Humidifiers are a great way to keep the moisture in your home high, but sometimes they can become a nuisance. If you are not careful with the way you clean it, it may start smelling, and this can be bad.
Are you wondering why your humidifier smells so bad? Here’s a guide on how to remedy bad odors from your humidifier.
Why is your humidifier smelly?
Some reasons that may cause your humidifier to smell include:
1. Growth of mold
If you don’t change the water in the humidifier regularly, it promotes the growth of mold and fungus. That will be the reason why your humidifier smells moldy. It is risky to breathe in this water vapor as it may cause various respiratory issues.
2. Growth of bacteria
This may be caused if you use dirty water in your humidifier and if you don’t clean it properly. The worst part is that it will spread the bacteria all over your home hence becoming a real health hazard.
3. Mineral deposits
If you use hard water in the humidifier, then it answers the question why does my humidifier smell like urine. These minerals may accumulate due to improper cleaning; hence the humidifier smells like chlorine. If the accumulation is substantial some of the minerals will find their way into the water vapor leading to various breathing problems.
How to avoid and remove bad odor from your humidifier
The following are ways to prevent odors from your humidifier as how to clean the humidifier:
- Use distilled water: This ensures that the water is bacteria and minerals free so you don’t have to worry about buildup over time.
- Change the water frequently: If your humidifier smells like a wet dog, then you are not changing the water often. If not in use for a long time it is best to leave the tank empty otherwise change the water every three days.
- Clean the humidifier: Do you need to clean the humidifier? Yes, you do. Add half a cup of hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar into the tank and add water. Leave it for at least four hours, pour it out then scrub the inside using a toothbrush to get rid of any residue.
Hygiene is paramount if you use a humidifier in your home. Your intention may be to increase the humidity but end up worsening your problem by getting respiratory issues especially if you leave a dirty humidifier on all night. Do not forget to change the filters as recommended as they may be the answer to why does my humidifier smell.