Last Updated on March 26, 2024
Sometimes the steam provided by the humidifiers just isn’t enough. You may want or require a more consistent and better flow of steam. In such cases, you can add salt in humidifier for better results.
Putting salt in a humidifier causes the water temperature to rise significantly and provides better and denser steam. You will also notice a change in the time to release steam with and without salt added to the water.
Moreover, adding salt will also kill microparticles, bacteria, and other impurities in the water to provide cleaner steam.
So, are you interested in how adding salt to your humidifier can change the quality of steam provided? Well, then, stick till the end to find out.
Things to Do Before You Put Salt in a Humidifier
You simply don’t go and add salt water in humidifier! In reality, you need to be well aware of its procedure and know how it works. So, here in this section, we’ve outlined the entire process in detail to ensure your humidifier gives out maximum output.
Unplug
Before working with any electrical device, you must ensure to unplug the device from the outlet. Not only is it an explosive hazard, but it could also lead to fire and even compromise your safety. So, always keep away all the cables, and even if you spill water on the humidifier, wipe it off before plugging it back in.
Access and Assess the Water Chamber
Since the humidifier is in constant contact with water, the chances of bacterial and slime buildup on the surface are higher. This could completely diminish the purpose of a humidifier providing clean and healthy steam all around the room.
So, you must check the water chamber and clean it well to ensure it is free of bacteria before adding salt. Thoroughly cleaning it would allow the diffuser to work best and provide better-quality steam.
Refilling the Water Chamber
Before refilling the water, remember that whatever water you use will be the one you breathe in. This is why using clean, distilled water free from germs or microparticles is best.
Adding pure and clean water ensures you breathe better, and your humidifier lasts longer. Moreover, steaming the water requires less energy or pressure as the device doesn’t have to overwork to clean it.
Add the Salt
The amount of salt you add to your humidifier depends on the type and size of your humidifier. Depending on these factors, you need to determine the salt-to-water ratio. To make things simple, the larger the salt humidifiers, the more salt is needed.
However, the general ratio in a humidifier is about 2 to 3 pinches of salt to a liter of water. This is an ideal ratio, even though there are several other factors you need to consider as variables.
That’s not all; the amount of salt ratio will also vary depending on the type of water you use. If the water isn’t as clean as it should be, you might need to add more than 2 pinches of salt. Adding salt increases the temperature of the water, thus, providing better and more consistent steam.
Mix the Solution
Stirring in the water to the salt mixture in the humidifier’s water chamber is optional. Since adding salt to the water causes the temperature to rise, the water boiling inside the humidifier inevitably causes the water to stir up and mix among itself.
However, if you use coarse and chunky salt in your humidifier, it’s suggested that you stir things up to speed up the process of incorporating the salt in the water.
Plug and Restart
Once you have added the salt to your mixture, you can now go ahead and assemble everything and plug in the humidifier. And within a few minutes, you can breathe clean, fresh air from the humidifier that is also free of germs.
However, before plugging it in, remember to wipe everything down to ensure it is free of water. Spilled water in the wrong place could cause electric shock and even cause the humidifier to pop and explode at times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do you add salt to a humidifier?
Adding salt to a humidifier allows the temperature to rise significantly in the humidifier, thus allowing the water to boil over quickly and release steam and salt-enriched air reducing respiratory incidence and symptoms. Salt also helps remove dirt, impurities, and microparticles from the humidifier and the water before providing steam.
- Can I put salt in my humidifier?
No, it is not recommended to put salt in your humidifier. Salt can damage humidifiers, which disseminate moisture into the air. Due to salt corrosion, humidifier components can malfunction or cause electrical dangers. Salt particles emitted into the air may irritate your respiratory system or cause other health complications. Using distilled or demineralized water in your humidifier is best to prevent mineral buildup and ensure optimal performance.
- How much salt do I put in my Vicks humidifier?
There is no standard ratio of how much salt to add to the water in a humidifier. This is because the ratio varies depending on the size of the humidifier and the type of water that is being used. However, about 2 pinches of salt to a liter of water should be enough for a standard Vick humidifier.
- What does salt do in a vaporizer?
Salt in a vaporizer speeds up the process of steam production. Moreover, the vaporizer will be able to provide denser and better steam.
Bottom Line
It may seem highly unlikely, but salt in humidifier can significantly change the type of steam you get. Salt is a good conductor, so when mixed with water, it can raise the temperature in the humidifier and provide denser steam.
However, there are several variables that you need to consider before adding salt to your humidifier. The type and grind of salt, the type of water, and the size of the water chamber in the humidifier are all variables you need to consider before adding salt.
