5 Common Humidifier Mistakes: How to use your evaporative humidifier correctly

In this article, we reap the full knowledge about evaporative humidifiers proper usage. So that you can purely enjoy the benefits of Klarta Humea WiFi. How to use your humidifier correctly, what to remember about and what common mistakes you can easily avoid.

5 common mistakes and myths around humidifiers – plus, how to avoid them

Mistake no.1: The higher the humidity level, the better

FACT: Humidification may also be unhealthy, especially when uncontrolled by any sensors or measurement methods.

The optimal level of indoor relative humidity, established by the medical society, is believed to be between 40 and 60%. Long-lasting higher levels may lead to mold and bacteria growth, which will compromise the quality of humidified air.

Mistake no.2: You need filtrated water

FACT: Klarta humidifiers, as well as other evaporative ones, like tap water (even if it's hard water with a lot of scale). Thanks to the natural, healthy process of evaporation, all solid contaminants in the water settle on the filter and do not get into the air.

Therefore, you don’t need to filter it beforehand. There is also no need to use distilled or demineralized water, as evaporative filters effectively absorb calcium and ferrum compounds that can be found in tap water.

Mistake no.3: Humidifiers may not be recommended for asthmatics and allergy sufferers

FACT: Humidity (certainly maintained within the abovementioned levels) can alleviate the symptoms of asthma and allergy, bringing relief to the sufferers.

Humid air not only moisturizes the skin, but it also hydrates glycan layers lining the throat and nose mucous membranes. These usually dried out, little parts of the respiratory tract form a natural barrier, protecting your nose and throat against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens.

Apart from dried membranes, which lose their natural elasticity, dry air also contributes to unconstrained float of lightweight dust mites and pollen.

In 2016 National Library of Medicine published a study, in which the researchers examined how classroom humidity levels contributed to asthma symptoms among 122 American teachers.

Dry rooms with relative humidity below 30% increased the risk of developing asthma symptoms after just five days (relative risk 1.26 vs. 1). Also, a slight increase in risk of cold or allergy symptoms (1.11 vs. 1) was observed.

The same study also examined the effects of exceeded humidity levels (above 50%). Overly humid air increased the risk of asthma symptoms (1.26 vs. 1) and cold or allergy symptoms (1.06 vs. 1) as well.

Therefore the best way to establish a healthy and hospitable environment for asthmatics is to maintain humidity levels within the range of 40-50%.

Equipped with a hygrometer and humidistat, Klarta Humea WiFi turns air quality control into an easy-peasy task, applicable within several clicks.

Read more about Klarta air humidifier for allergy sufferers

Mistake no.4: Humidifiers can work autonomously, without your attention

FACT: Unfortunately, even the smartest, most carefully designed humidifiers still leave some basic actions for you to perform to maintain hygiene. 

Fortunately, usually they don’t take much time and can be a cakewalk compared to other devices' maintenance.

Designing Klarta Humea WiFi we took the utmost care to create a first and foremost user-friendly equipment, that will easily fit into your daily routines, without any need for absorbing your attention.

That is why we aimed to confine the number of actions you need to take during your everyday utilization.

The most important principles you need to remember are:

1. Pouring out the remaining low level of water before refilling with a new one.

2. Rinsing the filter under running water (every 2 days with regular use)

3. Cleaning the tank, float, and plastic filter parts once a week

4. Descaling the filter once or twice per month (according to your needs), rinsing it in a solution of water and food-grade citric acid

Mistake no. 5: Visible mist as proof of actually working

FACT: Visible mist is not a desirable effect for your lungs and respiratory tract. It usually contains disjointed fragments of calcium and ferrum compounds that can gather and irritate your nasopharynx membrane.

Apart from irritating your upper respiratory tract, a common complaint about the white, mineral mist is that it builds up on your furniture, floors, and electronics, resulting in wet stains and an unpleasant sight.

How to use your humidifier correctly? What else you need to know

Choosing the right place

Air humidifiers, regardless of their type, shall be placed on a solid, even base. May it be your floor, a desk, or a bedside table, you should always remember to leave the airflow inlet and outlet unconstrained.

We recommend leaving about half a foot to the nearest walls and furniture when choosing a spot for your Klarta Humea WiFi humidifier.

Watch out for radiators as well. Placing the humidifier directly next to the heater may hinder the humidification process.

On the other hand, you can smoothly take advantage of the natural airflow, resulting from windows presence. It can enhance the humid air stream to reach harder available spaces.

Everyday maintenance

We have already mentioned a few good-to-know practices that shall bring you an enjoyable, long-lasting, trouble-free performance.

In the article „How to use the Klarta humidifier so that the filter lasts up to 6 months?” we’ve gathered all useful tips and tricks, applicable primarily to Klarta Humea WiFi, but also other evaporative type of humidifiers.

7 most important rules you need to follow:

1. Use cold tap water (chlorinated).

2. Do not use the same water for more than 24 hours. If water remains after this time, pour it out completely and refill with fresh water.

3. Adding fresh water, turn the filter upside down, so that the part that was on top is now submerged. It postpones the process of scale gathering on the filter’s fibers.

4. Every 2 days rinse the filter under running water, so to wash out contaminants accumulated on the filter’s exterior.

5. Every 7 days wash the tank, float, and plastic filter elements with warm water and some mild detergent. It will protect you from mold and rotten sediments development.

6. Soak the filter for 30 minutes in a solution of water and food-grade citric acid (60 grams of acid per 1 liter of water) whenever you observe an insoluble scale on the filter’s fiber.

7. Pour away any water leftovers before you put the humidifier aside for a longer time, e.g., when leaving on holidays.