Using humidifiers or vaporizers during the winter months will increase the humidity in the home. The dry weather of winter can bring about breathing difficulties in some people, and even cause nose bleeds due to the dry conditions. Keeping the home's temperature at 68 degrees F is one method for keeping a higher humidity level. If that is not feasible, the addition of a humidifier may be the choice for increasing the moisture level in the home.
Set the humidifier in an area of the home where the air is easily circulated throughout the structure. Keeping the humidifier in small enclosed rooms may create excessive moisture problems. Excessive moisture can be identified by standing water on flat surfaces or water dripping down the interior of windows.
Keep the humidifier clean. Empty the unit on a daily basis. Rinse out the basin. Wipe the basin and all humidifier exterior surfaces with a dry clean towel.
Fill the humidifier with clean tap water or distilled water on a daily basis after every cleaning. Never reuse water or allow it to sit longer than 24 hours. Bacteria can easily grow inside the water basin in that amount of time.
Sanitize the humidifier on a weekly basis while in use. Mix a mild bleach solution of 1 tsp. of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Allow the solution to soak in the basin for up to 20 minutes. Swish it around the inside of the basin to cover the sides of the container. Rinse with clean water. Dry with clean towel.