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How to Increase a Vaporizer's Steam Flow

A steam vaporizer utilizes water and an electrical heating unit to create steam. Steam is beneficial when the air in a room is too dry and causes dry lips, nasal passages and throat. Steam is also useful to loosen congestion in the nose or lungs caused by the common cold or other illness. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual of the steam vaporizer you are using. If the unit isn't cleaned as directed, for example, the outlets can become clogged, and the amount of steam that's emitted will be less than it should be.

Things You'll Need

  • Owner's manual
  • Clean cloths
  • White vinegar
  • Kitchen timer
  • Toothpick
  • Measuring spoon
  • Table salt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the steam vaporizer according to the owner's manual on a regular basis. Minerals in the water can plug the outlets and reduce the output of steam. Cleaning it every week will likely be enough. Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet. Remove the steam unit from the tank. Drain any water in the tank. Wash it, rinse it, and wipe the tank dry.

    • 2

      Place the steam unit in a container with 3-1/2 inches of white vinegar. Set a kitchen timer and let it soak for 20 minutes. Remove the unit. Seal the hole in the bottom with your finger. Fill the steam outlet with water. Seal that hole, then shake the steam unit vigorously to loosen built-up scales and debris. Empty the water through the steam outlet. Repeat this step until there is no more debris coming out, and the vinegar is thoroughly rinsed out.

    • 3

      Use a toothpick to carefully clean out any mineral deposits and debris from the steam outlets, the safety vents, and the water intake in the bottom of the steam unit.

    • 4

      Fill the tank with the required amount of water. Place the steam unit in the tank according to the owner's manual. Plug in the steam vaporizer and allow it to work for several minutes. If the steam output still isn't enough, the water may be too soft.

    • 5

      Unplug the steam vaporizer from the electrical outlet. Carefully remove the steam unit. Measure 1/8th teaspoon of table salt. Add a pinch or two of the salt to the water and mix it to dissolve it. Reassemble the steam vaporizer, plug it in, and try it. Allow the unit to work for five minutes. If the steam output still isn't enough, add the remainder of the table salt, a pinch at a time.