How to Keep an Ultrasonic Humidifier Clean
Ultrasonic humidifiers add moisture to the air by using vibrations. They are quieter than evaporative humidifiers and can be used in infant’s rooms because they don’t emit any heat.
Our ZS series industrial humidifier can be controlled manually by turning on/off, but it is also capable of being controlled automatically by connecting to a humidity controller(optional).
What is an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping with dry skin and other ailments. Ultrasonic humidifiers do so without using heat, making them safer to use than evaporative models. They have a metal diaphragm that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency to produce a mist of water vapor. However, the EPA warns that these devices can also disperse microorganisms and minerals into the air. This can lead to the spread of diseases like viruses and bacteria, and the EPA recommends that you clean your humidifier regularly to prevent this from happening.
To avoid this, you should only fill your humidifier with distilled water. Distilled water is safe to drink and contains fewer mineral particles than tap water, which can cause scale or gray dust in the tank. To disinfect your ultrasonic humidifier, you can use vinegar or bleach to kill germs and sterilize the inside of the tank. Then, rinse the tank and let it dry before you add more water to it. The process of cleaning an ultrasonic humidifier doesn’t take very long and is easy enough for anyone to do. It’s one of the most effective and affordable ways to moisturize the air in your home. Plus, ultrasonic humidifiers are more quiet and look modern than evaporative ones. They’re great for infants rooms, too! So, if you’re looking for a quiet, efficient, and affordable humidifier, check out our selection of ultrasonic units.
How Does an Ultrasonic Humidifier Work?
Ultrasonic humidifiers do not use a fan to create a mist, so they are quieter and more energy efficient than other types of humidifiers. Their working mechanism is based on water atomization and uses high frequency sound vibrations to transform liquid water into tiny droplets of moisture that disperse throughout the air, instantly increasing indoor humidity.
The atomization disc inside an ultrasonic humidifier contains a vibrating metal diaphragm that emits acoustic waves at a high frequency, which disturb the water molecules’ cohesive forces. This allows the small water droplets to break apart into a fine spray that can quickly dissolve in air. This process is what makes an ultrasonic humidifier so effective, and it’s why these devices are often called “cool mist” humidifiers.
As a bonus, an ultrasonic humidifier’s water-vapor production ultrasonic humidifier manufacturer is free of any heat that might cause bacteria or mold to grow in the vapor. This is a major plus for those concerned about the potential dangers of using a humidifier near babies or children.
Unfortunately, while the ultrasonic vibrations break down the water particles, they can also release any minerals or contaminants contained in the water ultrasonic humidifier supplier used to fill the tank. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are released into the air and can settle as white dust on surfaces and furniture. To avoid this, most experts recommend using distilled water instead of tap water in an ultrasonic humidifier.
Can I Use Tap Water in an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
While you can use tap water in ultrasonic humidifiers, it’s generally recommended to fill these devices with distilled or demineralized water to prevent mineral buildup and the release of impurities into the air. The reason is that, when a device that uses ultrasonic vibrations to transform water into mist operates, any minerals present in the reservoir will be propelled into the air with the water droplets. Over time, these minerals can settle as a white dust on surfaces within the room and can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Using distilled or demineralized water in an ultrasonic humidifier will eliminate these issues and ensure that the air in your home is healthy and clean. In addition to avoiding mineral buildup, using pure water in an ultrasonic humidifier will also reduce your power consumption. Because these devices don’t require a heating element like steam-based humidifiers, they consume significantly less energy to operate.
Another advantage of ultrasonic humidifiers is that they are safe around children and pets because they don’t involve boiling water. They’re also silent, making them an ideal choice for bedrooms and nurseries. However, some users report that the ultrasonic vibrations may be irritating to dogs, so if you have a pet, be sure to keep an eye on how they react when the humidifier is operating.
How Do I Clean an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
The cool mist produced by ultrasonic humidifiers has a host of benefits, particularly for people who suffer from chronic sinusitis or asthma. These units also help moisturize skin and hair, and can make the air in your home a lot easier to breathe for those who suffer from allergies. However, it’s important to know how to keep a humidifier clean.
As a general rule, you should clean your humidifier at least once a week and do it more often if you use it on a daily basis or have respiratory conditions that require frequent hydration. According to CR, the experts behind Consumer Reports, some humidifier owners recommend using bleach to sanitize their machine, but this approach has the potential to degrade plastics and seals that could cause a problem later on.
Instead, you can safely disinfect your humidifier with white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide. To do this, unplug your humidifier and remove the water tank (or, if it has one, the base). Pour the solution into the water tank and let it sit for an hour or so to break down any mineral buildup or bacteria. Then, empty the tank and rinse the base thoroughly with clean water before reassembling your humidifier.
Be sure to dry the base and power cord completely before plugging it in again, and don’t forget to clean and sanitize your filters or atomizer as well. It’s a good idea to do this right before you store your humidifier for the season, and again after it comes out of storage when you’re ready to use it again.