For someone who lives in a place that experiences harsh winters, humidifiers are truly heaven-sent. It helps regain a healthy humidity level to reduce dry skin, chapped lips, and bleeding nose. However, I always encounter one major problem: my humidifier gets everything wet. If you’re also dealing with the same issue, you’re at the right post.
Below, I discuss why humidifiers tend to make surfaces damp and what you can do about it.
Why does my humidifier get everything wet?
Humidifiers are meant to diffuse moisture into the air. However, if not used well, it can make walls, floors, and furniture damp. This is a big problem as excess moisture will allow the growth of molds and mildew.
If you’re wondering why your humidifier tends to make everything wet, the following might explain why:
1. You’re not using a humidistat.
There are many humidifiers in the market with built-in humidistats. This allows the unit to shut down once it achieves the pre-programmed humidity level.
However, if your humidifier doesn’t have this feature, it’s easy to go overboard with humidification. Before you know it, your furniture, walls, and floor are damp from the excessive moisture.
Overall, the ideal humidity is 40% to 60%. Anything higher than this will make the surroundings too damp or wet.
2. Your humidifier is malfunctioning.
It’s important to remember that humidifiers aren’t made to last forever. At some point, its parts will get worn out and may produce too much mist than intended.
If this is the case, you’re better off replacing your unit. Repairs may work, but leaks and dampness will soon ensue.
3. You have the wrong humidifier size.
A big humidifier has a higher mist output. So if you use it in a very small room, you’ll be overwhelmed with excessive moisture.
This is why you should always match the size of your humidifier in the room where you plan to use it. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to humidifiers, so you should be meticulous with the unit you’re going to purchase.
4. Your humidifier doesn’t have adjustable features.
Humidifiers that work on a single setting tend to cause wetness problems in the long run. In this case, the excess moisture will get on your floor, ceiling, walls, and furniture. You’ll be stuck in one mist level, which may not be compatible with the season you’re in.
5. Incorrect humidifier placement
Even if you have the right humidifier, poor placement can cause trapped moisture and wetness all over your home. For example, placing the humidifier against the wall will cause the mist to cling to the surface instead of being diffused in the air.
To prevent this, it’s important to place the humidifier at least two feet from the ground and three feet from any walls or furniture. Also, you should check the direction of the mist to ensure that it’s not hitting the walls directly.
What to do if your humidifier gets everything wet
If your humidifier made your house too damp, here are the things you should do:
- Run a dehumidifier. It will help to run a dehumidifier to draw out the excess moisture in your home. This is to prevent the growth of molds.
- Buy a hygrometer. To closely monitor your room’s humidity level, it’s best to purchase a hygrometer. This way, you’ll know when to turn off your humidifier and when to run it again.
- Mind the humidifier placement. Take note that you should never place a humidifier near a vent or less than three feet from any walls or beds.
- Replace your humidifier. If your humidifier still makes your home damp after following the tips above, it might be time to purchase a replacement.
- Tone down your settings. A very damp feel in your room might indicate that you’re using a very high humidifier setting. It’s best to crank it down to prevent excessive moisture from getting into your walls and furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I put under my humidifier?
A: You should consider placing a towel or mat under your humidifier to absorb leaks. This will also protect your furniture just in case you’re placing the unit on top of a wooden surface. Aside from that, the mat will add an aesthetic touch to the room.
Q: Should the door be closed when using a humidifier?
A: It’s best to keep the door closed when running a humidifier. This way, the device can reach the target humidity level properly. If you plan to humidify more than one room at a time, you should use multiple units all over your home. Take note that running a humidifier with the door open is like running an air conditioner with the windows open.
Q: Do humidifiers ruin walls?
A: If not used properly, humidifiers can make walls damp. This excess moisture can damage wall paint, wallpaper, and insulation. The same goes for wooden floors and ceilings. You’ll notice your carpeting feels unusually cool, and the walls are damp when you touch it. These are signs that you’re over-humidifying your room.
Q: Where should a humidifier be placed in a bedroom?
A: When using a humidifier inside your bedroom, it’s best to place it at least three feet away from the bed. You don’t want the mist to be sprayed into your face directly. In this case, the best choice is to put the humidifier on a shelf away from your bed. Placing it on your nightstand isn’t advisable as you might topple it easily.
Q: What happens if you use a humidifier too much?
A: Too much humidification will make the surroundings wet. This will allow molds and mildew to grow, not to mention that it will cause damage to wooden furniture. In the long run, excessive use of humidifiers can trigger respiratory issues.
Final words
My humidifier gets everything wet! This problem is often the result of poor humidity monitoring, a malfunctioning humidifier, or a humidifier that’s too large for your room. If you’re also sharing the same sentiment, the points above will surely help.
Whatever it is, there are a few solutions you can try. Do you have anything to add to these points? Let us know below!
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
