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Recommendations
for
Use and Care of Your Humidifier |
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- Empty
the tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and refill the water in portable
humidifiers daily to reduce any growth of microorganisms; follow
the manufacturer's instructions for changing water in console
humidifiers. Be sure you unplug the unit from the electrical socket
first.
- Use
water with low mineral content to prevent the build-up of scale
and the dispersal of minerals into the air. See the box on the
left for information on using water with low mineral content.
- Clean
portable humidifiers every third day. Empty the tank and use a
brush or other scrubber to clean it. Remove any scale, deposits,
or film that has formed on the sides of the tank or on interior
surfaces, and wipe all surfaces dry. Again, be sure you unplug
the unit.
- Follow
the manufacturer's suggestions on the use of cleaning products
or disinfectants.
- In
the absence of specific recommendations, clean all surfaces coming
in contact with water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
If you use any cleaning or disinfecting agent, rinse the tank
thoroughly with several changes of tap water to prevent dispersal
of chemicals into the air during use.
- Follow
the manufacturer's directions on cleaning and maintaining console
and central (furnace mounted) humidifiers. In particular, if the
humidifier contains a tank, do not allow water to stand in the
tank for extended periods of time, and keep the water clean.
- Keep
steam vaporizer humidifiers out of the reach of children. Steam
and boiling water may cause burns.
- Do
not humidify to indoor relative humidity levels exceeding 50 percent.
Higher humidity levels may encourage the growth of biological
organisms in the home. Hygrometers, available at local hardware
stores, may be used to measure humidity levels. Some
humidifiers contain a built-in humidistat which may be adjusted
to the proper moisture level. If water condenses on windows, walls,
or pictures, either relocate the humidifier, lower its humidistat
setting, or reduce its use.
- Do
not permit the area around the humidifier to become damp or wet.
If dampness occurs, turn the output volume of the humidifier down.
If the humidifier output volume cannot be turned down, use the,
humidifier intermittently. Do not allow absorbent materials, such
as carpeting, drapes, or table cloths, to become damp.
- Follow
the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use, maintenance,
and replacement of any materials supplied with the humidifier.
Use appropriate materials as recommended by the product manufacturer.
- Clean
the humidifier, as directed, at the end of the humidifying season
or when the product will not be in frequent use. Before storage,
make sure all the parts are dry.
- Dispose
of all used demineralization cartridges, cassettes, or filters.
Store the unit in a dry location. After storage, clean the unit
again and remove any dust on the outside.
- Stop
using your humidifier and contact your physician if you have respiratory
symptoms which you believe are associated with periods of use
of your home humidifier, even if you are following maintenance
directions.
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