Sinus congestion is undoubtedly one of the most common and annoying problems people face, especially in winters. However, the good news is you can treat the sinus infection using apple cider vinegar in a humidifier.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best home remedies to treat a sinus infection without side effects. Furthermore, it’s undoubtedly a safe and healthy additive to humidifier water to treat clogged sinuses.
These days, almost all households have humidifiers to maintain the humidity and moisture level during the dry, cold seasons. Adding apple cider vinegar to a humidifier plays a multi-purpose role in treating sinus congestion and disinfecting the humidifier.
Why Do People Use Vinegar for Sinus Infections & Congestion?
Millions of people around the world acknowledge the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar (ACV). Moreover, it aids in reducing the inflammation and thinning of mucus. The key ingredient of vinegar is acetic acid, which is essentially a natural microbial deterrent that assists in reducing the bacteria present in the sinuses.
The presence of magnesium, potassium, vitamin B1, B2, A, and E in the apple cider vinegar is beneficial in clearing sinus cavities. Furthermore, these nutrients are effective in reducing allergy symptoms.
Apple cider vinegar helps balance the body’s pH levels, and it also helps dilute the mucus. The higher pH levels of ACV help break up the mucus and give you clear airways.
Thus, the immunity booster properties of vinegar are beneficial in relieving nasal congestion.
Apple cider vinegar is an allrounder natural ingredient full of antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties to kill bacteria and other infection-causing germs. One of the most significant reasons for using this wonder product is its effectiveness in preventing the recurrence of sinus congestion.
The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar help minimize the swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by sinusitis. Therefore it soothes the irritated area, especially the lungs and nose.
Related: Why Should You Put Salt in a Humidifier
How to Add Vinegar to Humidifier Water to Relieve Sinus Congestion?
Inhaling vinegar steam is one of the century-old remedies to relieve chest and head congestion. People usually add apple cider vinegar in boiling water and breathe in the steam to treat sinus congestion. Now you can do the same using the humidifier or vaporizer available in your home.
A humidifier is quite effective in soothing a blocked nose and also helps alleviate congestion. For instance, the Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier comes with a 360-degree mist nozzle to regulate the humidity to relieve sinus issues and other allergies. Another great ultrasonic humidifier is the Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier which gives you 50 hours of continuous operation.
The idea under discussion in this article is to increase the efficiency of a humidifier by adding apple cider vinegar in a humidifier.
You must be wondering about the correct quantity of vinegar and, most importantly, which type of vinegar to run through the humidifier. First, you need to fill the water tank in the humidifier just like you usually do. Next, you can add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar to the water tank.
Additionally, you should use only organic apple cider vinegar in a humidifier without any preservatives or artificial flavoring to prevent damage to the humidifier walls.
You should know that vinegar contains high levels of acetic content; that’s why adding too much vinegar would do more harm than good. In addition, inhaling too much vinegar can irritate the esophagus.
The rule of thumb is to start with ¼ cup and add more vinegar gradually when you see improvement in your sinuses. Conversely, if you don’t see any improvement, you can consult the doctor.
See related: Can I Put Vicks in My Humidifier
Is it Safe to Run Vinegar through Your Humidifier?
Absolutely. You can safely run vinegar through the humidifier to alleviate bacterial, mold, and fungus growth. Courtesy of the disinfecting properties of the vinegar, you can safely use vinegar in your humidifier.
At this point, you must be wondering for how long you can run a humidifier filled with vinegar and distilled water solution. First, you can check the existing and recommended humidity levels of the room. Next, you can add vinegar and let the humidifier run till you achieve the suggested humidity levels.
Once the humidity levels are correct, only then can you see some improvements in your sinus.
Moreover, running vinegar through the humidifier doesn’t destroy the interior or machine; instead, it keeps the reservoir clean while preventing the accumulation of mineral or calcium deposits in the humidifier.
However, excess of everything is bad. That’s why adding too much vinegar may damage the internal parts because of its acidic nature.
Read also: Why is the Humidity So High in My House
Bonus Tip: Cleaning a Humidifier with Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile organic product known for its benefits in health, cleaning, skin, and other digestive issues. Since vinegar is highly acidic, it can kill bacteria, remove dirt, grease, and dissolve mineral deposits.
That’s why you can add vinegar to humidifier water as a smart way to keep your humidifier clean. Furthermore, you can also prevent the growth of mold and bacteria within the humidifier or vaporizer.
Humidifiers require regular cleaning and maintenance. So, you should use distilled or filtered water in the humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup within the water tank. Moisture and water are perfect environments to breed bacteria and fungus.
There are numerous ways to add vinegar to the humidifier water for cleaning. For instance, you can mix vinegar with distilled water and detach the tank to clean it. Moreover, you can spray vinegar and water mixture on a clean cloth to clean the humidifier exterior.
Many people don’t like the pungent smell of vinegar; however, you can always add lavender essential oils in the humidifier to prevent an acidic odor.
Read also: How to Get Rid of Pink Mold in Your Humidifier
The Bottom Line
Humidifiers offer multiple health benefits to relieve dry throat, sinus, dry skin, and cracked lips by adding the desired moisture to the environment.
You should know that all the vinegar isn’t the same. Only apple cider vinegar offers medicinal and healing properties.
Conversely, distilled or white vinegar is relatively more acidic in the form of steam and doesn’t offer the same nutrients as apple cider vinegar. Furthermore, white vinegar is fermented alcohol and made with grain. That’s why people use white or synthetic vinegar as a cleaning solution but not for treating congestion or allergies.
Apple cider vinegar in a humidifier serves a multi-purpose role of relieving sinus congestion and keeping the humidifier clean.