How can you rehydrate quickly at home. What are the most effective methods for combating dehydration. Which rehydration techniques offer the best balance of speed, cost, and effort. How do different rehydration approaches compare in treating various levels of dehydration.

Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting normal bodily functions. Recognizing the causes and symptoms of dehydration is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Common Causes of Dehydration

• Excessive sweating from exercise or heat exposure
• Illness (e.g., flu, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Inadequate daily water intake
• Increased fluid needs during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Consumption of diuretics like alcohol or caffeine

Identifying Dehydration Symptoms

How can you tell if you’re dehydrated? Look out for these common signs:

• Dark-colored urine
• Dry mouth and lips
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Decreased urine output

For a more accurate assessment, you can use a dehydration chart to compare your urine color to standard hydration levels. This visual guide can help you gauge the severity of your dehydration and determine the most appropriate rehydration method.

Intravenous Rehydration: The Fastest But Most Invasive Method

Intravenous (IV) rehydration is the quickest way to replenish fluids and electrolytes in the body. This method involves directly injecting a balanced electrolyte solution into the bloodstream, allowing for rapid distribution throughout the body.

Pros and Cons of IV Rehydration

Is IV rehydration suitable for everyone? Let’s examine the advantages and drawbacks:

Pros:

• Fastest rehydration method
• Precise control of fluid and electrolyte replacement
• Bypasses digestive system, ideal for severe nausea or vomiting

Cons:

• Requires medical supervision
• Expensive compared to other methods
• Potential risks of infection or complications
• Not practical for regular use

While IV rehydration is highly effective, it’s typically reserved for severe cases of dehydration or medical emergencies. For most people, less invasive methods are more appropriate for daily hydration needs.

Oral Rehydration Solutions: The Optimal Balance of Speed and Convenience

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) offer a practical and efficient method for treating moderate dehydration. These carefully formulated drinks contain the ideal balance of water, electrolytes, and glucose to promote rapid fluid absorption in the body.

How ORS Works

Why are ORS more effective than plain water for rehydration? The secret lies in their composition:

• Sodium and glucose facilitate water absorption in the small intestine
• Balanced electrolyte content helps restore proper fluid balance
• Faster absorption compared to plain water

For moderate dehydration in adults, the recommended intake is 2000 to 4000mL of ORS, consumed in 1000mL increments per hour. This approach allows for rapid rehydration without overwhelming the body’s ability to process fluids.

DIY Oral Rehydration Solution Recipe

Can you make your own ORS at home? Absolutely! Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Combine 1 liter of clean water
2. Add 6 teaspoons of sugar
3. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt
4. Stir until fully dissolved

This homemade solution can be an effective and affordable alternative to commercial ORS products. However, for precise electrolyte balance, especially in cases of severe dehydration, it’s best to use medically formulated ORS.

Plain Water: The Foundation of Daily Hydration

While not the fastest method for severe dehydration, drinking plain water remains essential for maintaining daily hydration levels. It’s readily available, affordable, and calorie-free, making it the cornerstone of healthy hydration habits.

Benefits of Regular Water Consumption

• Maintains fluid balance in the body
• Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
• Regulates body temperature
• Aids in waste elimination
• Promotes healthy skin

How much water should you drink daily? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to aim for 8-10 glasses (about 2-2.5 liters) of water per day. However, factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health can influence your specific hydration requirements.

Hydrating Foods: Boosting Fluid Intake Through Diet

Did you know that you can supplement your fluid intake through the foods you eat? Many fruits and vegetables have high water content, contributing to your overall hydration status while providing essential nutrients and fiber.

Top Hydrating Foods

• Watermelon (92% water)
• Cucumber (95% water)
• Strawberries (91% water)
• Lettuce (96% water)
• Zucchini (94% water)
• Cantaloupe (90% water)
• Tomatoes (94% water)

Incorporating these hydrating foods into your diet can help maintain fluid balance, especially during hot weather or intense physical activity. They offer a refreshing and nutritious way to support your hydration goals.

Electrolyte-Enhanced Beverages: Balancing Hydration and Mineral Replenishment

For those engaging in prolonged physical activity or experiencing significant fluid loss, electrolyte-enhanced beverages can be an effective rehydration strategy. These drinks aim to replace both water and essential minerals lost through sweat.

Types of Electrolyte Drinks

• Sports drinks (e.g., Gatorade, Powerade)
• Coconut water
• Electrolyte tablets or powders
• Specialized recovery drinks

When should you opt for electrolyte-enhanced beverages over plain water? Consider using these drinks in the following situations:

• During or after intense exercise lasting more than 60 minutes
• In hot and humid conditions causing excessive sweating
• When recovering from illness involving vomiting or diarrhea
• For rapid rehydration after alcohol consumption

While these beverages can be beneficial in specific scenarios, it’s important to be mindful of their calorie and sugar content. For everyday hydration needs, plain water remains the best choice.

Rehydration Strategies for Different Scenarios

The optimal rehydration approach can vary depending on the cause and severity of dehydration. Let’s explore effective strategies for common scenarios:

Post-Workout Rehydration

After an intense workout, replenishing both fluids and electrolytes is crucial. Consider the following approach:

1. Drink 16-20 ounces of water or a sports drink immediately after exercise
2. Continue hydrating with 8 ounces every 15-20 minutes for the next hour
3. Consume a balanced meal or snack containing sodium to help retain fluids

Recovering from Illness

When battling conditions like stomach flu or food poisoning, gentle rehydration is key:

• Start with small sips of water or ice chips
• Gradually introduce an oral rehydration solution
• Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages
• Incorporate easily digestible, hydrating foods as tolerated

Combating Heat-Induced Dehydration

During hot weather or prolonged sun exposure, proactive hydration is essential:

• Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty
• Opt for cooling, hydrating foods like fresh fruits and vegetables
• Consider electrolyte-enhanced beverages for extended outdoor activities
• Seek shade and take breaks to prevent excessive fluid loss

By tailoring your rehydration strategy to the specific situation, you can more effectively restore and maintain proper hydration levels.

Preventing Dehydration: Proactive Hydration Habits

While knowing how to rehydrate is crucial, preventing dehydration in the first place is even more important. Developing good hydration habits can help you maintain optimal fluid balance and avoid the negative effects of dehydration.

Tips for Staying Hydrated Throughout the Day

• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly
• Set reminders on your phone or use hydration tracking apps
• Drink a glass of water with each meal
• Flavor water with fresh fruits or herbs for added appeal
• Consume hydrating foods as snacks
• Monitor your urine color as a hydration indicator

Adjusting Hydration Needs for Special Circumstances

Certain situations may require increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding
• When taking certain medications
• In high-altitude environments
• During air travel
• In dry climates or air-conditioned spaces

By being mindful of these circumstances and adjusting your hydration strategy accordingly, you can maintain proper fluid balance and support overall health and well-being.

Understanding the various methods of rehydration and their appropriate applications empowers you to make informed decisions about your hydration needs. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply looking to improve your overall health, implementing these rehydration techniques and preventive strategies can help you stay hydrated and perform at your best. Remember, proper hydration is not just about quenching thirst – it’s a fundamental aspect of maintaining optimal bodily functions and supporting long-term health.

The Fastest Way to Rehydrate
– Healthy Human

Your workout is over. You’re drenched in sweat. You’re probably wondering how to rehydrate your body, so that you won’t suffer from dehydration. So you search for the fastest way to rehydrate.

You might reach for plain water. Of course, plain water will rehydrate you in time. But when we sweat, we also lose electrolytes, which help our cells regulate the balance of fluid inside and outside their membranes. This is why plain water alone won’t always cut it.

Another consideration is how you intake fluid. Drinking water means fluid takes a long path to reach your cells. Intravenous administration is faster, but it requires the help of a medical professional. This might not be practical for your daily routine.

Below, we cover every way to rehydrate quickly in depth by time, price and effort. But first, here are some of the reasons you might need to recover from dehydration.

Common causes of dehydration:

• Sweat loss from working out or other strenuous activity
• Sweat loss from spending a long time outside on a hot day
• Illness such as flu, which causes sweating, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Not drinking enough water each day
• Not drinking enough water during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Drinking diuretics such as alcohol or coffee which cause you to flush body fluid

In order to treat dehydration properly, it helps to know how severe your needs are for recovery. For this, you can use our dehydration chart to examine the color of your urine to understand how dehydrated you are.

You can also check for symptoms of dehydration if you’ve endured any of the common causes of dehydration. For additional information on the complete science of hydration, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide, How to Rehydrate.

How to quickly rehydrate

Intravenous rehydration (IV injection, or “drip”)

• Time to rehydrate: Fastest
• Price: High
• Effort: High
• Best for: Severe dehydration.

The fastest method for rehydrating patients is the medical technique of intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. This sends electrolyte-balanced fluids directly into the blood stream so it gets distributed by your blood cells throughout the body almost immediately.

However, medical professionals generally only recommend this method for severely dehydrated patients who are in shock and cannot sit up on their own. These patients exhibit symptoms like low blood pressure, lethargy or unconsciousness. Therefore, it is often reserved as a last resort for only the most severe cases of dehydration.

In this case, medical professionals should monitor the dehydrated patient for recovery every 10-15 minutes and switch to an ORS once the patient has recovered enough to sit up on their own, according to the CDC.

However, a trend for rehydrating at a “drip bar” has begun. In some areas, mobile health care professionals offer this as a service which you can order “on demand.” Equipped with the appropriate syringes, solutions and equipment, nurses can administer the fluid for people who self-prescribe it for reasons such as hangovers, dull skin, flu and jet lag.

Some of these reasons, such as lethargy from the sleep loss accompanying jet lag, aren’t technically linked to dehydration, says Robert H. Shmerling, MD in the Harvard Health Blog.

For practical purposes, the cost probably outweighs the benefits, which aren’t much more impactful than drinking fluids and replacing electrolytes orally.

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

• Time to rehydrate: Fast
• Price: Low
• Effort: Low
• Best for: Moderate dehydration.

ORS is water mixed with sodium and glucose to provide the optimal balance of essential nutrients for rapid rehydration.

Even though an ORS can be drunk by fully hydrated individuals without risk in quantities of up to 2000ml a day for patients over 10 years old, it is commonly prescribed for moderate dehydration symptoms (see chart ablove). For people over 15 years old who are moderately dehydrated, the recommended intake is 2000 to 4000mL of ORS in increments of 1000mL per hour, according to the CDC.

Dr. Michael D. O’Leary Ph.D., who developed the RHM in our hydration tablets (coming soon), says that the reason this solution hydrates more rapidly is because it increases water absorption in our small intestines, whereas plain water has to pass through your stomach, small and then large intestine before entering your bloodstream.

Based on the science of how your body absorbs fluid for rehydration, the most practical way to rehydrate your body means correcting your body’s nutrient imbalance from dehydration.

Drinking plain water

• Time to rehydrate: Medium
• Price: Lowest
• Effort: Lowest
• Best for: Meeting daily needs.

Drinking plain water is an effective way to ensure you maintain hydration throughout the day and meet your daily fluid intake needs. Drinking before an after meals also helps your body absorb water, as you’ll pair it with the essential nutrients that help you absorb water such as glucose and sodium. Of course, this is a less exact approach than taking an ORS.

In very rare cases, you can technically disrupt the balance of water and nutrients in a way that overloads your body with water such that the regulation function of the cell membranes shuts down. However, I include this detail only to highlight how plain water alone is not enough to keep us hydrated based on our body chemistry.

Drinking ample amounts of plain water each day is a healthy way to stay hydrated. For men, the recommended intake is about 11-13 8 oz glasses of water, while women generally require about 10 8 oz glasses of water.

REFERENCES:

Centers for Disease Control. (n.d.) “Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration.” Rehydration Therapy. Accessed from: https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/treatment/rehydration-therapy.html.

Healthy Human Life. (2020). “How to Rehydrate: Your Personalized Guide to Hydration.” Accessed from: https://healthyhumanlife.com/pages/how-to-rehydrate.

Shmerling, R. H. (2018, Sept. 28). “Drip bar: Should you get an IV on Demand?” Harvard Medical School Health Blog. Accessed from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drip-bar-should-you-get-an-iv-on-demand-2018092814899.

WHO. (1992). Management of the Patient with Cholera. World Health Organization, Programme for Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases. (WHO/CDO/SER/15 rev 1)

WHO. (1992). “Treatment of dehydrated patients.” Readings on Diorrhea. World Health Organization. Accessed from https://rehydrate.org/diarrhoea/tmsdd/5med.htm.

WHO. (Dec. 2008). WHO position paper on Oral Rehydration Salts to reduce mortality from cholera. WHO Global Task Force on Cholera Control. Accessed from: https://www.who.int/cholera/technical/ORSRecommendationsForUseAtHomeDec2008.pdf.

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Not Drinking Enough Water? How to Hydrate Fast – Nuun Hydration

Drinking enough water throughout the day isn’t easy. Too often, you simply get caught up in whatever you’re doing — whether you’re working, socializing, or exercising — to remember to hydrate.

But if you’re not drinking enough water to achieve optimal hydration, you likely won’t feel your best. Even a body water loss of just 1-2% can begin to impact your cognitive abilities — which means you won’t be able to perform as well at work or be fully mentally present with your friends and family. And eventually, you could end up dealing with symptoms of with dehydration, like dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue.

“Even a body water loss of just 1-2% can begin to impact your cognitive abilities.”

If you find yourself thirsty or on the brink of dehydration, you probably want to know how to rehydrate fast, before your dehydration gets worse.

Below, we’ll cover not only how to hydrate fast, but how to restore electrolytes fast — which is an essential factor in water absorption and hydration. We’ll also share some ways to help you take in more fluids overall, so you can make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to keep you going.

How Long Does It Take to Rehydrate?

The speed of hydration depends on your starting level of dehydration. If you’re severely dehydrated, you will need to take in more fluids to rehydrate.

Severe Dehydration
Mild dehydration can turn into severe dehydration during extreme temperature exposure, in the case of illnesses that cause diarrhea or vomiting, certain medications, or simply not drinking enough water for an extended period of time.

Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

• Trouble concentrating or communicating
• Disorientation or irritability
• Not sweating
• Not urinating
• Poor skin turgor, or skin elasticity
• Trouble keeping down fluids

In the case of severe dehydration, it is important that you contact your doctor.

But what about in the case of mild dehydration? One research study demonstrated that subjects who were mildly dehydrated could reach normal levels of hydration within 45 minutes by taking in 600 mL of water or a combination of salt and carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions (CES).

How to Hydrate Faster

While intravenous therapy (IV) can be used in some situations to quickly treat dehydration, it’s not an everyday solution. IVs are often reserved for emergency treatment, as most people aren’t qualified to set up IV treatment on their own. Even mobile or local IV therapy businesses, which can provide IV infusions on demand, may have wait times in addition to the time it takes for you to get to the business (or the mobile business to get to you).

The solution also isn’t to simply drink large amounts of water as quickly as you can. Drinking water alone can flush out electrolytes and fiber from your body, which can, in severe cases, lead to a serious condition called hyponatremia.

However, there are simple tips for how to hydrate fast at home. By taking in the right fluids in the correct way, you can speed up your rehydration.

1. Use an oral rehydration solution (ORS)

As mentioned above, water alone isn’t the most effective way to rehydrate. In the 1960s, physiologists found that glucose (or sugar) helps increase the body’s absorption of water and sodium. This is known as the “sodium-glucose cotransport system.” In 1964, this type of salt-sugar solution was successfully used to treat patients with cholera. From there, the modern oral rehydration solution was formulated and used to treat diseases and other fluid loss related to medical conditions.

Today, many health organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend using ORS to treat dehydration.

An effective ORS contains:

• Sodium, which helps your body absorb nutrients.
• Glucose, which helps you absorb sodium and energizes your body.
• Electrolytes, like potassium and chloride, offer many benefits, including maintaining ideal fluid balance and alleviating cramps.

In addition, an ORS that is hypotonic can speed up the hydration process. Hypotonic solutions contain a lower concentration of electrolytes than the body, which allows salts and fluids to be absorbed more quickly by the bloodstream. Overall, this can result in quicker rehydration and a faster recovery.

2. Improve water absorption by speeding up gastric emptying

When you hydrate, fluids must pass through your stomach and into your small intestine before they are absorbed by your bloodstream. This is called gastric emptying. You can speed up this process — and allow those fluids to get to your cells faster — with a couple of small adjustments to how you hydrate:

Adjust your volume
If you are unable to add electrolytes to your water for speedy absorption, there are ways to make sure your plain water is going to work for you. Rather than taking small sips of plain water throughout the day, it may be more beneficial to take in a larger volume at a time. Studies have shown that when people consumed 20 ounces of water at a time, that water moved through their systems faster than when they consumed 13.5 ounces — which moved faster than when they consumed seven ounces. Ultimately, the research found that a larger volume of water puts more pressure on your stomach and digestive system, which speeds up gastric emptying.

Consider carbs
The amount of carbohydrates in your drink can also affect gastric emptying. Drinks with 6% carbohydrates or more, like juice or soda, linger in your stomach for a longer period of time, delaying gastric emptying. A lower-carb fluid can move through your body faster.

Ultimately, speed of hydration comes down to selecting the right drink and taking in a larger volume of fluids at a time to improve water absorption. With these tips in mind, you can keep your hydration at an optimal level.  

How to Stay Ahead of Your Hydration

Ideally, you won’t wait until you experience symptoms of dehydration to begin hydrating. But drinking enough to stay fully hydrated is easier said than done.

According to one study, 77% of respondents said they did not consume enough water on a daily basis to meet their health needs.

How can you improve your chances of staying hydrated? Here are a few tips:

Many people say they don’t drink water because they simply don’t like how it tastes. In one survey, nearly one-quarter of respondents cited the taste of water as the reason for not drinking enough water at work. Today, that’s easily remedied. With products designed to enhance the flavor of your water as well as restore electrolytes, you can get the hydration you need and a tasty beverage.

When you’re at work or with friends, drinking water probably isn’t your first priority — coffee, tea, soda, or cocktails are much more acceptable in these settings. About 41% of people say they are not drinking enough water at work simply because they prefer to drink other beverages. While it’s fine to consume a variety of beverages, try adding in a glass of water or ORS in between each cup of coffee, tea, or soda you consume. (You can also find hydrating, electrolyte-rich drinks that contain caffeine, if you’re looking for an extra boost. )

Today, there is a range of apps and water bottles that can help you track your hydration digitally. They can recommend how much water you need in a day, log how much you’ve had to drink so far, and send you notifications when it’s time to take a few sips. If you’re the type of person who simply forgets to drink because you’re busy or not thirsty, this type of technology can give you the reminders you need to stay on top of your hydration.

Hydrating fast is possible — but it’s about more than drinking as much water as you can. By choosing fluids with the right mix of electrolytes, you can speed up your rate of rehydration and start feeling your best.

Ready to Rehydrate?

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How to humidify the air in the apartment: 10 life hacks :: Housing :: RBC Real Estate

In winter, the air in the apartment usually becomes dry. This makes us want to use moisturizer more often and drink more water. Here are some simple tips to help maintain optimal humidity levels

Photo: Roman Koval/Pexels

With the onset of the heating season, the moisture content in the air drops to 15-20%. This directly affects our health. Dry air irritates the eyes, damages the hair, reduces immunity and accelerates skin aging. It affects young children and people with respiratory diseases the most. In addition, with an insufficient level of air humidity, books deteriorate, indoor plants die, and wooden furniture cracks.

Doctors recommend keeping indoor humidity between 50% and 70%. To do this, you can use improvised means – from hydrogel to a spray gun. We tell you how to create a comfortable microclimate at home.

1. Open the bathroom door

adv.rbc.ru

An easy and quick way to make life more comfortable in winter. Since the bathroom is considered the wettest room in the apartment, it is enough to leave the bathroom door open when you get out of the shower. The steam will spread throughout the rooms and thereby humidify the air. This effect is easy to enhance: if you prefer hot baths, do not drain the water immediately after use. First, let it cool down, then the steam will become even more. In addition, you can increase the moisture content in the air if you place a dryer with wet clothes near the radiator. So your things will dry faster, and it will be easier to breathe.

Photo: Prudence/Unsplash

2. Get more plants

Indoor plants not only decorate the interior, purify the air from harmful impurities and saturate it with oxygen. They can increase the humidity. And some flowers cope with this task much better than others. Choose moisture-loving varieties that require regular spraying and abundant watering. These include cyperus, spathiphyllum, tradescantia. These flowers absorb a lot of liquid, which then gradually evaporates through the leaves. Unpretentious hibiscus and ficus will also help to make the air more humid. They have rather large leaves, which means more evaporation area.

3. Set up the aquarium

Any container of water will help to humidify the air a little. Just leave it in the room and the water will gradually start to evaporate. The aquarium works on the same principle. The main thing is that it should be without a lid – a closed aquarium will not give the desired effect. There is only one drawback: such a “moisturizer” requires regular maintenance. The fish will have to be fed, and the water container will have to be washed. A more interesting option is an aqua farm. This is a self-cleaning aquarium that allows you to harvest. Fish are planted below, and greens are planted on top. On cold winter evenings, this green island will remind you of summer.

Photo: karl muscat/Unsplash

4. Make a tabletop fountain

If you don’t have time to keep an eye on the aquarium and plants, you can put a small tabletop fountain or waterfall in your apartment. It’s beautiful and, most importantly, practical. It will humidify the air, help you relax and create an atmosphere of comfort. Many models are equipped with built-in lighting, a filtration system and various decorative elements. For example, they are supplemented with glass balls and wooden wheels that spin under the pressure of water. By the way, such a mini-fountain is not necessary to buy. If you wish, you can do it yourself – there are many step-by-step video tutorials on the Internet.

5. Spray with water

Typically used for spraying plants and cleaning glass. And with it, you can easily and quickly fill the air with moisture. To do this, collect distilled water in a clean container and spray it in the rooms. Repeat this procedure at least twice a day – this will help create a comfortable microclimate. The main thing is to make sure that the drops do not settle on the textile – stains and stains may remain on it. In addition, the atomizer can replace the interior diffuser. To fill your apartment with fragrance, add a couple of drops of essential oil to the water and shake before spraying.

6. Mopping

Try mopping more often. So you not only get rid of dirt and pathogens, but also increase humidity. Dust off and mop floors. The water remaining on the surfaces will gradually evaporate and saturate the air with moisture. To prevent dust from settling on already washed areas, cleaning is best done on a top-down basis. Start with chandeliers and cornices, then work your way down to furniture and baseboards. Also, do not forget to wipe down the doorknobs and switches, and at the end, open the windows and ventilate the apartment. It is especially useful to do this in the summer, when the air outside is more humid than in the houses.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

7. Lay out the hydrogel beads

Hydrogel is a highly absorbent polymer. It is able to absorb water 100–200 times its own weight. Under the action of moisture, the granules first swell, and then slowly begin to give it to the air. With the help of multi-colored hydrogel balls, which can be bought at any flower shop, they create beautiful interior compositions in glass vessels. Or use them in place of potting soil for some varieties of houseplants. The only rule: do not forget to add water to the hydrogel balls in time so that the evaporation process does not stop.

8. Review your diet

In winter, try to give preference to boiled food and hot drinks. During cooking, the water from the pots will evaporate, thereby increasing the humidity level in the kitchen. Therefore, often cook soups and cereals, stew stews, cook compotes. If you have a stovetop kettle, temporarily use it instead of an electric one. And the slower the fire, the better. But when cooking in the oven, the air, on the contrary, will become drier. To fill the kitchen not only with moisture, but also with a pleasant aroma, add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the water, boil it and leave it to cool on the stove.

9. Use battery

You can buy special ceramic air humidifiers for radiators in stores. They are inexpensive, silent and safe. These are small containers that are filled with water and attached to the battery. Under the action of heat, moisture will evaporate and thereby normalize the water balance. In addition, such a humidifier can become a stylish interior decoration: the vessels are distinguished by a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. For example, in the form of animal figures or minimalistic plain flasks. The appliance can only be used during the heating season. And in the summer it will make an excellent vase.

Photo: MICROGEN IMAGES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/gettyimages.com

10. Buy a household humidifier

Compared to alternative ways of humidifying the air, these devices are much more efficient. Today, a huge range of humidifiers is on sale. All devices are divided into three types depending on the principle of operation: steam, ultrasonic and cold evaporation. Combined devices are the most expensive. They humidify the air, purify it and ionize it. Some models also have a fragrance function and can automatically adjust the intensity of humidification. When buying a humidifier, consider the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room: if it does not exceed 20 square meters. m, enough capacity for 1 liter.

Effective ways to humidify the air

To increase humidity, you can buy a humidifier or use budgetary folk methods. True, air humidification in an apartment without professional equipment will not be as effective, since you will not be able to easily regulate and maintain the desired percentage of moisture.

Why is dry air harmful and why is it necessary to humidify it?

Owners of indoor plants, solid wood doors, libraries, art collections, rooms with parquet, furniture and wood panels, etc. should think about how to increase the humidity in the apartment. The consequences of a lack of moisture can be described for a long time, but it should be understood that high humidity
is undesirable, so everything should be in moderation.

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), a comfortable level of moisture for humans is 40-60%. According to GOST 30494-2011, in residential premises the humidity should not be lower than 30%, the maximum figure depends on the season – up to 60% in winter, up to 65% in summer. For office employees and workers carrying heavy objects, in 2021 it was decided to expand the range of optimal humidity, indicators from 15 to 75% are considered normal (according to SanPiN 1.2.3685-21).

How to know if the air in your apartment is dry

Before you start looking for how to make your own humidifiers, make sure that the room is really not humid enough. There are some great ways. Glass (or bottle) and refrigerator
. Pour cold water into the vessel, put it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Remove the container of water and leave it on the table for 5 minutes. Then wait another 5 minutes, if there are almost no drops on the walls – the air is dry, if a puddle appears – there is a lot of moisture, if the droplets flow smoothly along the walls – everything is fine, no measures are required.

Fir cone
. Bring a closed spruce cone and put it on the table. If after a week the scales open completely – the houses are too dry, if they remain in the same position as they were, then you should not worry about how to humidify the air in the apartment, if they shrink more tightly – you need to think about removing excess moisture.

Hygrometer

. The first specialized device for measuring humidity was invented by Leonardo da Vinci in 1400, but this device did not perform well. Modern models of hygrometers allow you to obtain the most accurate data with a minimum error. We have already talked about different types of devices and the nuances of their choice
, so we won’t repeat ourselves in this article. Smart microclimate system MagicAir
. The data will be no less accurate than a hygrometer, but in addition you will be able to find out the temperature, measure the level of carbon dioxide and quickly get other indicators of the microclimate that are important for health. In addition to monitoring parameters, you can also regulate them by connecting climate devices to a single system. You can control it from your smartphone.

Wetting methods

How to humidify the air in an apartment without a humidifier? We present 5 effective ways, proven in practice. Let’s just say that there is no ventilation among them. You can often find advice on the forums: open the windows in winter, and then the humidity level will rise. It is not true. This method not only does not help, it nullifies all your efforts to humidify the air in the room. The reason is that at negative temperatures the absolute humidity is lower, as soon as fresh air enters a warm room, it heats up and the relative humidity drops sharply. The level can drop to a critically low 20%, and sometimes even 10% (against the minimum allowable rate of 30%). In rainy weather, in summer, spring and autumn, it is really worth airing, as at this time heat and a large amount of moisture in the atmosphere are combined.

Absolute humidity is the amount of moisture in one cubic meter of air mass. Relative – this is the proportion of moisture in relation to the maximum possible at a particular temperature. For example, for +20 ˚C and 100% relative humidity, the maximum amount is 17.32 g/m3, for -20 ˚C – 0.9 g/m3. That is why in winter airing does not moisturize, but dries a lot. The WHO gives a specific example: at an outdoor temperature of -8 ˚C and 100 percent relative humidity, after entering the room and heating to the standard +20 ˚C, the percentage of moisture decreases to 15.

Home Radiator Humidifier

Our grandmothers knew a simple and easy way to humidify: just hang wet towels. Alternative method: hang your laundry on the dryer in the room, not on the loggia. Although both methods have certain drawbacks: you will have to wash clothes often and constantly wet towels, because they dry out quickly. You can make a homemade humidifier from improvised means: you will need a plastic bottle from fizzy drinks with a tightly screwed cap, cotton cloth and adhesive tape. Cut a small hole in the side of the bottle, attach it in a convenient place to the radiator pipe and fill a quarter with water, lower one end of the fabric inside, wrap the other along the pipe. The water will rise up the fabric and evaporate as it dries.

If aesthetics are important to you, you can decorate the bottle beautifully or use special humidifiers for batteries. Water is poured into such containers (a drop of essential oils can be added for aroma), then they are hung with a special mount on the radiator. Due to the high temperature, the liquid constantly evaporates, increasing the humidity in the room. There are different options in shape, cost, appearance and material, most often in stores you can find ceramic and plastic ones. Depending on the evaporation area, one radiator may require from one to three such tanks.

Since tap water can leave lime deposits or rust marks on the walls, it is better to fill with filtered liquid and clean the containers regularly (at least once a month).

Hydrogel bowls

If you don’t want to place cups all over your apartment, hang laundry, or hang unsightly bottles, try using hydrogel, a decorative primer commonly used by flower growers. A feature of the polymer in the form of colored balls is the ability to absorb up to two liters of water per ten grams of hydrogel. It is not necessary to plant plants in them, hydrogel vases can be used as a beautiful interior decoration.

These home humidifiers “work” only when there is moisture in them, so do not forget to constantly add clean water, otherwise there will be nothing to evaporate.

By the way, indoor plants can also be used if you are not allergic: 99% of their moisture evaporates through the ground part. Choose moisture-loving varieties with wide leaves, then the evaporation area will be higher. A good effect will give:

• monstera – a large plant with large leaves is ideal for solving the problem of moisturizing the surrounding space;
• nephrolepis – “house fern” not only actively evaporates water, but also signals its deficiency by changing color to grayish-white;
• spathiphyllum – “women’s happiness” has a large leaf area, so it is also suitable for moisturizing purposes. With a lack of water, the leaves become soft, and then completely fade;
• tradescantia – its leaves can reach 15 cm in length, which significantly increases the area of ​​evaporation.

Ficus, cyperus, sparmania, fatsia, philodendron, hibiscus, dracaena also give excellent moisture. Depending on the plant variety, you can water the ground, periodically pour water into the pan, spray regularly or apply drip irrigation.

Spray gun can be used for spraying plants, as well as for curtains or spraying in the air. Just make sure that the drops do not leave marks on the upholstery, countertops and other surfaces.

Aquariums and fountains

Fans of aquarium fish or the sound of a fountain need not worry about how to humidify the air in a room without a humidifier. The main thing is that the aquarium is open, otherwise the water will not evaporate, and the fountain should be away from electrical appliances and outlets. If you dream of decorating a children’s room or living room with an aquarium, but are not yet ready to buy fish and do not want to take care of them, pay attention to shrimps (with shrimps) and herbalists (with plants). Another interesting option is an aqua farm, thanks to a closed ecosystem, it requires minimal maintenance, the water is purified by plants.

Wet mopping

This method will not increase the humidity by much, but it will also get rid of some of the allergens and germs, although not as effectively as a cleaner-disinfector. To improve the effect, regular cleaning can be used in combination with other methods described in this article.

Yale University scientists have found that dry air provides more favorable conditions for the spread of Covid-19 and acute respiratory viral infections than humid air, while the body most successfully resists the virus while maintaining 50% humidity.

Steam cooking

Another way to increase the humidity in a room without a humidifier is to change the cooking technique. Dishes in the oven dry the air, while steaming cutlets, slow stews on the stove and boiling soups, on the contrary, help to saturate the kitchen with moisture. You can simply put a large pot or other deep dish on a slow fire, fill it with water, adding citrus peels, cinnamon or any other pleasant flavoring, evaporation will gradually increase the humidity. Sometimes it is recommended to replace a new electric kettle with a regular one, as it takes longer to boil, and as a result, it releases more moisture. When using such tips, keep in mind that wallpaper and veneered facades can peel off due to hot steam and the finish as a whole can deteriorate.

Not only the kitchen can become a source of moisture, but also the bathroom, where the humidity level can reach 80%. Just leave the door open after taking a bath or shower.

Types of humidifiers

If, while reading the article, you realized that it is better to purchase a professional air humidifier and not suffer from bottles, fountains and pots, you can choose a model with one of three operating principles:

• Traditional – moisture evaporates naturally (the liquid poured into the tank wets special filters or cartridges, and the fan blows air out of the room through them). The intensity of evaporation is controlled automatically. The disadvantages of the devices are low productivity, the need for frequent topping up of water and replacement of consumables;
• Steam – unlike the previous version, the water is first heated and then evaporated. Customers complain that some humidifiers are noisy, have a negative effect on plants;
• Ultrasonic – water is broken into micromolecules by the presence of an ultrasonic membrane in the design and atomized in the form of a mist using a built-in fan. Among the negative reviews from the use of such devices is the possibility of white plaque on furniture, household appliances, parquet and a high risk of waterlogging.

On the Internet, you can find many life hacks for assembling a humidifier from a fan and a bowl of water, a cooler and other devices. We do not recommend repeating these experiments because it is not safe. If you still decide to take a chance and use these tips, be careful, follow the safety precautions for working with electricity, so as not to harm yourself and others.