When cold winter weather sucks the moisture out of the air, a humidifier can be your best friend, but only when used right. Here’s how to enjoy greater comfort without some common pitfalls.

A humidifier can boost the comfort level inside your home, especially during the winter months when there is less moisture in the air to begin with and when your furnace dries everything out even more. These small machines easily add moisture back into your indoor environment. The catch is that you do need to be mindful about how you use them. Here’s a practical look at the dos and don’ts that help you get the benefits without introducing problems.

The Dos

Do keep indoor humidity between 30-50%

This range is ideal for both your comfort and your health. It will help to prevent dry skin, nose and throat irritation, static electricity, and even damage to wood floors, furniture, or paint. Running a humidifier can be a smart way to stay in this zone during winter when indoor air gets dry.

Do use distilled or low-mineral water

The type of water you use in a humidifier matters more than most would expect. If you fill the tank with regular tap water, which contains tiny mineral particles, then your humidifier will be spraying those particles back into the air. They may settle as fine white dust on your furniture or even become airborne irritants, which is especially problematic for kids and anyone with respiratory sensitivities. Using distilled or low-mineral water will prevent these issues.

Do clean the unit regularly

A humidifier that isn’t cleaned can become a host for mold and bacteria, which then get pushed into the air you breathe. Make sure you empty and dry the tank daily and give the unit a thorough cleaning every few days.

Do follow manufacturer guidelines

When it comes to humidifier use and cleaning, following the manufacturer’s instructions is the best way to ensure you are doing it properly. Taking a few minutes to check the instructions can prevent issues down the line, keep your unit running efficiently, and help you avoid common mistakes that reduce air quality.

The Don’ts

Don’t over-humidify

Setting your humidifier too high or running it nonstop can push the humidity past 50%. This is a problem because excessive moisture fosters mold, dust mites, and other allergens, which can worsen respiratory conditions. A good sign to dial it back is if you notice condensation on windows, walls, or pictures. Getting a small digital hygrometer to measure humidity levels is a great idea.

Don’t add essential oils

Unless your humidifier is specifically designed for additives, don’t put anything but water inside. Adding essential oils or other scented products might seem like a nice idea, but they can coat the internal components, damage the machine, and release into the air as irritants.

Don’t use unsafe models around children

Warm-mist or steam-based humidifiers can cause burns if accidentally touched or tipped over, so they are not a great choice for homes with children and are especially risky if placed in a child’s bedroom. For children’s rooms, the best option is an evaporative-style humidifier that is cleaned on a regular basis.

When used correctly, a humidifier adds comfort, relief, and balance to your indoor environment. Just keep these tips in mind to get the most out of it.