A humidifier or vaporizer is an electrical device that transforms water into steam and diffuses it into the surrounding environment. This tool is typically used to help clear and moisten congested nasal passages. While each model has specific instructions, there are some general procedures that apply to all vaporizers.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Humidifier
Step 1. Discuss your specific needs with your doctor
Your doctor will discuss with you the symptoms, if any, as well as the environmental situation in your home and can advise you on the next steps to take, such as getting a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Those suffering from acute (short-lived) respiratory illnesses, such as colds, flu or bronchitis, can find temporary relief using this accessory.
- Those with chronic respiratory diseases can also benefit from using the humidifier, although the doctor may recommend more specific tools.
- Vaporizers are useful in the home even when the air is very dry or if the climate is particularly cold / dry, because they increase the humidity of the environment, guaranteeing general well-being.
- Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of using steam, as they could increase bacterial growth or cause other problems with humid air.
Step 2. Choose a cold rather than a hot steam humidifier if you are concerned for your safety
The two devices work similarly, but offer slightly different benefits for health and the home environment. You have to take into account for whom and for what purpose you want to buy this accessory.
- The hot vaporizer uses heat to turn water into steam and increase the humidity in the room.
- The cold one instead releases a light mist of cold water, equally increasing the humidity.
- Note that the American Pediatric Association (the American Academy of Pediatrics) strongly discourages the use of these devices in nursery rooms.
Step 3. Assess the needs of the family
To carefully choose the model and size of the device, you need to decide in which room to place it.
- If you want to get it for the kids, make sure there is enough space in their room so they can't reach it.
- If you decide to buy it to improve the atmosphere of the house in general, choose which room to put it in so that it offers more benefits to the whole family.
Step 4. Examine the various models
Take some time to read the information about the different devices and, if possible, physically check the vaporizer, in order to get more details and decide on the most suitable model for your health and well-being.
- Evaluate the volume it occupies both when you use it and when you need to store it. Larger models may be difficult to keep out of the reach of children, although smaller models may not emit an adequate amount of steam.
- Read the instructions and details on the package. If you decide to buy it online, also check the reviews of other customers to see if the accessory is easy to use and clean. If your days are always very busy or if you suffer from some illness, it may be difficult to clean it, so choose a device that can be handled easily and does not require particular effort.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Humidifier
Step 1. Read the instructions provided by the manufacturer
Although these devices are essentially very similar to each other, their use and maintenance may require different procedures. In addition, the instructions tell you how to open the vaporizer and clean it.
Step 2. Use it at night
While you can operate it at any time, most people prefer to turn it on overnight. Because it helps reduce dryness of the nasal passages and fights a stuffy nose, people find it much more effective when they sleep.
- Do not leave it on all day, as you could excessively increase the humidity in the room air, increasing the risk of mold or fungus in the home, which in turn can cause further breathing problems.
- Never let the humidity in your home exceed 50% and buy an indoor hygrometer to monitor it.
Step 3. Fill the reservoir with distilled water
The one from the tap contains some minerals that can clog the device or spread into the air in the house in the form of dust and other contaminants.
- Most vaporizers have a "notch" which indicates the maximum amount of water that needs to be poured into the tank. Do not exceed this level, otherwise the water may overflow.
- Some models turn off automatically when the tank is empty, but you should refill it every time you decide to use the vaporizer, for example before going to bed.
Step 4. Place the humidifier on a flat surface and at a safe distance from possible contact with people
You should place it so that it is always at least 1.20m from the skin of individuals. The hot mist escaping from the instrument could cause burns, especially if the contact lasts for a long time.
- If you have decided to put it in the nursery or your home is frequented by children, then you should place it high, on a shelf that is out of their reach, so you avoid accidental burns. Check that the shelf is sturdy enough to withstand any vibrations that could cause the vaporizer to fall.
- Do not use it in areas where the steam flow could wet the bed, curtains, carpet or other fabrics. You should put a towel under the humidifier to prevent water droplets and condensation from ruining the surface of the cabinet.
Step 5. Plug the device into the power outlet and turn it on
Some models are operated by simply inserting the plug into the wall socket. In most cases, however, there is a switch, lever or button to move / press to operate the humidifier.
Step 6. Air the room between uses
Although a warm, humid environment works wonders for a stuffy nose, bacteria and mold can take advantage of the situation if the room stays humid for too long.
- If bacteria and mold start to proliferate, your family will have more breathing problems.
- Leave the doors and, if possible, the windows open during the day when you are not using the vaporizer. Turn on a fan to circulate the air if necessary.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Vaporizer
Step 1. Read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning
These should state the frequency and which cleaners are safe to use.
- In most cases you will need a detergent, bottle brush or vegetable bristle brush, clean water, a microfiber cloth or kitchen paper.
- Consider buying rubber gloves to protect your skin during surgery.
Step 2. Clean your vaporizer regularly at least once every three days
Bacteria proliferate in humid environments and if the device is not cleaned and dried properly, pathogens multiply within it. At this point the germs could be spread through the air through the steam jet.
- Change the distilled water every day and clean the car at least once every three days.
- If you use your vaporizer during the day as well as at night, clean it more frequently.
- It may also be necessary to replace the filter regularly. Check the instruction manual.
Step 3. Purchase or prepare a cleaning solution
Just a few sprays of antibacterial soap or mild dish soap in boiling water. If you want something more aggressive, try 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- If your model needs a special cleaner, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you want to do a deep clean, try a 1% solution of bleach: one part of bleach to nine of water.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin when using a bleach solution.
Step 4. Disassemble the vaporizer
Always follow the manufacturer's directions when proceeding with these operations. Generally the only element that needs to be disassembled for cleaning is the tank.
- Check the tank and base for signs of mold. If you need to clean the base, be careful not to immerse any mechanical parts in water, use a brush moistened with the cleaning solution and dry it with a cloth.
- Some models are not designed to be taken apart. In this case you can only open the tank lid and try to clean it inside while it is still attached to the base.
- Do not use too much force when disassembling the humidifier. If you overdo it, you could damage the locking system and make the device unsafe to use.
Step 5. Scrub the inner walls of the tank with a soft brush or cloth
A bottle brush or a vegetable bristle brush should suffice, but you can also use a microfiber cloth. Dip the brush or cloth in the cleaning solution and scrub the tank thoroughly, wetting the cloth frequently until the entire surface is clean.
Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean areas where you can't reach with your hands
Step 6. Rinse the inside of the tank
You can use distilled or tap water. Pour some into the tank and shake it to rinse all the walls. Throw it away immediately to get rid of any soap or detergent residue.
- Do a thorough job and then soak the components in the vinegar to completely disinfect the vaporizer.
- With a toothpick, remove any visible traces of mold that has developed near the pipes and valves.
Step 7. Dry the inside of the tank with a clean microfiber cloth or kitchen paper
This element must be perfectly dry, to avoid contamination with germs or minerals present in the water. This step is essential when you are cleaning the humidifier before storing it for a long time.
- Kitchen paper is the most hygienic solution, as each sheet is disposable and always "new", unlike cloths which can trap and spread germs.
- Let the tank dry completely before attaching it to the base.
Advice
- If the vaporizer doesn't produce any beneficial effects, try a cold one. It works on the same principles and is equally effective, but some people find cold mist to be easier to inhale than steam.
- When not in use, store the humidifier properly. Make sure it is perfectly clean and dry if you plan not to use it for a long time. This reduces the risk of mold or bacteria developing.
Warnings
- Vaporizers are not recommended in homes with children. Very hot steam and water are a great danger of burns.
- If the device cord is damaged or frayed, do not use the vaporizer. You could be electrocuted, especially if you consider that the air around the cable is rich in humidity.
- Asthmatic individuals notice worsening of symptoms in humid environments, as well as in rooms with mold. If you have asthma or other related conditions, talk to your doctor before purchasing a vaporizer.
