Vaporizer Tips
- A vaporizer can help you when you have a cough.Frau hustet image by R.-Andreas Klein from Fotolia.com
Using a vaporizer or humidifier when you are not feeling well can be extremely beneficial. That said, there are a few things to know about using a vaporizer before you just plug one in and turn it on. Without proper care and operation, a vaporizer can not only harm your health, but it can damage your home. - When filling a vaporizer, use distilled water rather than tap water. Water from your faucet contains minerals and chemicals that can damage your vaporizer. You can also use tap water that has been filtered in a water purification system.
- Vaporizers should be placed about four feet away from you. This gives you the benefit of the steam, without it dispersing directly on you. The steam from a vaporizer can burn you if it is hot enough. Steam vaporizers should always be kept out of reach of children. In fact, in many cases doctors recommend a cool mist humidifier for children rather than a vaporizer to prevent accidents that can occur with vaporizers.
- The mist that comes from the unit can cause moisture damage to surrounding furniture and decor. Cover furniture and floors with towels to absorb the moisture the unit dispenses. Place the unit itself on a towel or mat. Try to aim the moisture away from carpets, drapes, bedding and other soft surfaces.
- Never leave the water in your vaporizer for more than 24 hours. Water can become stagnant or collect dust, pollen and bacteria when left in the tank for too long.
- Clean your vaporizer every two to three days. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing in the unit and get rid of any germs that have collected. It also helps keep the unit operational and extend its use life. Most vaporizers come with cleaning instructions. Wash all non-mechanical parts in hot soapy water. Wipe down all parts that can not be submerged with a clean cloth. Rinse all parts of the unit thoroughly to ensure you have removed all soap residue.
