How to Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers turn water into mist and add moisture to the air. Increased moisture in the air can soothe a sore throat and cough, help loosen mucus in the nose, make nosebleeds happen less often, and help dry skin feel better. Use a cool-mist humidifier rather than a warm-mist (steam) humidifier, which can cause burns.

These are general instructions for using a humidifier. Be sure to read those that come with your humidifier for more information.

Put the humidifier in the room where your child sleeps. It should be on a flat surface, out of your child's reach, and away from walls.

To fill the humidifier:

• Unplug the humidifier and remove the water tank. 

• Fill the tank with clean water. Use distilled water (sold at grocery stores) if your humidifier does not have a filter.

• Put only water in the tank. Do not add anything else to the tank.

Using the humidifier:

• Attach the tank to the humidifier.

• Plug in the humidifier and turn it on.

• Some humidifiers let you set the level of humidity (moisture). If yours does, set it at 30%–50%.

• Turn the humidifier off when your child is not in the room.

Stop using the humidifier if:

• Furniture surfaces in the room get damp or wet (this can lead to mold growth). 

• White dust that looks like powder settles in the room (this is from minerals in the water).

• You notice black or brown spots on any of the humidifier parts (this may be mold).

To clean the humidifier:

• After each use:

  • Turn off and unplug the humidifier.

  • Drain water from the tank and base.

  • Rinse the tank with running tap water.

  • Wipe all parts dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. 

• After several uses, do a deeper cleaning:

  • Turn off and unplug the humidifier.

  • Drain water from the tank and base.

  • Fill the tank halfway with a mixture of ½ cup (4 ounces) of white vinegar in 4 cups (32 ounces) of water.

  • Let the tank sit for 20–30 minutes. Shake it every few minutes to move the vinegar mixture around.

  • Empty the tank into a sink.

  • Use a clean, soft cloth or a cotton swab dipped in the vinegar mixture to clean any dirt from the tank and base.

  • Rinse the tank in running tap water. Use a clean cloth dampened with water to rinse the base. Rinse until the vinegar smell is gone.

  • Wipe all parts dry with a clean cloth or paper towels.

• You have questions about using the humidifier. 

• Your child develops a new or worse cough or a fever.

Your child has trouble breathing or seems very sick. 

Who should not use a humidifier? People with asthma and allergies should check with their health care provider before using a humidifier. Sometimes humidifiers can make asthma and allergy symptoms worse.