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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Clean A Humidifier To Prevent Mold And Bacteria Growth
Humidifiers can do wonders for adding moisture into the air in your home, but if not kept clean, they can actually wreak havoc on your health. These devices can help prevent dryness on your skin, lips, nose, and throat, but if you never clean them out, mold can build up and be spread into the air, too. Below, we asked two humidifier experts for their best tips on how to properly clean a humidifier. Cleaning your humidifier regularly keeps bacteria, mold, and minerals from building up inside, so you always have a safe and clean mist circulating throughout the room. 'Regular cleaning also extends the life of your humidifier to keep it running smoothly and effectively without any germs clogging up the unit,' explains Jennifer Lynch, a content manager at Pure Enrichment. Another issue that can occur with humidifiers is the water that passes through them. The water and air that passes through your humidifier is not always clean, according to Lucas Lappe, co-founder of Canopy and head of product development. 'The minerals in water and the dust/mold in the air can build up and cause havoc inside your humidifier,' he explains. This is why it's important to regularly clean out your humidifier. Some humidifiers, like the Canopy humidifiers, all come with something called a Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA) technology, which works to keep air running through the units at all times. 'This eliminates remnant water inside that can lead to buildup and mold growth,' says Lappe. Both Lynch and Lappe do not recommend using any harsh or abrasive chemicals, like bleach or hydrogen peroxide, to clean out your humidifier. 'These can damage your device, but more importantly, create unsafe conditions with the dissemination of particulates into the air you breathe,' warns Lappe. Before you begin the process of cleaning out your humidifier, you want to make sure that it's unplugged. 'Do not submerge the humidifier into water when cleaning,' explains Lynch. 'Always rinse well and let the unit dry completely before reassembling and plugging back in.' If you find a buildup of mold in your device, you may want to wear a mask while cleaning it so you don't breathe in any spores, suggests Lappe. Another thing to note is that some humidifiers don't need as much rigorous cleaning as others. For example, Canopy humidifiers need less cleaning thanks to the special SPA technology and dishwasher-safe parts. Make sure to always check the manufacturer's directions for cleaning before you begin. White vinegar Water Soft cloth or sponge Bottle-cleaning brush Toothbrush or small brush Unplug the humidifier. Disassemble the humidifier. Refer to your humidifier's manual for specific instructions on disassembly. Most models allow you to remove the water tank, base, mist nozzle, and filter (if applicable). Pour excess water out of the base of the unit. Clean the washable components. Fill the base of the humidifier with the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 30 minutes. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier with a mist nozzle and any other removable parts, Lappe suggests soaking them in a bowl filled with the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes. Use the soft cloth or old toothbrush (for tighter spaces) to gently scrub any mineral deposits or residue. Empty the vinegar solution from all the components. Rinse all the parts thoroughly with clean water until the vinegar smell disappears. Leave all the parts of the humidifier to air dry completely before reassembling. This can take several hours. Never reassemble the unit if any parts are still wet, as this can promote mold growth. Once everything is dry, reassemble your humidifier. Unplug humidifier. Pour excess water out of the base of the unit. Create a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Wash out the base of the unit with the solution using a cleaning brush or soft cloth. Empty the water tank. Remove the mist nozzle and clean the mist tube with the solution and a bottle-cleaning brush. Wipe the surface of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. If you notice an accumulation of water during usage, reduce humidity and dry the outer surface with a cloth. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your humidifier weekly to ensure no risk of mold growth or mineral buildup. 'With Canopy, we recommend refreshing the main parts every time you change the filter (which is about once per 4-6 weeks),' says Lappe. Can I use soap to clean my humidifier? According to Lappe, you can use soap to clean the surfaces of a humidifier, but it may not be as effective against mineral buildup. Can I use essential oils in my humidifier? Lynch does not recommend using essential oils in your humidifier, but Lappe says that some humidifiers can handle essential oils. 'This will really depend on the manufacturer and type of humidifier you have,' he explains. 'We recommend consulting the manufacturer to ensure it's safe and compatible—some essential oils may damage or disrupt the mechanisms inside the humidifier used for humidification.' How do I remove mineral deposits from my humidifier? To descale, or reduce mineral build-up from the water used in your humidifier, Lynch suggests purchasing an accompanying decalcification cartridge filter that is compatible with your humidifier. 'It will regularly provide mineral clean-up without the extra work,' she says. 'Otherwise, you can follow the same general cleaning steps provided for keeping bacteria out of your humidifier.' Read the original article on Southern Living
CNN
21-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
The best heating pads in 2025, tried and tested
The best heating pads we tested Best heating pad: Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad Best microwavable heating pad: SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pad The best heating pads are simple, often inexpensive tools that can benefit your health and upgrade your coziness. While they come in different shapes and sizes, they're typically used to target tension and stiffness in your body, manage pain from chronic conditions and even help you relax with soothing temperatures (similar to an electric blanket). As a self-proclaimed heating pad enthusiast, I jumped at the opportunity to find some of the best options. I use them often, from microwavables to plug-in packs, to deal with sore muscles, achy shoulders and even on my feet to help me stay warm. When I began researching the best heating pads, I stuck to affordable options you can throw in the microwave or plug in at home. After chatting with physical therapists and testing seven of the most popular heating pads, I found two that I consider the best for most people. Pure Enrichment PureRelief XL Heating Pad The PureRelief Heating Pad has an auto-shutoff feature and six levels of heat to choose from. Place it on your back, stomach, shoulders and more. The soft fabric is soothing and the long cord lets you lounge wherever. SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pad The SuzziPad Microwavable Heating Pad is easy to place in the microwave and retains heat the best out of all the microwavable options I tested. The soft fabric is comforting and you can manipulate it target a specific area. The XL PureRelief from Pure Enrichment has everything I want in a heating pad. There are six levels of heat to choose from, an automatic shut-off setting and a soft outer layer you can wet to create moist heat. After a month of testing, it's become a staple whenever I need to relieve aches or pains. The first thing I noticed about the PureRelief was its new plastic smell right out of the box. Thankfully, it faded quickly (I was also easily distracted by its soft outer fabric). There is a plush feel to this heating pad, and its overall softness made it stand out against others in my testing pool. It's also long and rectangular, measuring 12 inches by 24 inches, which easily covered my back, stomach or shoulders. I appreciated the amount of control this pad gave over the settings without overcomplicating things. Six levels of heat take you from warm to hot comfort. A slight nitpick I have is that the level six heat could be hotter, though I am someone who can tolerate scorching heat from heating pads. It maxes out at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to soothe sore muscles and cramps, but I still wish it got slightly warmer. The pad also offers two time settings: a two-hour auto-shutoff feature or an option that keeps it on till you power off. As someone guilty of falling asleep with a heating pad on, I used the two-hour shutoff feature as my go-to during testing.. Ultimately, I found the Pure Enrichment heating pad to offer the perfect balance of features and settings. Its closest competitor was the Sunbeam XL heating pad, but since that one doesn't have an auto-shutoff feature, the Pure Enrichment pad is the far better option. When I sit down with my heating pad, I want a quick solution to any aches or pains I may have, and this is my go-to time and again. To top it off, at $35, the Pure Enrichment PureRelief's overall value cannot be beaten. SuzziPad's impressive heat retention surprised me and earned it a winning spot for the best microwavable heating pad. It has a unique long design, but the 7-by-16-inch dimensions made it capable of covering my shoulders, stomach and lower back. It is available in four colors on Amazon and also has a cooling capability, offering more versatility at an under-$25 price point. My first impression of the SuzziPad was that it felt like a slinky. The fabric is foldable, so you can maneuver it to wrap around a body part or fold it to apply specific pressure. The one thing the SuzziPad lacked was some form of weighted pressure that others in this testing category had. It's not a requirement for a heating pad to be weighted, but it is a welcome feature. However, the weighted options in the testing pool were more expensive and did not retain heat as well as the SuzziPad. The SuzziPad soared through my heat retention test. After one minute in the microwave, it reached a hot temperature that lasted roughly 22 minutes. Even then, it was still warm, not cold or lukewarm. Of the four microwavable heating pad options, it scored the best in this category. The fabric of the SuzziPad is fuzzy on one side and matte soft on the other; this versatility gives it a pleasant texture and enhances the otherwise very simplistic design. Overall, the SuzziPad is easy to use and effective. You just plop it in the microwave and enjoy a lasting warmth when and where you need it. While I enjoyed using it on my stomach and lower back, I found it worked well when targeting heat on my shoulders and neck. It's long enough to drape over your chest, and the width allows more reach than others in the testing pool (except the Bearaby Lounger). Each heating pad in this testing pool was tested daily for over two months. I utilized them to treat aches and muscle pains, as well as for relaxation. I had heating pads on my back while I wrote at my desk, covering my lap while I watched TV and even tucked in bed by my feet to help me fall asleep. I even made sure to test each hot pack on key areas of the body commonly known to ache: the back, stomach, neck and shoulders. I tailored my testing to differentiate between electric and microwavable options. For the microwavable heating pads, I heated each in two different microwaves and conducted a heat retention test to see how long they would stay warm after being zapped for one minute. When it came time to test the electric options, I set a timer to check any auto-shutoff features and evaluated the different heat levels offered. This gave me a holistic understanding of each heating pad's capability so I could tailor my recommendations based on their quality. When evaluating each heating pad, I scored the products based on the following testing criteria. Design and durability Size: Since heating pads vary in size, I placed each on my back, stomach, neck and shoulders to see if they could comfortably cover these areas. I also kept in mind the intended use case for the different heating packs; the smaller options naturally weren't capable of covering my entire back, but that didn't mean they weren't useful. If the heating pads could target common problem areas, they were ranked accordingly. Materials: I evaluated the texture of the outer layer of each heating pad, noting how comfortable they were and if they protected my skin from the heat. Additionally, I noted the feel of the filling for the microwavable heating pack options and whether any filling began to seep or fall out during testing. Setting options: This category is reserved for electric heating pads. All the electric pads testing pool offered different heat levels, but those that provided additional control with an auto-shutoff feature scored higher. Durability: I noted if these heating pads malfunctioned throughout my testing. While all the options in my testing pool proved resilient, the filling of one microwavable heating pad began to seep out of the fabric, resulting in a lower ranking. X-factors: I noted if the heating pads had special features like a lavender scent or an extra-long cord. This category did not push any winners over the top, but I referenced these details to determine the overall value of the heating packs. Auto shutoff: This is another metric reserved for the electric options. Heating pads with an auto shutoff scored higher in the testing pool because this feature adds to their safety. You won't have to worry if you fall asleep with a heating pad if it has a timer. To test these features, I timed each setting option, ensuring the machine cooled down after the advertised time. Heating capability Heat retention test: This test was reserved for microwavable heating pack options, since electric heating pads offer consistent heat. The goal was to determine which options retained heat the longest. I put each in the microwave for one minute, then set a timer to see how long the warmth lasted. I stopped the timer when the heating pads began to cool. All the microwaveable options lasted longer than 10 minutes, but the winning pick retained heat the best and felt the warmest after one minute. Heat versatility: The heat range of these heating pads ranged from 90 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Microwavable heating pads, naturally, did not reach the same heat as electric options, but I noted the feel of each after one minute in the microwave and followed the provided instructions to heat them further. For electric options, I evaluated their different heat settings. Those that had more temperature settings ranked higher. Ease of use Control settings: This evaluation point was reserved for the electric heating packs. I noted how easy it was to change the settings of the heating pads with the provided controllers. In this case, all options were very user-friendly, but some had simpler screens and buttons. Microwave fit: The microwavable options are all easy to use but their size can impact how easy they are to heat. To learn more about different use cases for heating pads, I spoke to Tony Laurel, a physical therapy doctor at Premise Health. Laurel stressed that every patient is unique. To pick the right heating pad, you should first evaluate the symptoms you hope to treat. 'As a general rule of thumb, I find heat to be most useful for those dealing with some kind of tension or stiffness,' he said. I also spoke with Briotix Health's physical therapist, Julie Landis, who shared a similar sentiment. She said that the most common injuries that heating pads can be used for are ankle sprains, tightness in the lower back and neck muscle spasms. 'They may also be helpful to treat chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia or conditions such as headaches, menstrual cramps and ongoing stress,' she said. Once you figure out what you'll use a heating pad for, you'll then know which version, either electric or microwavable, is best. Since electric heating packs are often larger and less malleable than their microwaveable counterparts, Laurel recommended that these might be better to treat larger, more easily accessible areas on the body, like backs and hips. Laurel also said microwavable heating packs are the best option for applying heat to smaller surface areas. '[A microwaveable pack] can actually conform a little bit better to a smaller body area or a smaller joint,' he said. These two kinds of heating pads also have different heating capabilities. 'With a microwaveable pack, your heat will dissipate and eventually reach equilibrium after a while, versus an electric heating pad, which delivers a constant, continuous temperature,' said Laurel. How to best use a heating pad Both physical therapists advise against using heat for acute injuries. 'Therapeutic use of heat is usually better for chronic injuries that have gone beyond the acute inflammatory phase, or the immediate inflammatory phase,' said Laurel. If you're using heat as a treatment, Laurel and Landis recommend applying it for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Landis said to do this no more than three times per day. She also shared that moist heat can penetrate deeper. If a heating pad has a protective outer layer, you can spray water on it to achieve this treatment. You don't only need to use a heating pad to treat injuries. If you're using it to relax or help you fall asleep, make sure you have a protective barrier between your skin and the heat. Renpho King-Size Heating Pad Though the Renpho King Heating Pad has three timer settings and multiple heat levels, the design doesn't make it ideal for all use cases. Renpho's king-size heating pad stands out in the market for its unique, wearable design. It's also very similar to the PureRelief. Both have soft fabric and versatile settings that make them contenders for the top spot. In the end, the design of the Renpho detracted from the overall value. The Renpho is shaped like a short cape. It can clip around your shoulder and tie around your waist, so you can easily wear it. After using the Renpho during the testing period, I had mixed thoughts. If you're sitting down or napping, the heating pad feels nice on the back. At times, this design made me feel like I was on a leash. If I wanted to get up while wearing it, I had to completely untie myself from the pad. Additionally, if I didn't have my back against a sturdy surface while wearing it, the fabric would shift into a gap between my mid to lower back. Because of this, the main area I used the heating pad for felt nothing. Aside from those drawbacks, I did like the Renpho's auto-shutoff settings, the fact that it could heat to 150 degrees and the fuzzy feel of its outer layer. But these just didn't move the needle enough to topple the PureRelief pad from the top spot. Sunbeam XL Heating Pad The Sunbeam XL Heating Pad keeps things simple with three heat levels. If you're a fan of high temperatures, the highest heat level of the Sunbeam will not disappoint. However, there's no auto-shutoff feature, which held it back from one of the top spots. I've highlighted the Sunbeam XL heating as an editor-favorite period product. After putting it through this testing criteria, I now see what it offers and what it lacks. The Sunbeam XL heating pad does the basics well. You have three levels of heat to choose from: low, medium and high. The high setting reaches an almost unbearably hot level, which is something I enjoy, but may not be comfortable for everyone. However, this versatility in heat options is the only differentiator for the Sunbeam. Its product description claims to have an auto-shutoff timer, but that is just not true. I used it for over two hours and fell asleep with the Sunbeam on several occasions. The heat remained on each time. Despite the lack of a timer (and false advertising), the Sunbeam is convenient and simple to use. If you're looking for high heat in a heating pad, this is a solid option. Bearby Snuggler The Bearby Snuggler is a microwavable heating pad shaped like a water bottle. It's comfortable to use and performed well in our heat retention test. The Bearby Snuggler looks like a small heated water bottle, which I found to be a convenient and familiar design. It is easy to heat in the microwave and carry around with the handle at the top. It is on the smaller side, but still retains heat well. After one minute in the microwave, it reached a comforting warmth that lasted roughly 21 minutes before cooling down. The filling also provides a slight weight that I appreciated. Overall, the Snuggler was one of the better-performing microwavable options in my testing pool. However, the price point is high for something you need to heat up in the microwave. While its ease of use and design are assets to the bottle-shaped heating pad, the affordable SuzziPad outperformed the Snuggler in the heat retention test. Therefore, it did not earn a winning spot. Bearaby Lounger True to its name, the Bearby Lounger is a large microwavable heating pack that can cover your lap and back. The seven-pound weight applies a nice pressure when resting, but it felt heavy when lifting into the microwave and did not retain heat as well as others. The Bearby Lounger is a large weighted lap pad that I initially loved. When heated to the max, its seven pounds of pressure kept me relaxed and cozy. But the more I used this $129 heating pad, the more work it became. At 24 by 29 inches, it did well to not miss any area I was trying to reach, and the filling put a nice pressure on my body. I liked to use the Lounger on my legs after a dance class to help with soreness. While the larger design is an asset, it also makes it more difficult and cumbersome to use. This heating pad took the longest to heat and was surprisingly one of the fastest to cool. In my heat retention test, the Lounger wasn't even lukewarm after one minute in the microwave. It ended up taking roughly three minutes to reach a hot temperature, but unfortunately, that only lasted for 19 minutes. That might sound like a long time, but think about carrying a seven-pound weight to the microwave every 20 minutes. That initial soothing feeling is nice, but the work you have to put in to maintain the temperature makes the overall experience of using the Lounger not as easy as others I tested. Warmies Soft Cord Hot-Pak Warmies Soft Cord Hot-Pak comes in vibrant colors and is the perfect size to keep around your neck. However, it takes more than a minute in the microwave to reach a hot temperature, and it cools off quickly. Warmies Soft-Cord Hot-Pak's design makes it perfect to place around your neck like a towel. It has a soothing lavender scent, though it has faded throughout my testing. The simplicity in design and affordable price are elements I appreciate about the Hot-Pak, however, the lack of heat retention and its size limit the overall value. The Hot-Pack's texture felt nice throughout testing, but I began to notice lavender seeds poking out of the fabric if I bent the heating pad a certain way. When I conducted the heat retention test, it did not heat as well as others after one minute and felt cool after only 11 minutes. While the price is appealing, investing in a heating pad that costs just a few more dollars will give you something that lasts longer and is more durable. The following questions were answered by physical therapists Tony Laurel and Julie Landis. How long should you use a heating pad? How long should you use a heating pad? Landis and Laurel recommended using heating pads in 15- to 20-minute intervals for therapeutic effects. Landis said to apply this heat two to three times per day. While Laurel typically recommends 15 to 20 minutes of heat on a targeted area, he understands that some people use heating pads for comfort. In that case, a comfortable heat can be used for longer, as long as there is a safe separation between you and the heat via something like a towel or shirt. What do heating pads help with? What do heating pads help with? 'Heat as a general therapeutic modality can be applied to so many situations,' said Laurel. Specifically, they can help treat tightness of muscles, aches and pains and chronic conditions such as arthritis. Heating pads can also help individuals relax and unwind. When should you not use a heating pad? When should you not use a heating pad? Laurel and Landis stress that heat should not be used to treat injuries at the acute stage, meaning it is a recent injury that has not begun to heal. Heat applied to inflamed and swollen areas can exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided. Heat should also not be applied to open wounds or areas healing from surgery. Those who are pregnant and who have cardiovascular or pre-existing vascular underlying conditions should ask for guidance before utilizing heating pads. In these instances, Laurel recommends contacting a healthcare practitioner before adding heat to a therapeutic routine. Tony Laurel: PT, DPT at Premise Health Julie Landis: DPT, CEAS, CEES and Vice President of Business Development at Briotix Health CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each item. The writer of this guide, Gareen Puglia, is a heating pad enthusiast and has used them to deal with muscle tightness throughout her life. For this review, Puglia performed heat retention tests and spoke to two physical therapists throughout her reporting and testing.
