We all desire clean air. That is why it is critical to understand how to prevent pink mold in humidifier. Your health may be jeopardized if your home is left untidy and unclean.
A home humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air. It alleviates the symptoms of dry, irritated skin while also warming the air and making it healthier to breathe. However, if mold is present, the humidifier may be more harmful than beneficial.
Continue reading to find out how to keep mold at bay in your home humidifier.
What is Pink Mold?
Pink mold, like all mold species, thrives in moisture and darkness. The pink to orange color you see is caused by spores that will spread once the surface is disturbed.
Furthermore, pink mold is a bacterial growth called Serratia marcescens. This appears to be mold, but it is actually a kind of airborne bacteria.
Aureobasidium pullulans is another pink mold. This fungus has a pale pink color that fades to yellow and then black as it ages.
A. pullulans, like S. marcescens, prefers moist surface areas with organic matter to feed on. Pink mold is most commonly found in bathrooms, where it appears as pink slime on the tile grout, toilet bowl, and shower. Your humidifier is also a popular breeding ground for pink molds.
The bacteria/fungus consumes soap scum and organic matter from the human body. Pink molds can be found on linseed oil paint, wooden window frames, and even houseplants because they feed on organic matter.
While there is another pink mold called Fusarium, it is unlikely to be found in a home. Nonetheless, it can grow on houseplants and spread to carpeting.
So, why is this particular mold pink? The pinkish color of this mold is caused by the temperature in which it grew. Pink mold growth, on the other hand, has a slimy consistency.
How to Prevent Mold in Humidifier in Your Home
Regular, weekly cleanings are the most effective way to prevent mold pink in your humidifier. Almost all humidifier manufacturers recommend thorough cleanings every week or, at the very least, once a month.
Cleaning your humidifier is simple. Maintain the cleanliness of your humidifier by:
- Removing any water from the unit
- Using hot water and white vinegar to rinse the unit.
- Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the interior of the unit to remove any scales or mold accumulation.
- To clean the unit, use hot water.
- Allow the unit and its components to dry completely before reassembling.
It is crucial to develop the habit of regularly cleaning your humidifier. While changing the water in your tank on a daily basis is a good start, you should also keep your filter and other unit parts clean of debris.
If you do this on a regular basis, you can expect your humidifier to last longer. Pink mold is unlikely to grow in well-maintained environments. As a result, make sure you do everything possible to reduce the likelihood of it causing problems in your home.
To help prevent mold growth, you can add additives to your humidifier. Tea tree oil, humidifier tablets, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar are a few examples.
Read More: Pink Mold In Humidifier: What Is It & Is It Harmful?
What Should You Put in a Humidifier to Prevent Mold?
There are several modifications you can make to the water chamber of your humidifier to help protect against mold and scaly buildup. Remember that a humidifier is wet and warm by design, making it an ideal environment for mold growth.
Among cleanings, add one of the following additives to your humidifier to help prevent mold growth:
White vinegar: To prevent mold growth, add one cup of white vinegar to the water in your humidifier. It’s an antibacterial and antimicrobial substance that’s good for the air and your humidifier.
Tea tree essential oil: A natural disinfectant, a few drops of tea tree oil in the humidifier water will not only prevent mold growth, but will also help people with respiratory illnesses or asthma breathe easier. Tea tree essential oil is derived from the Melaleuca plant and has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Tablet humidifiers: These tablets can be purchased online or in a local store. They are intended to keep mold and lime buildup at bay inside the humidifier. Drop one tablet and the appropriate amount of water into the reservoir.
Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is one of the least expensive options for preventing mold in humidifiers, kills bacteria and mold. A few drops of water into the reservoir will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can pink mold in humidifier make you sick?
Touching pink molds will not immediately make you sick. However, if you have an open wound or a skin infection on your hands, you should avoid doing so. To avoid contact with the spores, wear gloves when cleaning humidifiers with pink mold.
What happens if you inhale pink mold?
Pink mold inhalation can cause respiratory distress. Coughing, allergies, asthma attacks, and severe irritation will result. Aside from that, if inhaled in large quantities for an extended period of time, the spores can cause infection in your lungs and other organs.
Will Pink Mold Grow in My Humidifier if I Use Tap Water?
It is entirely fine to use tap water in your cool mist humidifier (but not advisable). Simply remember to clean the reservoir and hose before each use. This way, whether pink or not, mold can be avoided. But, if in doubt, use distilled water, especially if you have sensitive lungs.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article useful in learning how to prevent pink mold in humidifier. Despite all of the above information and steps, it is highly recommended that it be handled by a professional. Always keep your home clean and your food safe.