Looking to add some much-needed moisture to your home? A humidifier is your go-to solution! Humidifiers boost indoor humidity and enhance your family's health without the hassle of extensive maintenance or extra costs.

But what kind of water should you use in your humidifier?

The four types of water commonly used in humidifiers are distilled water, purified water, filtered water, and tap water. We’ll dive into which types are the best for keeping your humidifier running optimally and to avoid damaging it.

How Does Water Work Inside of a Humidifier Anyways?

Ever wondered how a humidifier works its magic? It’s pretty simple! The humidifier draws water from its tank and disperses it into the air through its “humidifying element” — for Carepod, this is the oscillator wand. The humidifying element creates a fine mist that evaporates, adding moisture to your home and keeping the environment comfortable and fresh.

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Water

When it comes to choosing the right type of water for your humidifier, distilled, purified, or filtered water are really the best options. Not only will using these types of water help protect your humidifier from any potential damage, it will also ensure that your air remains clean and clear.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is purified through a distillation process that removes minerals and impurities. It’s a top choice for most home humidifiers.

Distilled water keeps your humidifier free from harmful particles like minerals and metals, ensuring it runs efficiently. It also helps maintain clean air, making it ideal for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory sensitivities. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find.

Purified Water

Purified water is another excellent choice for your humidifier. It’s treated to remove contaminants and minerals, ensuring your machine operates smoothly. Plus, it’s free from chemicals that can leave behind unpleasant odors or tastes.

Filtered Water

Filtered water, often produced through reverse osmosis or other filtration methods, is also a great option for humidifiers. It removes many impurities found in tap water, helping your machine stay in top condition. However, not all filters remove the minerals found in hard water and that can potentially damage your machine over time.

Why Shouldn't I Use Tap Water for my Humidifier?

Using regular tap water in your humidifier can lead to problems over time. Tap water contains minerals, metals, and other contaminants that can build up inside the machine, causing it to malfunction or even break down.

The Difference Between Hard Water and Soft Water

Hard water generally contains more minerals like calcium and magnesium while soft water is typically free from these minerals.

Soft water is safer to use in humidifiers since it doesn’t contain any extra particles that could potentially damage your machine over time. As an added bonus, using soft water can help reduce the amount of dust and other allergens floating around your home.

How Can I Make Tap Water Safe for Humidifiers?

Buy a Water Filter

A good quality water filter can remove unwanted minerals and contaminants from your tap water, making it safe for use in your humidifier. Look for filters with a high micron rating for effective filtration.

What About Boiled Tap Water?

Boiling tap water can help remove some contaminants and minerals, making it safer for use. However, boiling doesn’t eliminate all microscopic pollutants or chemicals, so distilled or demineralized water is still the best choice.

Other Methods

Consider installing a water softener system, a home water distiller or a reverse osmosis water filtration system. These systems provide a continuous supply of purified water for your humidifier, ensuring it runs safely and efficiently.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right water for your humidifier is crucial for its longevity and performance. Bottled water can work but may contain additives and degrade over time. Distilled or demineralized water is ideal due to its purity, and purified water is also a great, chemical-free option.

Using a water filter, home distiller, or reverse osmosis system can make tap water safe for your humidifier. Place your humidifier in the right location and regularly check its performance to enjoy its benefits for years to come.