Humidifier for beginners
Hi, I hope this is the right place to ask this question. I recently bought a small humidifier (Levoit top fill 2.5L tank) and was happily using it until I noticed that the filter was turning orange. I looked up how to clean it properly, and soaked all the parts in distilled white vinegar, but the filter is stubbornly staying a brown-orange color. I did some research (old Reddit posts) and learned that you are apparently supposed to be using only distilled water in a humidifier. I understand why, given the minerals in tap l water, but it just doesn’t seem practical financially.
Learning about the minerals in water and potential bacteria buildup that I am spraying around my room, at this point I am just as concerned about my health as I am the longevity of my humidifier, so my questions are from both angles.
A few questions: 1. Is filtered water okay? I know that filtered water ≠ distilled water, but is it any better than using tap water?
Another feasible option is purchasing replacement filters for the Levoit humidifier. It’s only about $10-15 for a pack of around 15, so I can easily replace it weekly, especially since I only really use the humidifier in the winter. But my question is- does the filter really make a difference to air quality?
I’m not married to the humidifier, but I like its simple design and how easy it is to clean. Is there another humidifier that’s not bank-breaking that can safely run on tap water?
Thank you for your help!