Expert: M J Robbins - 3/13/2009

Question
I was told to use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and PG for the initial activation of my sponge humidifier only.  After that I was told to add distilled water only, otherwise the sponge will fill with PG and eventually become useless.  Is this true, or can I always use the 50/50 solution when I re-fill?

Answer
50/50 should be used sparingly every 6 months or it will block absorption of water.
Using 50/50 will help keep mold out and reduce humidity by a few percentage.
To moisten a sponge place it upside down in a bowl and fill the bowl 1/2 way up the sponge body and let the moisture soak up into the device for 1 minute. The bowl of distilled water or 50/50 should disappear into the device.
The usual maintenance is a fill every month or when humidity drops by 5%. If you check the hygrometer and it always says 73% and you open the box a few weeks later and it says 65% it is time for water.

The humidity device should be replaced every 2 years no matter what you use, like an oil change in a car after 5,000 mi.

M