Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Selecting an Evaporator
• Method 2 of 3: Using a vaporizer
• Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the evaporator
• Tips
• Warnings

An evaporator is a device that converts water into steam and discharges it into the ambient air. When used correctly, the vaporizer helps improve indoor air, relieve airway congestion and moisturize dry nasal passages. Although each brand of vaporizer has its own instructions for use, there are also general rules for their use.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Selecting an Evaporator

1. 1 Talk to your doctor about your needs. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, if you have any, and about possible environmental problems in your home. Your doctor will be able to advise you on steps, such as purchasing a vaporizer or humidifier.
   • The vaporizer can temporarily relieve symptoms of acute (short-term) respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, or bronchitis.
   • The vaporizer is also useful for chronic respiratory problems, although your doctor may recommend more specialized devices.
   • Vaporizers can also be beneficial if you have very dry air in your home or live in cold / dry climates, as they humidify the air, which increases overall comfort.
   • Be sure to ask your doctor about the potential side effects of using a vaporizer.For example, it can promote bacterial growth or other problems associated with humid air.
2. 2 Choose a cold evaporating humidifier rather than hot evaporating if you are concerned about safety. The two devices work in a similar way, but have slightly different health and home health benefits. It is necessary to take into account for whom exactly and for what purposes you are purchasing the evaporator.
   • Hot evaporation humidifiers use heat. This heat converts the water into steam, which is released into the surrounding air.
   • Cold evaporating humidifiers emit a tiny spray (mist) of cool water, which also helps humidify the air.
   • Please note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (USA) strongly discourages the use of hot vapor humidifiers in children's rooms.
3. 3 Assess your needs. Decide which room you will install the evaporator in to determine the type and size of the evaporator.
   • If the vaporizer is intended for a child, make sure there is a place in the child's room where you can place the device so that children cannot reach it.
   • If you are looking to purchase a vaporizer to improve the overall air quality in your home, choose a room where it can bring the maximum benefit to you and all your family members.
4. 4 Check out the different types of steam vaporizers. Take some time to read the information on the packages and possibly inspect the evaporator itself. You can then make more informed choices based on your health and comfort.
   • Consider the amount of space you are going to allocate for working and storing the evaporator. Larger models are more difficult to keep out of the reach of children, while a small vaporizer may be of little use because it will not generate enough steam.
   • Read the information on the packaging and, if you buy your vaporizer online, the reviews and testimonials to find out how easy it is to use and clean this unit. If you have little free time or find it difficult to thoroughly clean the vaporizer due to health problems, choose a simpler device.

Method 2 of 3: Using a vaporizer

1. 1 Read the enclosed operating instructions. Although vaporizers are similar in many ways, some of the operating and maintenance requirements may differ. Among other things, the instructions should describe how to disassemble and clean the evaporator.
2. 2 Use a vaporizer at night. Although vaporizers can be turned on at any time, most people prefer to use them at night. At night, the device relieves dry or stuffy nose and thus improves sleep.
   • Do not turn on the evaporator all day, or the air will become too humid, which can lead to the growth of mold or other fungi in the house. In turn, this can cause further respiratory problems.
   • Make sure that the humidity in the house never exceeds 50%. Get a home hygrometer to measure the humidity level in the air.
3. 3 Fill the container with distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that can clog your evaporator or pollute the air in your home.
   • Most evaporators have a marked top level to which water should be poured. Do not exceed it, otherwise water may splash.
   • Some vaporizers will turn off automatically as soon as the tank is empty, but you should fill the device with water every time before using it, for example in the evening before going to bed.
4. 4 Place the evaporator on a level surface at a safe distance to avoid accidentally hitting it. The evaporator should be placed at least 120 centimeters from people and pets. The hot vapor emitted by the vaporizer can cause burns if it comes into contact (especially for prolonged periods) with the skin.
   • If you are using the vaporizer in a children's room or in a home with children, set it high enough so that children cannot reach it and accidentally burn themselves. In this case, the surface must be strong and stable enough so that the evaporator cannot fall.
   • Do not place or use the vaporizer in a location where it may wet bedding, curtains, carpeting or other fabric items. You can place towels under the evaporator to prevent dripping water or condensation from damaging the surface of the furniture.
5. 5 Plug in and switch on the evaporator. Some evaporators can be turned on by simply plugging them in. However, in most cases, the device has a switch in the form of a lever, button or dial.
6. 6 Ventilate the room between using the evaporator. While warm, humid air is great for nasal congestion, if the room is too humid for too long, mold can develop.
   • If bacteria or mold grows in your home, you and your family may experience even greater respiratory problems.
   • If possible, leave doors and windows open throughout the day when you are not using the evaporator. Turn on an electric fan if necessary to ventilate the room.

Method 3 of 3: Cleaning the evaporator

1. 1 Read the instructions on how to clean the evaporator. The enclosed operating instructions should indicate how often the evaporator needs to be cleaned and what substances to use.
   • Most vaporizers require a cleaning solution, a bottle or vegetable brush, clean water, and a microfiber rag or paper towels.
   • Consider purchasing rubber gloves to help protect your skin while cleaning the vaporizer.
2. 2 Clean the evaporator at least every three days. A humid environment encourages bacterial growth, and if the evaporator is not cleaned and dried properly, bacteria can grow directly in the evaporator. As a result, bacteria will enter the surrounding air along with the steam.
   • Change the distilled water every day and clean the evaporator at least every three days.
   • Clean the vaporizer more often if you use it not only at night, but also during the day.
   • You may also need to change the filter regularly. Look for information about this in the operating instructions.
3. 3 Prepare or purchase a cleaning solution. It is usually sufficient to add a few drops of antibacterial soap or a mild dishwashing liquid to the hot water. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide solution as a stronger cleaning agent.
   • If the instructions say which cleaning solution to use, follow the manufacturer's directions.
   • For extra deep cleaning, use a 1% bleach solution: dilute 1 part bleach with 9 parts water.
   • If you are using any form of bleach, wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
4. 4 Disassemble the evaporator. In doing so, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, removing the reservoir from the evaporator is sufficient to clean the evaporator.
   • Inspect the tank and base for signs of mold. If it is necessary to clean the base, be careful not to touch other parts: use a brush dampened with the cleaning solution, and then wipe the case with a dry cloth.
   • Some evaporator models cannot be disassembled. If you have such a vaporizer, simply open the water tank and try to clean it without removing it from the case.
   • Do not use too much force when disassembling the evaporator, otherwise you may damage the locking parts and the device will become unsafe to use.
5. 5 Wipe the inside of the reservoir with a soft brush or cloth. A brush for washing baby bottles or vegetables, or a microfiber cloth will work.Dip a brush or rag in the cleaning solution and thoroughly dry the inside of the water tank. If necessary, re-wet the brush or rag with the cleaning solution until the entire surface of the reservoir has been wiped off.
   • If some areas are difficult to clean of dirt, wipe them with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.
6. 6 Rinse the reservoir. You can use tap water or distilled water for this. Pour some water into the tank, twirl it and drain it immediately to clean the tank of any soap or other cleaning agent residue.
   • Rinse the reservoir thoroughly, then soak the parts in white vinegar to completely disinfect the vaporizer.
   • If necessary, use a toothpick to remove visible mold from thin tubes and valves.
7. 7 Dry the inside of the tank with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. The reservoir must be completely dry, otherwise microbes and mineral impurities can get into the evaporator from the remaining water. This is especially important if you intend to store the evaporator after cleaning.
   • It is more hygienic to use paper towels as they can be changed frequently while germs can remain on the rag and spread further.
   • Air dry the reservoir before inserting it back into the housing.

Tips

• If the steam evaporator is ineffective, try using a cold evaporating humidifier. While it works in a similar way and is just as effective, some find it more comfortable to breathe than a hot steam vaporizer.
• Store it properly when not in use. Make sure the unit is completely clean and dry before long-term storage to reduce the chance of bacteria or mold on the evaporator parts.

Warnings

• If the evaporator cord is damaged or frayed, do not use it. A damaged cord creates a serious electric shock hazard, especially when you consider the moist air around it.
• Steam evaporators are not recommended for use in homes with children. Hot steam and water can cause burns.
• Humid air and mildew-friendly environments can worsen asthma symptoms. Consult your doctor for asthma or related illnesses.