Air washers: how to choose and use correctly

Why do you need an air washer?

The air environment in the house contains many harmful microorganisms, microscopic contaminants (dust, epidermal particles, pollen), as well as larger debris (animal hair, lint, insect waste products). All these contaminants penetrate the human respiratory system and settle in the lungs, causing cough, allergies or illness. By using a humidifier with a washing function, the concentration of bacteria and contaminants in the air is significantly reduced.

The purpose of air washers is not only to clean the air in the room, but also to increase humidity. Excessively dry air negatively affects the human body: the mucous membranes of the organs of vision and nasopharynx become dry, against which swelling of the nasal sinuses may appear, microcracks occur, and the body becomes more susceptible to viral diseases. Air washing effectively increases the humidity of the room to the recommended levels, due to which natural processes in the human body are normalized.

Basic washing functions

Despite the fact that the main purpose of air washers is the same, they differ from each other in composition and functions.

1. Moisturizing elements
   . In one case these are sponges, in the other - disks. Plastic discs are made up of many small “honeycombs” that are filled with moisture and trap and trap dust and other small particles. The sponge is a newer element of air washers. Being in constant rotation, it catches pollution and washes it into a special tank. The sponge traps dust, pet hair, pollen and other microparticles in the air.
2. Air ionization
   . The balance between differently charged particles affects our well-being. If the content of positively charged particles in the air is increased, it feels “heavy”, but if the proportion of negatively charged particles - air ions - increases, breathing becomes much easier. In nature, ionization occurs naturally. In an apartment this can only be done using a special ionizer. Scientists and doctors believe that ionized air improves sleep, increases performance, saturates with oxygen and improves immunity.
3. Pre-filtration and antibacterial treatment
   with a silver rod. Such a rod simultaneously ionizes the air and prevents the spread of bacteria. This function has become especially relevant lately. It helps not only to rid the air of visible particles, but also to disinfect it from bacteria and viruses.
4. Air fragrances
   provide small reservoirs in sinks into which essential oils can be poured.

What is air washing

This is the name for air purification equipment that performs two functions simultaneously: humidification and removal of dust, harmful microorganisms and other contaminants. In addition, the task of such a device is to eliminate unpleasant odors, allergens and aromatherapy within the same room that it serves. Due to its versatility, the sink is used at facilities for various purposes: the device is purchased for the home, public premises, children's institutions, etc.

The device performs similar functions to an air purifier and a humidifier. However, there is a significant difference between them. Thus, an air purifier is equipped with filters and is only capable of purifying the environment within one facility. A humidifier helps normalize the level of humidity in the room - it will not help get rid of harmful microorganisms and allergens. Compared with these devices, an air washer for the home is a more effective and useful device for purifying and humidifying the air space. Often the design of this unit includes additional air-purifying filters, which is another advantage.

Device and principle of operation

To understand how this technique works, you should learn more about its design.

Main components contained in the housing:

• a fan that forces air inside the device;
• discs that collect dirt;
• container filled with water;
• ionizing electrode (not available in all models).

To reduce the intensity of contamination of disks and other surfaces inside the sink, a pre-cleaning filter can be installed in the upper part of the housing. Another auxiliary unit is the hygrostat, which is responsible for maintaining a certain level of humidity in the room. So, when the limit value of this parameter is reached, the device stops humidifying the air and switches only to the cleaning mode.

How it works: The fan generates an air stream that passes through discs that are partially submerged in water, so that they are wetted as they rotate, washing the air passing through them. The water level may change with additional humidification of the air. If the operation of the device is aimed only at cleaning, the amount of liquid in the container does not change. Contaminants are retained on the walls of the rotating discs and washed off into a container of water. If the washer design includes auxiliary filters, the air flow undergoes additional cleaning and disinfection.

We care for the device carefully and correctly

Choosing a place for washing

A lot depends on where the device will be placed. In particular, the quality of cleaning with humidification, as well as the effectiveness of these processes. In addition, you need to place the sink in such a way that it cannot be accidentally dropped or overturned during your daily routine.

Here are the basic rules to follow when choosing the right place for washing:

• We retreat at least 50 centimeters from the furniture and accessories in the room.
• We leave the upper part of the device free, without installing the device under a table or in a tight niche.
• We install the unit on a horizontal plane - clean, dry, level. It is best, of course, on the floor, since it is in the area of ​​a meter above the floor that it is most dirty (dust particles settle down).
• In winter, when heaters operate and dry out the air, it is recommended to install air washers near them. This will help eliminate dry air faster.
• You should not place the device where pets or people are constantly present (for example, next to your favorite chair or sofa).

Regular Maintenance

We have decided how to choose an air washer. Now we have to learn how to properly care for her. While purifying the air, it itself becomes polluted, so it must be cleaned periodically. Next we will tell you how to do this with different parts.

Case and fan.

The case must be wiped with a wet cloth, and then use a dry cloth or napkin. Dirty fan blades can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

Water tray and tank

I wash the water tank with ordinary clean water, and to remove deposits on the pan you will need a special descaling agent. You can buy it at a hardware store. Pour water into the tray, add product and wait for a while. Then check the package with the disks several times, pour the water out of the pan and rinse the disks well, removing their entire package.

If there are strong deposits that have formed on the pan, the same anti-scale agent will help. It must be slightly diluted with water and poured into a tray. After waiting a little, we will wipe off the deposits with a brush.

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Humidifying discs

Note that weak limescale promotes more effective moisturizing. If you need to clean the surface of the disks, we again take a descaling agent, you can also use vinegar. After using the product, rinse the discs thoroughly.

General recommendations.

How often your sink will need cleaning depends on several factors. In particular, on the time of its service, as well as on how dirty the air in the room is

No less important is the quality of the water poured into the device.

Well, the averages are:

• The housing with the fan must be cleaned once a year (or six months);
• the water tank with tray needs to be cleaned every 14 days;
• We carry out disk maintenance on a monthly basis.

Optimal time for continuous operation of air washing.

You can usually do this yourself. Many models are equipped with a built-in timer that allows you to set the duration of work without interruption (usually from 8 to 12 hours). There are also car washes that can work around the clock. They typically consume very little electricity.

In general, operating time depends on the air quality in the room, as well as personal preference. Let's say you bought a sink for the first time - in this case, in the first days you need to let it work longer. The device will quickly give the air and objects in the room the necessary amount of moisture, and also cope with major contaminants.

In principle, the longer the sink runs, the cleaner the air in the room becomes, saturated with moisture in optimal proportions. Thanks to the natural operating principle, it will not be possible to over-humidify the air - and this is a plus.

Thus, you can completely trust the unit. And after two or three days you will already feel how much easier it has become to breathe. A healthy microclimate will constantly surround you and your loved ones.

Air washers with ionization function

There are air washers equipped with an ionizing electrode. During operation of such a device, free electrons are released into the air, which combine with neutral oxygen molecules. As a result, negatively charged air ions are formed. They help normalize the level of oxygen in the room, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the human body systems.

Additionally, an ionizing device allows you to clean the air. Free electrons combine with contaminant particles, making them heavier. Because of this, dust and other debris settle faster on different surfaces. You will have to clean more often, but the air will become cleaner, which means that negative agents that provoke allergies or diseases will not penetrate into the body.

Reviews

Galina, 30 years old: “Suffering from allergies and constantly feeling dry nose, I decided to buy an air washer, as it not only moisturizes, but also cleanses it of dust. Overall the impressions are positive, the only thing is that there is a lot of hassle with cleaning, which needs to be done twice a week. When I saw how much dirt had accumulated in the pan of the appliance over three days, I was once again convinced of the dusty air I had been breathing until then and that I couldn’t do without washing.”

Olga, 45 years old: “When the child was born, on the advice of the pediatrician, I decided to buy a humidifier, but a friend persuaded me to buy a 2 in 1 and buy an air washer. My family and I live in an industrial, polluted city, so I took the advice and don’t regret it. Even if it’s hot summer or cold winter outside, the air at home is always clean and humid, thanks to which you can breathe easily and freely. Unlike other children, my son actually gets fewer colds, and we haven’t encountered any skin irritations common in infancy.”

How to choose an air cleaner for your home

When choosing a device for humidifying and purifying the air in the house, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• the area of ​​the room that the device will serve;
• the selected washing model must have sufficient fan power;
• number of disks;
• the best air washer implements the function of ionization and disinfection;
• the presence of auxiliary capabilities - aromatization, antibacterial treatment;
• noise level.

Additional washing functions: cleaning, disinfection and aromatization of air

This technique can be used not only to remove mechanical contaminants, but also to aromatize the air space, as well as reduce the concentration of harmful microorganisms. To do this, add a few drops of aroma oil to a special compartment. If the sink does not have such a compartment, you should not add oil directly to the water, since essential oils will be absorbed into the surface, which may cause the device to stop working normally - odors will begin to accumulate, and pathogenic microflora will develop faster on an oily surface.

For enhanced air purification, additional filters are installed in the sink design: carbon, electrostatic, nano-, hepa-filters, etc.

Air disinfection

The device may contain an ionizing silver rod. Not all models are equipped with this element. Silver ions are a universal means of combating harmful microorganisms. In this way, water is disinfected during the air flow washing process. When the air returns to the room, it is free of bacteria that cause diseases in the human body.

Air washing against dust

If a large amount of small contaminants enters the room, it is recommended to use devices containing filters. With their help, it is possible to remove a significant part of the dust. In addition, it is recommended to use devices that can ionize the air flow, which promotes the deposition of contaminant particles. In this case, you will have to regularly clean all surfaces, since dust will more actively settle on them.

Fighting tobacco smoke

To get rid of unpleasant odors, it is recommended to use sink models equipped with a special tray for adding essential oils. Such designs use materials that practically do not absorb odors and are easier to clean. When using the device, a fine water suspension containing particles of essential oil is released into the air, which helps neutralize unpleasant odors. However, in an oil environment, bacteria multiply more actively, for this reason the device mechanism should be cleaned regularly.

Making the right choice

There are a large number of models on the market, and making the right choice is not easy.

To avoid mistakes, pay attention to the following criteria:

1. Efficiency of the main element.
2. Method of filling water.
3. Room area.
4. Performance.
5. Control.
6. Additional features.

Core Element Efficiency

Household sinks are usually equipped with a disc rod, and this is where all the salt is concentrated. The discs must have a large enough area for water to evaporate, and they must have grooves and notches to prevent water from draining too quickly. Immersion by 30% - no more! The most effective are discs with a sponge, which absorbs moisture well, remains wet for a long time and provides excellent evaporation. But! It is much more difficult to wash it and remove all pathogenic particles; it needs regular replacement, and this is unnecessary trouble. If you are ready for this, feel free to purchase it.

Water filling method

There are only two of them - the top one and the fill into the tank. The first one is more convenient and simpler - you pour water into the pan and that’s it, but with the tank things are a little different: you need to remove it, pour water and then carry it back and install it. Another disadvantage of tank washers is that they make gurgling sounds. Good manufacturers solve the problem of sound insulation with thicker walls, and you can leave the device on even at night.

Room area

All sinks have space limitations. But don’t be greedy and take a powerful device for a small room - this is an irrational consumption of electricity. But a low-power device will be useless in a large room. The model description always indicates the optimal size of the rooms.

Performance

Pay attention to productivity - how much water the device evaporates per hour. Typically, this figure does not exceed 500 ml/hour, but there are entire climate control complexes with a capacity of 1000 ml/hour

Such devices are suitable for large rooms such as cottages, billiard rooms and other large spaces. The volume of the tank is also important - if it is too small, it may not be enough for a day, and for proper operation you will have to frequently add water.

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Control

Most often, the sink is controlled by mechanical buttons, but there are models with a touch panel. There are automatic devices with a built-in hygrometer. Choose which one is more convenient and familiar to you to use.

Additional features

Some sinks may be equipped with a special capsule for aromatic oils. If, for example, you add fir, cedar or eucalyptus oil, you will get a pleasant aroma, which will also serve as a cold prevention. The main thing is not to add oil to the reservoir of a model that does not provide aromatherapy - the device may fail.

Some devices have a hygrometer. Many are sure that this is not a very useful device, because the sink cannot re-humidify the air in the apartment. There is no point in overpaying for this, but the choice is yours. The same thing with ionizers - their benefits have not been proven, except that a little more dust is deposited. So far there is no convincing evidence that they are really so useful and necessary, and such a model costs significantly more.

The benefits and harms of washing

The popularity of this technique is due to a large number of positive qualities:

• air humidification, especially important in winter, when the heating system starts up;
• getting rid of harmful bacteria, which reduces the risk of developing diseases;
• improving the smell in the room, neutralizing tobacco smoke and other unpleasant odors;
• removal of small contaminants, dust and allergens from the air;
• improving air quality through ionization, thereby increasing the level of oxygen in the environment.

When planning to purchase an air washer, the benefits and harms are studied first. If he has many positive qualities, then not everyone knows about the negative aspects. So, when operating such equipment, it is necessary to regularly clean the structure from the inside. If this is not done, dust, wool, and along with them bacteria will accumulate, creating a risk of contamination of the object and the atmosphere of the room.

Features of the humidifier

In hardware stores you can now see many different humidifiers, differing in design and cost. But such devices also have some functional features. In particular, all devices can be divided into:

• Classic.
• Steam.
• Ultrasonic.

Before purchasing, it is better to understand the features of all varieties. This will help you make the right choice.

Classic models

These are the simplest humidifiers, which have a simple design. Such devices are equipped with a fan that forces air through a wet filter, after which the latter comes out already moistened. The filter can be further improved with antibacterial components, ionizing particles, etc.

A classic humidifier has several significant advantages:

• It is absolutely safe as it does not produce heated steam.
• When using it, the air cannot be humidified excessively, since steam is not produced forcibly. The air takes in as much moisture as it needs.
• Requires a small amount of electricity.
• Does not lead to the formation of a specific white coating on furniture.
• Does not require the use of purified filtered water.

A convenient and versatile classic humidifier also has some disadvantages, the main one of which is the need to regularly change filters (with an interval of a couple of months). In addition, such a device most often produces noticeable noise and is characterized by low productivity - it can only work in rooms with a small area.

Steam models

Such devices humidify the air by heating the water inside the device, the steam from which subsequently rises (with slight acceleration). Heating is carried out using heating elements or electrodes. Steam models provide:

• Fast, effective and high-quality hydration. It is believed that they are able to raise the humidity level in the room as quickly as possible.
• High level of security. Only the first portion of steam may be a little hot (immediately after turning on the device), but, according to the manufacturers’ assurances, it is simply impossible to get burned by it.
• Hygiene. Thanks to heat treatment, many microorganisms are destroyed, the flask with water itself remains sterile, the device does not need filters and, of course, their replacement.
• Humidification of the home regardless of the ambient temperature.
• Excellent moisturizing without white residue on surfaces.

However, it is worth considering that when using a steam humidifier, you may encounter the problem of scale on the heating elements. Because of this, the device can become quite noisy over time and even burn out (if the scale is not removed). In addition, when the device operates intensively, surrounding objects become covered with condensation—water droplets.

Ultrasound devices

These humidifiers are the most popular today. They operate thanks to a built-in emitter, which, under the influence of alternating current, vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency, breaking water into tiny particles. It is this finely dispersed steam that is pushed out, providing air humidification. There are a variety of ultrasonic humidifiers on sale:

• With cold steam (water mist) or warm steam.
• With many additional options, for example, dividing steam into several sides, steam sterilization, selecting the level of humidification. Many models have a built-in hygrometer (not always accurate), which allows you to put the device into sleep mode when the humidity level in the room reaches the required levels.
• With electronic displays that display all the operating features of the device.

However, such devices also have disadvantages:

• In the absence of a hygrometer, they often work excessively - they make the air excessively humid.
• They work only with special water - purified and demineralized. Otherwise, the service life of the device is reduced significantly, and the device can no longer be repaired.
• Cover a relatively small area.

Many owners of ultrasonic humidifiers complain that such devices lead to the appearance of a white coating on all surfaces, especially furniture. Using distilled water reduces the risk of this effect, but it costs money.