Humidifiers are common household appliances, used by many people, especially in autumn and winter. However, there are some points to consider when using a humidifier, particularly humidity control. In winter, setting the humidifier to 40-60% is ideal for maximum comfort.
In winter, the ideal humidity level for a humidifier is 40-60%.
Indoor air is dry in winter, and frequent use of air conditioning can easily cause humidity levels to drop below the standard, leading to dry skin. In this case, a humidifier can be used to adjust the humidity to around 40-60%. Indoor humidity at around 40%-60% reduces the risk of bacterial transmission. If the indoor humidity is too low, the skin will feel dry and stuffy. If the indoor humidity is too high, bacteria will easily grow. Therefore, in winter, the humidity level of a humidifier can be adjusted to 40-60%.
How long should you keep a humidifier on in winter?
The operating time of a humidifier depends on the indoor temperature, dryness, and the amount of mist produced. A comfortable indoor humidity level is between 40% and 60%. The humidifier should be turned off when the humidity exceeds 60%, and it's best to avoid prolonged continuous use. Typically, it should be turned off every 2 hours. If you're indoors all day, it's recommended to use it for 2-3 hours in the morning, 2-3 hours in the afternoon, and 2-3 hours before bedtime.
When using a humidifier, it's best to buy a hygrometer. Turn off the humidifier when the humidity is above 60%; turn it on when the humidity is below 40% to maintain indoor humidity between 40-60%. This humidity level is suitable for the human body and prevents the excessive growth of bacteria due to high humidity.
Precautions for using humidifiers
1. Choose a safe brand of humidifier.
There are many humidifier brands on the market, with prices ranging from tens to thousands of yuan. Check whether the product labeling is complete and whether the product's humidification capacity, power, noise level, and other specifications are clearly stated.
2. The humidifier should be placed in the correct location.
Humidifiers should be kept at least 2 meters away from the body, especially the face. Otherwise, fine particulate matter can penetrate the respiratory system's layers and reach directly into the alveoli, causing respiratory illnesses. To ensure effective humidification, humidifiers should be placed on a stable surface 0.5 to 1.5 meters above the ground. Ideally, they should be placed about 1 meter away from household appliances and furniture to prevent them from getting damp.
3. Clean the humidifier regularly.
It's best to change the water once a day. The humidifier should be cleaned every 3 to 5 days, and no more than once a week. When cleaning the humidifier, you can use a soft brush dipped in white vinegar to gently scrub the water tank and sensor, then pour in clean water several times.
4. Use the humidifier with a thermometer and a hygrometer.
Bacteria in the air require suitable temperature and humidity to multiply, but the human body cannot accurately perceive the humidity in the actual environment. The air may feel dry, but the actual humidity may be high. The same applies to temperature. Therefore, humidifiers should not be used based solely on perception. When using a humidifier, the temperature should be controlled between 22-28℃ and the humidity between 40-80% in summer; and the temperature should be controlled between 16-24℃ and the humidity between 30-60% in winter.
