3 Places to Put a Humidifier Before Winter Starts (and One to Skip)

Key Takeaways

Place a humidifier in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom, living room, and home office.
Position the humidifier as close as you can to where you will be in the room.
The kitchen and bathroom are typically more humid rooms, so they usually don’t require a humidifier.

The winter months bring more than just frigid temperatures. During the cold months, the air in our homes can become exceedingly dry because cold air holds less moisture than warm air. This can lead to dry, itchy skin, unhappy plants, and it can exacerbate respiratory issues and allergies. Because of that, it’s extremely beneficial to have a humidifier running any time you have the heat on.

We spoke with two industry experts to learn the best methods for using a humidifier, so that you can get the most out of your investment.

Cindy Kang is co-founder and co-CEO of Hey Dewy.
Rukky Ojakovo is a business unit director for air quality at Lasko.

Why Humidifiers Are Important in the Winter

“The main problem is dry air,” says Cindy Kang, co-founder and co-CEO of Hey Dewy. Cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air. Throw a heater into the mix, and you have dry, hot air, which draws moisture from wherever it can, notably from our skin.

Dry air can also pull moisture from inside our nose and throat, which can exacerbate allergies, breathing, and lung conditions.

Humidifiers offset these effects by adding moisture to the room, which protects our bodies and skin from becoming extra dry. Plants and pets also benefit from the additional moisture in the same way that humans do.

The Best Places to Put a Humidifier

Before winter begins, it's a good idea to place humidifiers in the rooms where you spend the most time. “The best three places to use a humidifier in your home are in your bedroom, living room, and home office,” says Rukky Ojakovo, a business unit director for air quality at Lasko.

Installing humidifiers in the rooms you use most gives you the maximum benefit. Kitchens and bathrooms can be naturally more humid due to activities that produce steam, such as boiling water or taking a shower; therefore, humidifiers are less necessary in these rooms.

Position the humidifier as close as you can to where you will be in the room. You can place it at face level, such as on a nightstand, or on the floor, depending on the size of the humidifier.

“I’m a big proponent of a humidifier at your bedside,” Kang says. “You’ll have less interrupted sleep if you’re not so dry and congested.” Kang also recommends placing a humidifier where you do your skin care to improve the application of the products.

Wherever you place your humidifier, be sure to leave some space between it and the wall to minimize the risk of water damage.

Where Not to Put Humidifiers

“Using a humidifier in an area where the mist is blocked is unproductive,” Ojakovo says. “For example, if a humidifier is placed on a shelf but the top is blocked by something above it, the mist has no room to spread out.”

Furthermore, placing a small-capacity humidifier in a large room has minimal impact. Compare the specifications of the humidifier you’re considering with the dimensions of the room where you plan to install it. It’s essential to select a humidifier that matches the size of your room. This allows you to properly manage and track the humidity in the space. Additionally, placing a humidifier too close to another object is also unproductive.