Let’s face it, humidifiers are amazing things. If you struggle with cracked lips and perpetual sinus issues, they can be an absolute godsend. However, if not well-maintained or cleaned, they can become breeding grounds for mold and disease.
If you don’t want to end up breathing in fungi, germs, and other gross things, you need to know when to replace your humidifier filter.
Our guide will show you the best time to do so, and general tips to help you find quality filters when shopping for a replacement.
When Should You Replace Your Humidifier Filter?
No matter what kind of system you’re working with, you should replace the humidifier filter every 1 to 3 months. Whether you’re swapping filters out with the seasons or with each new calendar page depends on how much you use it and the water you’re running through it.
If, for instance, you live in an area with hard water, you may need to shop for replacement filters once a month to avoid a musty smell. You can avoid this by using distilled water through your humidifiers rather than tap water.
However, some filters can last much longer. If you have a whole-house humidifier attached to your furnace, you can get away with changing that filter once a year.
What Should You Do With Your Dirty Filters?
Once you’ve swapped out your dirty filters for new ones, what should you do with the old ones? Simply put, throw them in the garbage. Once a humidifier filter has become clogged with dirt and other detritus, you shouldn’t attempt to “clean it out” and reuse it.
Some guides may suggest using vinegar or bleach to sterilize the filter before re-using it. If the filter doesn’t look too dirty, you can try this to extend its lifespan. However, past the 3-month mark, you should look for a new filter instead.
What Do You Need to Look for in Replacement Filters?
Now that you know when you need to replace your humidifier filter and what to do with the old one, let’s talk about what you should look for in the new filter. Ideally, it should help soften any tap water you use and filter out other contaminants.
It should also match the brand of the humidifier you’re using. While off-brand filters may fit in your device, they won’t work as well as something meant for your system.
However, brand-name filters can get expensive in a hurry. That’s why sites like discountfilters.com exist; to give you price breaks on much-needed filters for your water and air.
Need More Information About Filtering Your Air and Water?
Knowing when to replace your humidifier filter can keep you and your family safe and healthy. After all, we all need clean water and air to survive and thrive.
If you found this guide helpful and would like to learn more about how filters can help you at home, why not check out our blog? We update each day with more handy Home and Health how-tos like this one.