What Water to Use in Humidifier?
Humidifiers are great appliances to use in your home, not only do they make your room feel more comfortable, but they can also help relieve symptoms of allergies, asthma, and more. However, with the help of a humidifier also comes the decision of what type of water to use in the humidifier.
Types of Water
There are four main types of water to use in a humidifier:
- Tap or municipal water: Tap or municipal water is the most convenient type of water to use in a humidifier. It is inexpensive and often contains naturally occurring minerals and salts that many find beneficial for their sinuses.
- Distilled water: Distilled water is water that has been boiled and then condensed back into liquid. It passes through charcoal and other filters to make it as pure as possible and it is usually devoid of any minerals.
- Purified water: Purified water is water that is filtered and purified, but not boiled. It may contain some mineral content, and some manufacturers of humidifiers may even recommend it.
- Demineralized water: Demineralized water is water that has had all of its minerals removed from it. It is usually manufactured specifically for use in humidifiers.
Pros and Cons Depending On Water Type
- Tap or municipal water: The benefit of tap or municipal water is that it is convenient and the naturally occurring minerals and salts may help those with sinus problems. However, warm and humid air can lead to bacteria and mold, so the minerals and salts can cause build-up in the humidifier itself.
- Distilled water: Distilled water is the most recommended type of water for use in humidifiers. Since it doesn’t contain any minerals there won’t be any buildup, so it is less likely to lead to bacteria and mold growth. The downside of using distilled water is that it can be more expensive.
- Purified water: Purified water is filtered and purified, but not boiled. It may contain some mineral content which can be beneficial, but it can also lead to buildup in the humidifier.
- Demineralized water: Demineralized water has all of its minerals removed so it is unlikely to lead to buildup. However, it is more expensive and harder to find in stores than the other types of water.
Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Distilled water is the best choice in terms of safety, as it is unlikely to cause any buildup or bacteria in the humidifier itself. However, if you do choose to use tap or municipal water, be sure to clean the humidifier on a regular basis to prevent buildup of minerals and salts.