What Is The Best Water To Use In A Humidifier?
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, a humidifier can be a lifesaver, especially during the dry winter months.
However, it’s important to pay attention to the type of water you use in your humidifier, as using the wrong kind can lead to mineral buildup and bacterial growth, and potentially harm your health.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the different types of water that can be used in a humidifier, and discuss the best water for a humidifier to use to ensure both the longevity of your humidifier and the quality of the air you breathe.
So, let’s get started!
Contents
What Types Of Water Can Be Used In A Humidifier?
The best water for humidifiers is distilled water.
The types of water that can be used in a humidifier are:
- distilled water
- demineralized water
| Type of Water | Can it be used in a humidifier? |
|---|---|
| Distilled water | Yes |
| Demineralized or Deionized water | Yes |
| Tap water that has been filtered with a carbon filter | Yes, but not as reliable as distilled or demineralized water |
| Dehumidifier water | Generally, no |
| Reverse osmosis water | Yes, but not as reliable as distilled or demineralized water |
| Bottled water | Yes, if it is labeled as “purified” or “distilled” |
| Sparkling water | No, it can contain additives that may harm the humidifier or irritate your airways |
Can You Use Purified Water in a Humidifier?
Actually, purified water (distilled or demineralized water) is intended to be used in a humidifier. Minerals, germs, and other residues that could impair your humidifier are not present in this water.
Purified water can be produced in various ways, also at home. The water evaporates into vapor during distillation, leaving all of the residues behind. This water is obtained once it settles down, which is what we term “purified water.”
There are myriad reasons why utilizing purified water in a humidifier is encouraged. They are as follows.
Humidifier Stays Clean When Purified Water is Used
There is no residue in purified water; it is 100% pure water! This kind of water has previously been processed to remove any residue that may have been present in the water. If it contains substances like calcium, sodium, or magnesium, they will dry out and build a rigid coat on the device while heating. These minerals have a serious influence on both the people who inhale them and the humidifier itself.
Purified Water Eliminates the Growth of Bacteria
Mold is quite unlikely to grow in purified water. One of the factors is that they are devoid of mold spores. Next, even if they are existing, they will be deprived of the minerals they require to survive. As a result, no growth of mold will occur within the humidifier.
Purified Water Enhances the Overall Quality of Air in the Home
The heat produced by the humidifier to evaporate the tap water causes the white powder to develop. The mineral present in the water dries out as a result of the heat, culminating in a white powder.
Since there are no minerals present in the purified water, it means there will be no formation of white powder. So, there will be no white “humidifier dust” coming along when the device discharges moisture air.
What Types Of Water Should NOT Be Used In A Humidifier?
The types of water that should NOT be used in a humidifier are:
- tap water
- bottled water
- sparkling water
Tap Water
I have another blog post explaining why you should not use tap water in your humidifier.
There are dissolved minerals, solid residue, and bacteria in tap water that have the potential to harm the humidifier and also you.
Although this does not completely rule out the use of tap water, it does necessitate ongoing device maintenance. Apart from cleaning the mineral layer within, you must also change the filter regularly.
If you don’t have any other choice than to use tap water, a carbon filter or demineralization cartridge can help. They remove some of the minerals that are in the tap water, resulting in less mineral buildup.
Although filtered water may appear to be a solution, it should not be utilized for various reasons. To begin with, filtered water may be devoid of contaminants, but it does contain some quality dissolved minerals. Another factor to consider is that they contain microscopic organisms.
Even if you filter properly, treating tap water with this method is extremely difficult. As a result, it can be concluded that filtered water is similar to tap water, except for residues. As a result, it’s not recommended for use in a humidifier.
Can You Use Sparkling Water in a Humidifier?
We would depreciate bottled water for the same reason we would depreciate tap water. Although this type of water may be residue-free, it does contain dissolved minerals.
Several companies purport to offer spring water. But natural water, on the other hand, might contain minerals that have not been treated, so sparkling and mineral water should not be used in humidifier. However, you may bank on it to some level since there will be no immediate consequence if you use it for a day or two.
The actual issue will occur if you try to utilize it daily. The humidifier will become filthy as a result of scale build-up if you use bottled water frequently.
Conclusion
The type of water you use in your humidifier can have a significant impact on its performance, as well as your health and well-being.
While tap water may be convenient and readily available, it can contain minerals and impurities that can lead to mineral buildup and potentially harm your health.
Distilled and demineralized water is the safest and most reliable option, as they are free from minerals and other contaminants.
If you don’t have access to distilled or demineralized water, filtered tap water or reverse osmosis water can be used as an alternative, but may not be as effective.
It’s also important to avoid using dehumidifier water or sparkling water in your humidifier, as they can contain additives or impurities that may harm the device or irritate your airways.
Always refer to your humidifier’s user manual for specific instructions and recommendations on what type of water to use. By choosing the best water for your humidifier, you can ensure that it operates at its best and provides the maximum benefits for your health and comfort.