Is it possible to add salt to an air humidifier: the intricacies of water preparation and existing prohibitions

A comfortable indicator of humidity in the room is 40-60%. When the figure drops below the minimum mark, the mucous membrane in the mouth and nose dries up, various ailments appear. Devices that saturate the air with moisture come to the rescue. Modern models are additionally able to clean the air of dust, allergens, fill with aromas.

But if it is permissible to drip oil in a humidifier, can salt be added? The benefits of sea and even salty air are proven and obvious. On the seashore, it forms naturally: in the form of an aerosol, when the wind blows foam from the waves of the surf. Salt dust is floating in the salt caves, which we breathe. But are experiments with a humidifier possible to create a similar indoor microclimate?

In this article, we will analyze this question in detail - we will talk about whether it is permissible to add salt to a household humidifier and which models can evaporate water with additives. We also focus on whether it is advisable to use a humidifier as an inhaler. We will provide the material presented with thematic photos and useful video recommendations.

Adding salt to different types of moisturizers

When operating the humidifier, you must follow the instructions for the specific model. Only in this document the purpose of the device is described in detail and what is strictly forbidden to do during its use.

Studying the recommendations on the operation of devices of different types from different manufacturers gives an understanding of the general rules. These tips can be summarized and applied to the use of specific types of moisturizers.

The trading network presents several types of humidifiers that differ both externally and by the principle of operation: ultrasonic, steam, traditional

The instructions for the devices often spell out clear instructions for pouring purified water into the tank due to the sensitivity of parts to various impurities.But some humidifier designs still allow the use of oils and salt.

Many modern models have a special capsule designed for aromatic mixtures. The loading of salt into it does not always lead to the desired effect, but does not damage the elements of the device.

Features of traditional appliances

Eco-friendly, safe, simple in its construction devices. The principle of their work is based on the natural evaporation of water.

Fans are built into the device to blow wet cartridges. By adjusting the fan speed, you can change the humidity

Traditional humidifiers are versatile and suitable for any room. The only negative is the high cost.

These devices are not so sensitive to the quality of the water being poured. But manufacturers categorically do not recommend adding salt to the tank, from where it will evaporate and spread throughout the room with a fan.

During operation, it is necessary to fill the tank with clean tap water, the temperature of which does not exceed 40 degrees. The instructions indicate that the dishes for filling the tank must be cleaned of chemical additives, mineral fertilizers, cleaning products

Dissolving in water regular or sea salt, flavorings will damage the parts of the humidifier, cause cracking, leaks.

Neglect of these requirements will result in breakdown of the components of the unit, loss of whitish particles in the air, their subsidence on furniture and interior items.

The nuances of using steam devices

Water is poured into the steam humidifier and heated to boiling point. The principle of operation of the device is similar to an electric kettle.

Intensive evaporation leads to a sharp increase in humidity and temperature in the room. Therefore, the device is equipped with a special sensor - a hygrostat, which controls the permissible limits and turns off the steam generator if they are exceeded.

Excessive humidity is no less dangerous than dry air. Excess moisture settles in the form of condensation on window panes and other surfaces, creating favorable conditions for the development of mold, pathogenic bacteria

The steam appliance can not be left unattended in rooms where there are children, but can be used to aromatize air or inhalation, unless there is a direct prohibition in the instructions. The feasibility of conducting medical procedures using a humidifier will be considered below.

The water tank, most manufacturers recommend filling only clean water. Mineral water also falls into the official ban. And carbonated liquid when heated in a closed tank can even lead to a mini-explosion.

It is impossible to add essential oil to the steam humidifier, it is permissible to apply a few drops of liquid to the place where the steam exits

Limitations may be associated with the design features of the device. In some models it is difficult clear internal elements of the apparatus from oils, salt and other deposits.

The presence of impurities in the water can degrade the performance of the steam humidifier and cause damage to expensive equipment.

Operation of ultrasonic units

In these devices, water from a special container enters the ultrasonic membrane, where, under the influence of high frequencies, the droplets break up into microelements.

The particles then spread through the room by natural or forced air currents.

This principle of operation provides an increase in humidity in large rooms. Another indisputable advantage of the device is its low noise level.

But if the ultrasonic humidifier is not initially equipped with additional filters, this makes it sensitive to the quality of the water used. All contaminants from unfiltered liquid will settle on the main filter and result in device breakdown.

The principle of operation of the apparatus contributes to the sedimentation of all impurities on the surrounding objects. Grinding substances from water, the membrane vibrates and turns the particles into a water suspension, so it is advisable not to use additives.

A mandatory requirement in the instruction manual for most ultrasonic humidifiers is the use of purified or distilled water. The addition of salt, oils, emollients and other impurities is prohibited

Even a pinch of salt can damage the appliance and damage household property. The manufacturer is not responsible for such experiments, warranty repair in such cases is paid by the user in full.

The nuances of preparing water for the tank

Absolutely for all models of humidifiers, the rule works: the better the water, the longer and better the device will work.

In steam devices, you can fill in tap water, but filtered. If it is not previously cleaned, a precipitate forms, which negatively affects the operation of the device.

From a household point of view, models whimsical to water quality are problematic in maintenance, but they work more efficiently than unpretentious “colleagues”

The most demanding ones are ultrasound. They need reverse osmosis filtered or distilled water. An exception is more expensive devices with several replaceable filters. We talked about making distilled water at home in this stuff.

The hardness of the water also matters. When excessively hard water flows from the tap, it is more convenient to purchase a steam or traditional appliance.

Test strips or special kits for determining water hardness are in the assortment line of aquarium stores. Parameters can be found in Vodokanal

If you liked the ultrasonic model, the manufacturer of which recommends filling the tank only with distilled water, it is inexpensive and is sold in the nearest car shop.

Comparison of vaporizer with inhaler

Many users are sure that you can use a humidifier for therapeutic inhalations. But is it so effective?

The humidifier creates intense steam, irrigates the room with micro-drops of water. Inhalers, in which saline or salt can be added, work by a similar principle.

But the task of the inhaler is to transport drugs deep into the respiratory tract, so you can not put it with a humidifier in one rad.

Loss of medication when using a professional inhaler is about 30%. If a humidifier is used for these purposes, the figures will approach 90%, which will give the doubtful effect of the procedure

Manufacturers of inhalers calculate the dispersion of particles, their speed. To get into the right parts of the respiratory tract, drugs must take a certain form.

The device and principle of operation of inhalers differs from humidifiers, so you can add drugs, oils and saline solutions to the first.

Any inhaler consists of a main unit, a mouthpiece or face mask, connecting tubes and a container for medicine. After starting the device, the air connects with the drug, an aerosol cloud is formed

In addition, the chemical composition of water changes in the humidifier and its use as an inhaler is useless. But the first device saturates indoor air with moisture and can be used both for prophylaxis and in complex therapy in the treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases.

In a duet with an inhaler, a humidifier significantly facilitates the process of getting rid of ailments associated with the drying out of mucous membranes or the appearance of bacteria and viruses on them.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Analysis of moisture indicators in different conditions. Demonstration of the device and the principle of operation of different types of humidifiers:

Causes of damage to humidifiers.What happens to the board when constant condensation occurs:

The aquarium test shows the definition of water hardness.

Main humidifier purpose - increase air humidity. It can perform additional functions, but this will be indicated in the characteristics of the device.

In order to avoid problems with the device, you must adhere to the manufacturer's clear recommendations for the selected model. If the instructions say "use only clean water", you should do so. If there are no direct prohibitions on the use of additives or there is a capsule in the design, you can experiment with salt.

What type of humidifier do you have? Do you add salt to it? Tell us about your experience in operating the device - the feedback block is located below. If you have any questions or want to clarify a number of points that we did not consider in this material, ask them to our experts and other visitors to our site.