Home Benefits of Using a Humidifier Demineralization Tablet

Many homeowners are turning to a humidifier to increase the humidiy inside of a room. There is no denying that a humidifier helps eliminate sinus problems, dry skin and allergies, especially during the winter months. Despite its benefits, the mist from the humidifier can also leave behind an unsightly white residue on the home’s furnishings, walls and flooring. While adding much needed moisture to the air, the mist that the humidifier produces also lands on surfaces of the room. As the water droplets dry, they leave behind a white, mineral powder. Using a humidifier demineralization tablet inside the humidifier will help prevent the unsightly mineral dust from occurring on furnishings and other surfaces of the home.

Humidifier Maintenance

Demineralization tablets work in both warm- and cool-mist humidifiers. The Mayo Clinic’s website suggests always using a cool-mist humidifier around children to reduce the danger of burns. The site further suggests cleaning the humidifier’s tank with a solution of 9 parts water mixed with 1 part bleach. Cleaning and wiping down the humidifier regularly will further prevent a mineral buildup from occurring on the inside of the humidifier.

Health Risk
A mineral accumulation can pose a significant health risk. The U.S. Environmental Agency states mineral deposits are a breeding ground for microorganisms. The bacteria and mold will flourish in the in the mineral residue and contaminate the humidifier’s mist. The microorganisms may cause lung inflammation if you inhale the humidifier’s contaminated water droplets. Consistent use of a demineralization tablets will reduce the buildup and keep the harmful organisms from breeding. To help prevent mineral deposits, you can use a combination of distilled bottled water and demineralization tablets because distilled water usually has a lower amount of minerals. Distilled water usually contains a lower amount of minerals.

Humidifier Types
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that ultra-sonic and warm-mist humidifiers produce the greatest amount of mineral deposits in their water vapors. Using a demineralization tablet in such humidifiers helps reduce the problem of mineral buildup. Evaporate and steam humidifier units do not disperse excessive mineral deposits into the air, but can suffer from a mineral buildup in the tank. The units will benefit from the use of demineralization tablets to reduce the mineral deposits that accumulates on the tank.

Tablet Use
Demineralization tablets come in packs. You simply drop one tablet into the water once per week to help control the minerals. The tablets not only work to remove the minerals from the water, but also help purify the water. If you develop a respiratory problem while using the humidifier with the demineralization tablets, you contact your doctor.

References:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/humidif.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cool-mist-humidifiers/AN01577