Can You Put Alcohol In A Humidifier?
As we all know, we’re spending more time indoors than ever before, especially during the recent pandemic situation. Our homes have become a safe haven where we can relax, work, and play.
However, indoor air quality can often be a cause for concern. The good news is that humidifiers have become a popular appliance for many households. They help to regulate the humidity levels in the air, which can have a positive impact on our health.
While some people like to add a few drops of essential oils to their humidifiers for a luxurious and comfortable experience, others have been asking my opinion on adding alcohol to their devices. But, before you go down that road, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved.
So, let’s delve into the facts and debunk some myths about alcohol in humidifiers.
Contents
Why Would You Want to Put Alcohol in Your Humidifier?
There are various reasons why some people may consider adding alcohol to their humidifiers.
One reason is the belief that it can help to disinfect the air and reduce the risk of infections or illnesses.
Others may want to use alcohol as a cheap alternative to expensive humidifier solutions or essential oils.
Some people may also believe that adding alcohol to the humidifier can create a pleasant aroma or ambiance.
Many are excited by the idea of getting high on vodka, not as a liquid but in the form of vapor. People who’ve seen the Simpsons episode “Homer and Father” are more likely to try putting vodka in their humidifier. The very people who think of vodka in a humidifier are referring to The Simpsons for the idea.
However, it is important to note that none of these reasons are backed by scientific evidence and that adding alcohol to a humidifier can be potentially dangerous.
Can You Put Alcohol in a Humidifier?
No, you should not put alcohol in your humidifier.
Below, I’ve made a list of reasons why you shouldn’t put alcohol in your humidifier.
Alcohol Can Damage Your Humidifier
Alcohol, in particular, is a strong agent that can harm the inside surfaces and components of your humidifier.
Humidifiers are designed to work with water, which is a neutral element that won’t cause any harm to the unit. However, if you use other substances like alcohol, it can cause a reaction with the surface material of the humidifier, leading to damage.
You Can Start a Fire
It’s crucial to keep in mind that using alcohol in a humidifier can be extremely dangerous, especially in models that generate heat to produce steam.
Alcohol is a highly flammable agent, and using it in a humidifier that generates heat can lead to starting a fire. Even in ultrasonic models that don’t require heat, it’s still not recommended to use alcohol in your humidifier as it can still pose a risk to your safety.
Uncontrolled Alcohol Consumption
Using alcohol in your humidifier is not only dangerous for your device, but it can also have serious health consequences. Alcohol is a suppressant, which means that it can slow down your heart rate and affect your breathing.
When you consume alcohol in liquid form, it’s broken down in your stomach and absorbed into your cells. However, when you inhale alcohol vapor from a humidifier, it’s quickly absorbed into your body without passing through your digestive system. This means that your body can’t warn you if you’re consuming too much alcohol, which can lead to overconsumption and potentially life-threatening consequences.
In addition to the health risks, the alcohol vapor can also spread throughout your home, affecting anyone who breathes it in. This is especially concerning for children, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory issues, who are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol vapor.
Not Getting the Result You Wanted
You may have heard of “alcoholic architecture” or products like Alcho-Vapor by AWOL that offer alcohol in the form of vapor. However, it’s important to note that these products do not involve adding alcohol directly to a humidifier. Instead, they are designed with numerous precautions to safely offer alcohol in vapor form.
Even with these precautions in place, Alcho-Vapor has been banned in several states due to concerns about its safety. It’s not worth risking your health or safety to try to recreate this experience at home by adding alcohol to your humidifier. It’s much safer to enjoy alcohol in a controlled and regulated environment.
Can I Put Rubbing Alcohol in My Humidifier?
Yes, you can put rubbing alcohol in your humidifier but only to clean the appliance.
Rubbing alcohol is used as an antiseptic. Therefore, it’s not harmful to clean your humidifier with the right amount of rubbing alcohol. It kills the germs inside the unit that can otherwise spread throughout the room with steam.
Although the saturation of rubbing alcohol is relatively low compared to vodka, it shouldn’t be used as a vaporized liquid.
So, you should not use rubbing alcohol instead of water in a humidifier. Rather, use it to properly clean the humidifier.
Can I Put Isopropyl Alcohol in A Humidifier?
While we don’t recommend you use any alcohol as a substitute for water in your humidifier, cleaning your humidifier with isopropyl alcohol is considered okay.
Isopropyl alcohol is a potent antimicrobial agent that will kill bacteria in the humidifier tank. It can kill germs fast. Therefore, using isopropyl alcohol to clean your humidifier is perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
Adding alcohol – vodka, whiskey, or any other beverage, to your humidifier is not a good idea. It can damage your device, create a fire hazard, and pose serious risks to your health.
It may be tempting to experiment with different substances in your humidifier to make your room smell better. You should remember that these devices are designed to operate with pure water and a few recommended solutions only.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance the air quality in your home, there are many safe and effective options available. Consider using essential oils or humidifier scents.
By prioritizing your health and safety, you can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for yourself and your loved ones.
