fill it up more often. And the humidifier is the most basic version you can purchase.

And for the price of one combination of humidifier and air purifier, you could get a much better humidifier and still get an air purifier that functions as well..

Humidifiers and air purifiers these days come with the proper measuring equipment installed.

You can get a humidifier with a hygrometer / humidistat that can be used as a cool mist / warm mist humidifier that can be controlled with your smartphone and filled from the top and still be able to afford a decent sized baby air purifier.

Do you need an air purifier or humidifier for your baby?

The truth is both. Air quality is a combination of the proper relative humidity and the cleanliness of the air.

During the winter, a humidifier will get you through and do a better job than an air purifier.

But they are not useful all year long because the humidity does not stay dry all year long.

So an air purifier is needed and is beneficial throughout the year.

There are some combination air purifier/ humidifier devices available.

But they either have the problem of being a humidifier all year long or being equipped with a water basin that is much too small anyways to provide the most basic of humidifier functions.

My opinion is that if you have the space, you can get a much better humidifier and still be able to purchase a baby room size air purifier that is equipped with a HEPA filter and do a better job than one of the combination devices.

Should a Humidifier Run All Night?

Should the humidifier run all night?

“The dryness of the air should determine whether a humidifier runs all night. If the air is extra dry, then running a humidifier continuously till the relative humidity is back into the 40 to 60% range is what is needed and perfectly all right regardless of whether it’s the daytime or at night.”

Humidifiers can be an absolute lifesaver when the air is super dry and causing all types of side effects like chapped lips, bloody noses, congestion, static electricity, and cracking skin.

Humidifiers are simply devices that add moisture back into the air. A machine that you put water into, that mist it out back into the air as humidity.

There are plenty of telltale signs that the relative humidity of your air is too low.

Like we mentioned above, symptoms like dried and cracking skin, chapped lips, congestion and bloody nasal passages can all start showing up when the humidity is too low.

And if you find yourself getting a static electric shock when you touch certain items and other people, you more than certainly are looking at an issue with dryness in your air.

Knowing when to use a humidifier doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

And in fact taking the guesswork out of it could keep you from having to experience the side effects of having low humidity in your home at all.

Humidity can be measured by a hygrometer and adjusted to remain at the right level by a humidistat, just like the temperature can be measured and adjusted on a thermostat.

According to the National Library of Medicine” The majority of adverse health effects caused by relative humidity would be minimized by maintaining indoor levels between 40 and 60%. “

Most reference materials say that the ideal relative humidity should be 30 to 50%. So with that in mind, 45% is probably the ideal number.

So knowing when to use a humidifier is not a question of whether it is daytime or night time, but a question of what the relative humidity level is at the moment and how long it will take to become optimal.

The new modern humidifiers all have a digital humidity gauge or hygrometer and most come with a set it and leave it humidistat so that you can dial the level of humidity that you desire into the machine and then let it do its work.

And of course, provided your humidity level is not already too high, it won’t hurt anything to have the humidifier on while you sleep if it’s bringing you the relief you need to rest.

Humidifiers have come a long way baby.

I remember not so long ago, our humidifier being the most basic plastic appliance you can think of.

And though you can still buy those drugstore humidifiers for cheap.

The good humidifiers are actually an investment these days and come with a plethora of features and advantages.

A Few of the Newest Revolutionary features you can find in humidifiers

1. Top fill

One of the features that you can find on humidifiers these days is the ability to fill it from the top.

Filling up the humidifier has always been one of the worst things about using one to me.

You had to take the water basin off and turn it upside down to fill it from the faucet.

And unless you were using the bathtub, they generally didn’t go under the faucet too well.

The progression to being able to fill the humidifier from the top makes a ton of difference in the usability and convenience.

And a lot less messy.

2. Wi-Fi

Who would ever think that having the humidifier hooked up to the Wi-Fi would be such a good idea.

My initial reaction would be “what’s the point?”

But being able to know the relative humidity of the room and being able to adjust it right from the phone is very handy when you’re at work and want to make sure that you come home to a restful environment.

And the water level alert coupled with the voice command of Alexa is very helpful.

3. Hot or Cold

You can purchase humidifiers these days that run as either cool mist or warm mist humidifiers depending on what you need.

This is a very big innovation in the humidifier world.

Up too recently if you wanted a warm mist humidifier, you had to have a separate vaporizer for that.

Two different appliances that did the same thing only at different temperatures. Amazingly redundant.

And using a humidifier as a vaporizer is an excellent way to remove the threat of bacteria growing in the humidifier.

Now with the Levoit lv600s you can use your humidifier as a cool mist humidifier or as a vaporizer and a aromatherapy diffuser to boot.

4. Aromatherapy diffuser

There’s no need anymore to have a separate diffuser from a humidifier.

Diffusers have become a standard feature on most humidifiers.

And though this is very convenient, most of these humidifiers / diffusers require you to use their own essential oil blend.

So the cost is a little more.

5. Hygrometer / Humidistat

This is probably the most innovative and most important feature that you will find on the new breed of humidifiers.

Being able to dial in the humidity level that you need and then letting your humidifier be able to do the rest is an absolute game changer.

Unfortunately it still doesn’t fill the water for you or clean the machine,

But it is a feature that I would not go without now.

6. Germ-free/ Self cleaning

Though there is yet to be a humidifier that can completely keep a humidifier from getting moldy or growing bacteria, the goal is getting very close.

A couple of the technologies that you can find are UV light and antimicrobial plastic.

a. UV light

UV light in a humidifier seems like a no-brainer. After all, it has been used forever to keep bacteria and fungi from growing in aquariums.

It’s also responsible for the blue light in the liquid containers that you see barbershops soaking their Combs and scissors in.

UV ultraviolet light is a logical addition that is recently being incorporated into humidifiers.

b. Antimicrobial plastic

This is another absolutely amazing addition to the humidifier world.

Using antimicrobial plastics in the actual materials that the humidifier are made of means that bacteria cannot grow on the plastic.

These two technologies, UV light and antimicrobial plastic materials working together seems like an amazing combo to keep a humidifier becoming a germ farm.

But of course these are all just extra icing on the cake and you can get away without any of them.

But if I only had one of these features to choose from, it would definitely be the hygrometer and humidistat.

Being able to know what your relative humidity is and then being able to sit a humidifier to reach that humidity and keep it there is invaluable.

But if that’s not an option, you can always buy a cheap hygrometer and turn the humidifier on and off as needed according to the reading on the hygrometer humidity gauge.

Can you use a humidifier all night?

Using a humidifier all night can make for a restful sleep. And as long as the humidity is not too high, there is nothing that will harm.

But the better question is “do you need to use the humidifier all night?”

Is your humidity level according to your hygrometer humidity gauge below the 40% mark that the NLM says is the lowest that the humidity level in your home should be.

If it is, and it takes it all night to get to the right level, then using the humidifier all night is the perfect thing to do.

But an even more perfect way is to purchase a humidifier with a hygrometer / humidistat. Which is essentially a thermometer, but for humidity.

With this feature on your humidifier, you can set the level of humidity at 45%, and the humidifier will get the moisture level in the room to that point and keep it there.

The Disadvantages and Side Effects of an Air Cooler

Using an air cooler can be a great alternative to refrigerated air conditioning.

For one it does not use nearly the amount of electricity a refrigerator air conditioner does. And it does not require a way to exhaust the heat.

Which can be a huge advantage when you have spatial constraints like say a personal office space or even the garage and most people’s houses.

And if you live in a dry region, evaporative air coolers do an excellent job of keeping the air cool and comfortable.

But air coolers do have their disadvantages.

Some of the disadvantages and side effects you can expect from using a air cooler include:

Are not as cool as traditional air conditioning
Cannot be set to a specific temperature

Don’t work well and humid regions or circumstances
Can be a source of excess humidity
Require routine draining and cleaning

High and low settings are fan speeds
Noisy
Can be a source of asthma triggers and allergens

Only work well and ventilated areas
Attract mosquitoes

first…

How does an evaporative air cooler work?

Evaporative coolers work by drawing warm air through water soaked pads and blowing it out the other side.

When the air comes out the other side of the pads it is cooler in the same way that air blowing over a lake or body of water is cooler.

The mix of warm air and cool air cause evaporation to happen as a result.

1.Do not work in humid regions or circumstances

Evaporative coolers transform dry warm air into cool air by adding humidity to the dry air.

An evaporative cooler is essentially a large fan that blows air through a water soaked pad.

Since the air is dry, the moisture from the pad cools off the air and the indoor environment.

But if the air is already humid, adding more humidity to it will not cool it off.

But instead will cause the air to be more humid.

2.Can cause excessive humidity

Excessive humidity can make the outdoor temperature feel much warmer than it actually is.

When the humidity outdoors is already humid and you attempt to cool the air by using an evaporative air cooler, the result is not cooler air, but extra indoor humidity.

Excessive humidity not only feels warmer, it makes a room feel swampy and comes with some undesirable side effects like frizzy hair.

So you can see that using an evaporative cooler in a humid region can actually make the air feel warmer.

3.Do not cool as well as traditional air conditioners

There was a time not so long ago that evaporative cooling was the primary way people cool off their homes and businesses.

These days, refrigerated air conditioning by way of central heat and air or window and portable air conditioners have become the norm.

The truth is, evaporative air cooling does not provide indoor comfort of using a refrigerated air conditioning system.

The traditional AC is much cooler and can be controlled. Which leads to the next point.

4.You cannot set an evaporative cooler to a specific temperature.

Most of us are familiar with turning the thermostat up or down to control how warm or how cool we want it inside of the house.

If we walk into a room and the temperature is too hot, we simply turn the thermostat down and wait a little bit, in the AC adjust to revive the temperature that we dialed in.

That is a luxury you do not get with an evaporative cooler.

Just like you cannot control the specific temperature with a fan, evaporative cooling has no way of dialing in a specific temperature either.

5.Settings on evaporative cooler are fan settings

The high and low settings on an evaporative cooler control of the fan only.

6.Require a routine draining and cleaning

Air coolers require quite a bit more maintenance than a conventional AC.

Where conditional ACs require you to change a filter once a month or so, evaporative air conditioners require you to drain and change the water fairly often.

This is because standing water can be a source of airborne bacteria, mold spores, and other allergens.

Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Legionnaires disease is caused by inhaling airborne bacteria that has grown on water.

Its origin has been traced back to industries and businesses that had left their rooftop evaporative coolers full of water where it stagnated and became full of bacteria.

7.Attract mosquitoes

Another point related to the importance of keeping the water in an air cooler drained when it is not in use is the fact that mosquitoes hover around stagnant water.

Mosquitoes can also carry disease.

8.Not good for asthmatics

Humid air is thick and can be harder to breathe. Asthmatics can find breathing humid hair air difficult.

Humid air is also known for being a source of nutrition for dust mites and mold spores. These allergens thrive in conditions of high humidity.

Both are asthma and allergy triggers.

9.Noisy

Since evaporative coolers are essentially large fans, the noise level for them are relevant to what setting you have the fan on.

A fan on high speed is noisy.

Some coolers are louder than others and if you have your cooler on the roof then the sound of the fan is not an issue.

But if you’re using a portable evaporative cooler in your room, then the noise level can come into play.

10.Require ventilation

Air coolers work best when you can open up the windows on the other side of the house for air flow.

When you use an air cooler in a room with no ventilation, the air can become muggy and not provide the level of cool air that is needed.

Recap
Air coolers are a great alternative for cooling the air.

Refrigerator air conditioners require that you exhaust the heat coming from the unit outdoors.

Sometimes you just do not have an access point to be able to do so.

In situations where you need cool air but cannot facilitate a hose, the evaporative cooling is a great alternative to look into.

But they do have their issues.

Evaporative coolers have a lot of disadvantages and side effects that you need to know about before you dive into purchasing one.

Namely they do not work in humid conditions, and they do require the extra maintenance of draining and keeping the water clean.

They also do not have the luxury of being able to set them to a specific temperature.

And for people who are sensitive to allergens, air coolers can raise the humidity inside of the home to an unsafe level that can make the air uncomfortable to breathe and be a source of allergy and asthma triggers.

Should I Turn Off My Humidifier in the Summer?

Should I turn my humidifier off in the summer?

Humidifiers are mostly associated with the dry months of winter. But anytime you are experiencing low humidity, regardless of whether it be winter, spring, or summer, a humidifier can add the necessary moisture back into the air to alleviate the problems they can be caused by low humidity.

Low humidity symptoms

When the air is excessively dry there are plenty of telltale signs.

Dry and cracking skin

Bloody noses
Dry throat
Cold symptoms

Acne
Static electricity
lowered immunity

Are just a few things that you can experience when the relative humidity drops below 40%.

It is late April in Texas at the time that this article is being written.
So far in the city that I live in, there has been one afternoon that had a decent shower.

The air has been so dry that we are constantly shocking each other because of the level of static electricity.

Combined with the dust and the wind, the lack of moisture is not only makes it hard to make a yard look green,

It’s also been the source of constant congestion, bloody noses, and sore throats around here.

And mind you this time last year, there was so much rain that condensation was pouring out of the air conditioners.

It makes the point that even though the humidifier usually gets ran more in the dead of winter, when the doors are shut and the heater is blasting,

That’s not always the case, and this year even though it is the middle of spring, we are still having to run the humidifier constantly.

But that’s in Texas.

The Eastern side of the United States has been pounded with snow and record rainfall for a couple of months now.

Humidifiers or not specific to any season. But yes they are typically more useful in the winter, there are times in the summer when the humidifier can alleviate the symptoms of dry air too.

HVAC

Refrigerated air conditioning is one of the common sources of dry air in the Summer. It is because the AC condenses and extracts the humidity in the air as a byproduct of exchanging and cooling the air.

An air conditioner can remove up to 20 gallons of water out of the air.

But there are times when the temperature is very hot outside and yet the humidity is relatively low.

But you still turn the air conditioner on to cool the air. Unfortunately there’s no way to run a refrigerated air conditioner without it dehumidifying as part of the process.

So you can definitely reach a point where the air conditioner is drawing out too much moisture from the air and leaving your indoor air bone dry.

And the symptoms that you mostly associate with winter like chapped lips, bloody noses, headaches and dry throat all come cropping up right in the middle of Summer.

The lack of moisture in the house can also cause airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores to have free rein to travel throughout your house where they can be inhaled and make your homestead a sneezing fest.

Not to mention the fatigue and headaches that can come along with indoor allergies.

That’s when running a humidifier in the summer actually makes sense.

Because regardless of the time of year, the role of humidity should be kept between 40 and 60% to avoid health problems that are associated with humidity.

The dry air caused by a central heat and air system not only can cause physical symptoms in your body, it can dry out wood in your house.

Going from a hot day with little humidity one day to a hot and humid day the next day can mess with all kinds of things in the house.

The guitar you left sitting tuned on the stand, will be drastically out of tune when you pick it up the next day.

The wallpaper might start peeling and the windows and doors will swell and be a pain to open.

So how do you know what the relative humidity in your house is?

The best way to know your actual humidity level is to measure it with a hygrometer. Hygrometers usually come coupled with a thermostat and are fairly inexpensive. Under $20.

But well worth the money to be able to keep tabs on the relative humidity level inside of your house. Especially when you’re going from extreme to extreme in the summertime.

Recap

Should you turn off the humidifier in summer?

Humidifiers are definitely known for being winter appliances. And winter is when we typically experience lower humidity outdoors and indoors.

But winter is not necessarily dry all season long, and by the same standard, summer is not necessarily humid All summer Long.

Spring and summer can be very dry months. Some regions are naturally dryer and sometimes Summer is just dry wherever you are.

And another aspect of Summer that can create excessively dry air, is the refrigerated air conditioning systems that dehumidify as they cool the air.

As a result of running these systems, the indoor air can become very dry and cause low humidity symptoms like chapped lips and dry throat as well as allergies.

Which in turn makes running a humidifier inside of the house in the summertime a necessity sometimes.

The bottom line is that a humidifier is useful anytime of the year when the relative humidity has dipped under the 40% range.

Humidifiers may not be needed nearly as much in the summer, but they are still useful.

How Do I Know if I Need a Humidifier?

Do I Need a Humidifier?

The most sure way to know whether or not you need a humidifier is to measure the humidity in your room. The hygrometer is a gauge that will measure your humidity and tell you what the relative percentage of moisture you have in your air.

What should the humidity be in your home?

The ideal relative humidity range is between 40 and 60% according to the National Library of Medicine.

Most publications including Martha Stewart.com say that the ideal humidity is between 30 and 50%.

So going off on average, you should be sitting good at 45% relative humidity.

Don’t Have a Hygrometer Handy?

Don’t worry there are plenty of telltale signs that indicate your humidity is too low and that you need a humidifier without having to have an actual humidity meter.

Symptoms of Low Humidity in the House

1. Chapped lips

If you have noticed that your lips are extra dry and you are pulling out the Chapstick more often than usual, that’s a pretty good indication that the air is dry.

Dry air is like a sponge that draws moisture out of every possible thing it can.

When your lips get irritated and dry, they will eventually start cracking. And most of us just put more and more Chapstick on.

But the underlying condition is a lack of moisture in the air.

2. The Bloody Nose

Bloody noses are one of the more popular indications that air is too dry.

Whether you blow your nose and there’s blood on the tissue or your nasal passages have gotten so dry that they crack and bleed, there is one culprit that may be going unnoticed.

And that is the low relative humidity in your space. Increasing the moisture in the air will moisturize the inside of your nose and give you some much-needed relief.

3. Dry, Itchy, and Cracking Skin

Dry skin is one of the main telltale signs that dryness has taken over the ambient air.

And it is also one of the biggest reasons people seek out a humidifier to give them some relief with dry skin.

Dry skin is not only annoying, it can also cause your skin to break and allow airborne bacteria to burrow down into your skin and cause outbreaks of rashes and acne.

Replenishing the moisture in your air for the humidifier is one of the best skin moisturizers you can buy.

4. Dustiness

Dust is a problem when there’s not enough moisture droplets in the air to weigh down dust particles so that they fall to the surface.

Dust is also very greedy for any available moisture in the surroundings. That’s why dust dries your face and skin out so bad.

The humidifier will add the necessary humidity droplets to attach to wayward dust particles and keep them from floating.

5. Viruses

Along the same lines of using a humidifier to alleviate dustiness, is the need for moisture in the air to keep viruses from being able to spread as far.

When there is a lack of moisture, allergens, viruses, and airborne bacteria are free to float and travel further throughout a room or house.

When the proper moisture is added back into the air, humidity droplets attach themselves to the viral particles and cause them to be too heavy to float or travel.
Which reduces the chance of exposure to the viruses.

6. Asthma

Asthma is another problem that can be triggered by airborne particles.

Particles that are allowed to flow freely throughout the air because of a lack of moisture droplets to weigh them down.

Many asthmatic episodes can be avoided by keeping the moisture level in the home in the 40 to 60% range.

7. Acne

Acne is not a condition that you normally consider being an issue with humidity.
But acne can actually be a dry skin problem.

Dry skin can break open and allow the bacteria that is causing the acne to get a deeper root inside of your skin.

Moisturization in the form of humidity can keep your skin from drying out and being a richer plantation for acne to grow.

8. Static Electricity

Static electricity is one of the first indicators that the moisture in the air has dipped.

Walking around, shocking each other, discharging on every metal object you touch is a huge neon sign blinking ” your humidity is too low!”

And just like every other humidity problem, it seems to go on weeks before you ever make the connection between the static electricity and the humidity level.

9. Dry Throat.

Just like the nasal passages, the throat needs proper moisture to function.

When the humidity is dropped, you will often start to get a sore, itchy, and dry throat.

And often just turning on a cool mist humidifier for a few hours will magically relieve the soreness.

10. Wood Cracking.

When the air is too dry it causes wood to shrink. The shrinking can eventually cause the wood to crack. And if it’s your furniture, not so good.

The lack of humidity also causes stress on an acoustic guitar which can make it buzz. And warp the neck to the point that the strings are hard to press down.
And it will eventually crack.

Too much humidity can eventually saturate the wood causing expansion and adhesives to give loose.

Warning:

You may need a humidifier if you have any of these symptoms.

But for all the benefits that keeping the proper humidity level in your house can offer you,

It’s important to remember that humidifiers are maintenance heavy by nature.

They require thorough cleanings often.

Most of the symptoms above would be negated if you were to use the humidifier wrongly.

And by wrongly, I mean if you were to operate the humidifier after it has had stagnant water sitting in it with bacteria growing.

The bacteria that grows on water can be very dangerous. That is why it is very important to understand that humidifiers must be kept clean.

Why Does my Humidifier Have White Dust Around It?

Why does my humidifier have white dust around it?

The white dust that you often see around a humidifier comes from mineral deposits in the water used in the humidifier.

Hard water calcium deposits are often noticeable around your faucet and shower heads. Humidifiers that use the same water can also develop the same white calcium deposits.

The dust is not considered harmful but it can become airborne and inhaled.

The high mineral content from the water can also be responsible for accelerated bacteria growth inside of the water basin of the humidifier.

How to clean the white dust off of your humidifier?

Hard water stain removal is an easy process that you can do with items that you generally have in your home already.

You will need a cloth towel, a bottle of apple cider vinegar, and some Dawn dish soap.

1. Completely soak the cloth towel with apple cider vinegar.
2. Cover the white calcium deposited areas on and around your humidifier with the vinegar soaked towel.
3. Allow it to sit for about 3 hours
4. Take the cloth off
5. Use the Dawn dishwashing soap to completely wash the area
6. Rinse the towel and wipe the area dry.

What can be done about the white dust that gets on your humidifier?

1. Clean the humidifier more often

This step we have already gone through, but it cannot be stressed enough that a humidifier must be kept clean.

Humidifiers can begin to grow bacteria inside of the water in as little as 48 hours. Operating a humidifier that has had standing water sitting in it can turn the device into a health hazard.

And water that has a lot of minerals in it can provide food sources for mold and bacteria to take root inside of the humidifier.

Simply breathing and inhaling the mist from a dirty humidifier can result in illness and cause pneumonia-like symptoms.

Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever are serious conditions that occur from inhaling bacteria that has grown on water. Legionnaires can be deadly.

So stressing the importance of keeping your humidifier cleaner and done more often, not only helps keep the white dust away, it is honestly imperative that it is done.

2. Switch the type of water

The white dust deposits around your humidifier are there because of the high mineral content in your water.

Tap water and drinking water are full of minerals. Spring water even more so.

Even water that is processed by osmosis has minerals added back into it for consumption.

So what kind of water should you use in a humidifier?

A. Distilled water

The only water that is near perfect to use in a humidifier is distilled water.

It is because distilled water goes through a process that removes the minerals and particles from it.

Distilled water can even lengthen the life of your humidifier because it eliminates the likelihood of mineral buildup inside of your machine. Build up that will eventually diminish the effectiveness of it.

B. Boiled water

Boiling water will also separate the minerals of the water. If you have ever seen a pan that is used for boiling water over and over, then you probably noticed the white rings that develop on the pan.

If the pan is used specifically for boiling water, it will develop a layer of white calcium deposit that will eventually flake off.

But the main issue with using boiled water for the humidifier is filtering the clean part of the water into the humidifier without the big build ups of sediment getting into the humidifier with it.

Also it’s a huge ordeal to have to boil water every time you need to fill your humidifier.

( Notice we said boiled water and not boiling water, don’t pour boiling water into the humidifier. You will probably damage the humidifier beyond use and you will also risk getting burned badly in the process.)

C. Filtered water

Water filters do not take out 100% of minerals and particles from tap water. But they do remove a huge portion of them. Using filtered water is better than using tap water but it is still not as good as using distilled water.

D. Vaporizer/ warm mist humidifier

Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers have a built-in advantage when it comes to keeping the water inside of the humidifier clean.

The advantage is the heat that they produce. Since these machines heat the water to a boiling point to produce steam, they also inadvertently kill bacteria and germs before they become an issue with your humidifier or your health.

Boiling water also separates minerals in water which are removed through the humidifiers filter.

Warm mist humidifiers have a lot of benefits and advantages over using cool mist humidifiers.

But they do have the downside of making a room feel steamy. Which can be great for a little while, but not so much when you’re trying to sleep. Especially if you’re sick.

They also have the danger element of containing scalding water. This is why every warning label you’ve ever seen about vaporizers says that they should not be used around or put in children’s rooms.

Products

For most people, the prospect of purchasing gallons and gallons of distilled water for humidifier use will get less than an enthusiastic response.

But cleaner water doesn’t just amount to just purchasing water that is already been treated.

There are products that you can purchase that will distill water for you, and or purify and filter your water.

And though some of these items may be more of an upfront cost, it is a cost that can end up saving you money in the long run.

1. Hard Water Filter

Hard water filters can be screwed right on to the end of a faucet or shower.

And if using the shower to fill your humidifier is an option for you, there is a much wider range of hard water filters you can purchase for the shower.

And since the shower head and the filter usually have the same size threads, you can easily put a filter on a shower.

More so than on a kitchen sink.

Hard water filters do not filter out 100% of all minerals from tap water but they do filter a majority of particles from the water.

And the price of one filter that can last you 6 months and even up to a year is a huge savings that will also help lengthen the life of your humidifier.

AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

MULTI-STAGE sediment filters, redox media, calcium sulfite, activated carbon and ceramic beads deliver MAXIMUM WATER FILTRATION

2. Home water distiller

Distilled water machines can be installed right on your kitchen counter.

These machines will distill up to six gallons of water per day. They not only remove minerals but completely eliminate any harmful chemicals that have been used to clean your water.

CO-Z 1 Gallon Water Distiller

This tabletop water purifier by CO-Z purifies water, filters out impurities, and dissolves VOCs at 0.3 gallons per hour

3. Water purifier

You can take your water to a new level by purchasing a water purifier that will put your water through a vigorous four stage filter and reverse osmosis process with ultraviolet light.

Water purifiers can remove up to 99% of viruses bacterias and chemicals as well as heavy metals chlorine and fluoride.

Interested and having clean water available 24/7, not only for your humidifier, but having clean uncompromised drinking water, water purifying may be the way to go.

APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage

Premium long-lasting filters remove up to 99% of contaminants such as chlorine, taste, odor, VOCs, as well as toxic fluoride, arsenic, lead, nitrates, heavy metals and 1000+ contaminants.

4. Demineralization cartridges

Demineralization cartridges are drop-in additives that you place into the water of an ultrasonic humidifier that binds particles together and causes them to stay on inside of the water tank.

An excellent product for minimizing the amount of white dust that collects around a humidifier. But unfortunately they only work in ultrasonic humidifiers.

HoMedics Demineralization Cartridge for Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Eliminate Buildup: Ultrasonic humidifier demineralization cartridges help reduce the potential for white dust

Recap

What is the white dust that accumulates around my humidifier?

The white dust that accumulates around a humidifier is mineral deposits.
It comes from tap water and more specifically, hard tap water.

Though it is not dangerous as far as being poisonous, it is capable of becoming airborne where it can be inhaled and cause a respiratory reaction.

The high mineral content in tap water can also Foster the growth of mold and bacteria faster in a humidifier water tank.

It is very easily cleaned. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent DIY product that you can soak a towel in and leave it on the hard water deposit stains.

After a couple of hours for 3, take the towel off and the stains will be virtually gone. Clean the rest with a little bit of Dawn dishwashing soap and water.

One of the easiest things you can do to eliminate the problem of white dust and hard water deposits around your humidifier is to switch the type of water you are using.

Distilled water is the best for humidifiers because it goes through a process that eliminates the minerals from the water.

And though distilled water can get expensive there are ways to minimize the cost.

Home water distillers can be purchased and installed right on your kitchen counter.

One distiller can distill as much as 6 gallons of water a day. Plenty of water for a humidifier.

Purified water systems can eliminate 99% of all chemicals and minerals and create a system of safe water, not only for your humidifier, but for everyday drinking use.

Hard water filters are another product that you can attach to your shower head and remove most minerals and particles from your water.

Not on the same par as distilled water or purified water, still a great way to reduce the mineral content in your water for a small price.

Demineralization cartridges are also a disposable product that you can get as much as 6 months use out of that will help bind minerals together inside of your ultrasonic humidifier tank before they become a problem on the outside of your tank.

The biggest downside with these cartridges is that they only work with ultrasonic humidifiers.

The biggest thing you can do to minimize your exposure to any white dust or mold and bacteria that can form in your humidifier is to have a strict cleaning regimen for your humidifier.

Humidifiers can be very beneficial when used correctly. But when they are allowed to sit with standing water and then turned on, they can become a health hazard by emitting dangerous airborne bacteria into the air where it is inhaled.