Best Ways to Check if Your Humidifier Is Mold Free
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If you're like most people, you probably don't think about your humidifier until there's a problem. Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems people face with humidifiers is mold.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes mold growth, how to check your humidifier for mold, as well as the best ways to prevent mildew growth in your humidifier.
What Causes Mold Growth in Humidifiers?
Mold can grow virtually anywhere. It can grow on walls, roofs, paper products, food, and of course, humidifiers. All molds need are organic matter to feed on, moisture, and warm temperatures. Unfortunately for you, your humidifier provides all of these things.
The leading cause of mold growth in humidifiers is dirty water. If you don't clean your humidifier regularly, mold will grow in the water tank, contaminating the mist and causing the humidifier to release mold spores into the very air you breathe.
These spores can cause several health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma attacks, eye irritation, wheezing, and coughing.
How Do I Check My Humidifier for Mold?
To make sure your humidifier is mold-free, you can use one of the following methods:
- Visual inspection: Look inside your humidifier for any signs of mold, such as black or green spots, fuzzy patches, and anything that looks like it's growing. If you have trouble seeing inside your humidifier, try using something long and thin to poke around in the water. You should be able to see any black spots on top of the water this way.
- Smell test: Take a whiff of your humidifier. If it smells musty, like a wet pair of socks or a wet dog, there's a good chance that mold is growing in it.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Humidifier?
1. Clean It Regularly
The best way to prevent mold growth in your humidifier is to clean it after every use. This includes cleaning the water tank, changing filters, and thoroughly cleaning and drying all parts that come into contact with water.
Cleaning your humidifier is no fun and can be pretty time-consuming. This is why we always recommend finding one that is easy to clean.
Miro humidifiers are developed with an easy to disassemble design that allows you to effortlessly remove and clean any part that comes into contact with water in a matter of seconds! This will enable you to keep your humidifier mold-free without having to spend money on special cleaning equipment or waste hours cleaning it every day.
2. Change Your Filter Frequently
Filters work by removing impurities from the water, which helps keep your humidifier clean and free of mold. But these filters can become clogged over time, increasing mold growth. That's why it's essential to change your filter at least once every 3 months. Honestly, we don’t recommend buying humidifiers that require a filter. You wouldn’t need one if you could thoroughly clean your humidifier.
3. Use Distilled Water
Tap water contains many minerals and impurities that mold can feed on, accelerating its growth. Distilled water, on the other hand, is free of these pollutants. You can buy distilled water at most grocery stores, or you can purify your own by using a steam distiller.
4. Properly Store Your Humidifier
If you're not going to be using your humidifier for an extended period, it's essential to store it properly. Before storing your humidifier, make sure to clean each part thoroughly, then allow it to dry completely before putting it away.
Last Words
Humidifiers are a great way to add moisture back into the air. But if you don't maintain them properly, they can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which can cause health problems for you and your family.
By keeping your humidifier clean, you'll be able to enjoy all of the benefits without having any of the drawbacks!
If you liked reading this article, you may be interested in an in-depth article about warm mist and cool mist humidifiers: Warm or Cool Mist Humidifiers