Avoid Putting These Things Into Your Humidifier Now!

There was one time that I was tempted to put different types of liquid in my humidifier, especially essential oils.

That was when I thought a humidifier could work as a diffuser; I now know better.

Before deciding to put essential oils in my humidifier, I did some quick research, and the result says they can damage your humidifier. This got me thinking about how important it is to know what to put in your humidifier.

I have a mechanical background, and putting oil on equipment that wasn’t made to work with oil can cause a lot of problems in the long run. The same goes for your humidifier.

Besides that, did you know that there are many things that you should not use into your humidifier?

This article will discuss 9 things you need to avoid using and putting into your humidifier.

9 things you need to avoid using and putting into your humidifier

When it comes to humidifiers, many people may also be tempted to put different things into their humidifier.

However, there are a few things you should avoid putting into your humidifier to keep it running effectively and safely.

Here are ten of the most common things people might put into their humidifier and why they shouldn’t:

#1 Avoid using bleach with your humidifier

Bleach is also often considered a good way to clean the humidifier. However, bleach can damage the plastic parts of the machine, making it difficult or impossible to clean them.

If you’ve ever seen particularly strong bleach detergents, you know that they can actually harm your skin. Your humidifier will suffer serious damage if you use this bleach on plastic.

#2 Avoid using alcohol with your humidifier

Many people think that alcohol can be used as a disinfectant in their humidifier. However, alcohol can also damage metal parts of the machine and cause problems with its operation or function altogether.

#3 Don’t put fragrance oils into your humidifier

I’ve never used fragrance oils with my humidifier, but it seems like a good idea. However, you shouldn’t do it unless your humidifier’s manual says it’s safe to do so.

I’m aware that some people use fragrance oils in humidifiers to create a pleasant smell inside their homes. However, adding certain perfumes to the humidifier can be dangerous.

Some fragrances contain chemicals that can cause irritation and respiratory problems if they are breathed in.

It is important to be aware of which fragrances are safe to use in a humidifier and which ones should be avoided.

#4 Never try to put insecticides into your humidifier

There are a few things that you should never try putting into your humidifier, and that is an insecticide.

You should avoid using insecticides in your home humidifier. These can be very dangerous and can create harmful chemicals that can be harmful to both people and pets.

#5 Never put lotions or creams into your humidifier

These substances can make cleaning your humidifier very challenging and leave behind a sticky residue.

Sticky residue buildup within your humidifier might lead to malfunctions and make it less effective than when you first bought it.

Lotions and creams can fall under the oil types of substances, just like your essential oils.

If the manufacturer says it’s okay to put oils in your humidifier, it may be designed to use oils. However, make sure to ask specific questions about the substance you want to add to your humidifier.

#6 Don’t put coffee into your humidifier

As someone who loves coffee, I would not suggests you trying to add coffee into your humidifier. 🙂

Coffee grounds can accumulate over time and block the filters in humidifiers, leading to decreased airflow and decreased moisture levels.

If you are attempting to add coffee to your humidifier or have previously attempted to add coffee to your humidifier, be sure to clean the filter to avoid problems and ensure proper operation.

I would love to have a humidifier that smells like a fresh brewed coffee…

But it’s not how the humidifier works! 😉

#7 Avoid using soap with your humidifier

I believe that using soap with a humidifier is not a good idea because it can cause build-up residues that can clog your humidifier. You’d be surprised to learn that some residues can cause molds, which are extremely dangerous to your health.

I highly suggest you read the article I wrote about how to avoid mold growths with your humidifier.

It is unavoidable that some pieces of soap or parts of it will not be washed properly, which can cause damage to your humidifier.

Besides leaving behind residues, soap can also irritate your throat and lungs especially those soaps with strong chemicals inside of them. If you must use soap, try to use a water-based or liquid soap version instead.

#8 Don’t use water that is too hot

Another common mistake people make is adding water to the humidifier that is too hot. Well, actually I tried this before and I did not see any difference but…

The way the humidifier functioned looks awkward.

According to what I’ve read, it will cause the unit to overheat and possibly break. We don’t want that to happen, so avoid using hot water with your humidifier.

This ensure your humidifier stays in good condition.

If you need to add water quickly, be sure to use cold water instead of hot.

#9 Never attempt to put anything combustible into your humidifier

This is a given, nobody should ever put anything combustible in their humidifier.

This should never be attempted, especially at home, unless you’re like the Mythbusters guys (love that show by the way)!

These combustible items are known to produce hazardous gases that can damage the unit or cause a fire.

What you can do instead to keep your humidifier in good working condition?

So, instead of attempting to put these items in your humidifier, you should instead clean your filter after each use.

As we all know, humidifiers work by releasing water vapor into the air. This water vapor is condensed by the cold external environment and forms tiny droplets that can be seen as rain or snow on windows and walls.

These droplets contain bacteria, dust mites, and other small particles that can easily be breathed in and spread throughout your home. You may notice black stuff in your humidifiers if you are not cleaning it regularly.

Cleaning the filter will solve these problems, as will having a humidifier that will last longer.