Tips for safe and correct use of indoor humidifiers

Tips for safe and correct use of indoor humidifiers

WASHINGTON – The temperature outside is dropping, which means a lot of people are turning up the heat inside.

But hot air is so dry that it can cause irritation in the nose, throat and eyes, not to mention itchy skin.

A portable room humidifier can help bring moisture back into the room. However, there is an important caveat: they must be cleaned thoroughly and regularly.

A poorly maintained humidifier can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, says Dr. Assil Saleh of Foxhall Physicians in Washington, DC.

"You want to make sure they're clean," she says, "because you don't want to spread the infection, especially if you're using it in a baby's bedroom or an elderly person with a compromised immune system."

Simply injecting fresh water, even distilled water, is nowhere near good enough, she said. Maintenance tips can be found in the owner's manual, and it's important to pay close attention to them, Saleh said.

It doesn't matter if the humidifier is a vaporizer that shoots steam into the air, or if it produces a cool mist. All carry the same bacterial risk. And both need to be used with care.

"I think they have potential benefits," Saleh said, "but if you're going to use them, make sure you clean them regularly and use them with care."

The CPSC recommends changing the water daily and making sure the tank is completely emptied before refilling. Unplug it before cleaning and use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning methods, being careful to rinse out any traces of chlorine bleach or other disinfectants that may have been used in the tank.

The CPSC also recommends keeping home humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Higher levels allow moisture to build up indoors where bacteria and fungi can grow.