How to Deal with White Dust
Feeling like you’re perpetually battling dust at home? You’re not alone. Dust is everywhere, and much of it is out of our control. Skin cells, pet dander, carpet fibers, pollen, and clothing all contribute to the dust that’s a part of our everyday lives. However, one often overlooked source of dust is water.
If you use a whole-house or portable humidifier and pour hard water into it, you may see white dust around your house. The harder the water (the more minerals), the more dust your humidifier may create.
While white dust isn’t inherently dangerous, as it’s simply calcium and magnesium deposits, it can still pose a threat to your health. This dust could trigger unpleasant symptoms if you or a family member has allergies or respiratory issues. And let’s face it, no one wants extra dust in their home.
Keep reading to learn how to reduce and prevent white dust in your house.
Table of Contents
Causes of White Dust
To use a humidifier, you must fill it with water. The humidifier creates water vapor to moisten the air. If the water has many minerals and calcium deposits, it can leave what’s known as white dust around the house.
The largest cause is mineral deposits from tap water or other unfiltered water. The high levels of calcium and magnesium create deposits that look like white-colored dust around your home.
Health Impacts of White Dust
White dust does not have any direct health effects. The average healthy person might not be affected by it as much as they would be by mold or asbestos in the home. However, anyone with allergies or chronic health issues could have respiratory complications from white dust.
The accumulation of any type of dust can decrease indoor air quality, making it more challenging for anyone with respiratory issues. This is especially true for white dust, which can be more difficult to see and, therefore, may not be cleaned up as often. Additionally, white dust can settle on and clog your HVAC system, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to costly repairs.
Identifying White Dust in Your Home
You may notice a layer of white dust on your furniture or the humidifier surface. If you have a whole-house humidifier, it may also be visible near the vents.
However, it’s important to differentiate between white dust and mold. Dust from the particles coming from the humidifier will land near the humidifier or air vents, and it’s usually a fine white powder. If the white dust is in the air ducts and it looks like it has layers or has been there for a while, it may be acremonium mold. This mold often has a white, pink, or grey dusty appearance and can be dangerous, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. If you are unsure what white substance you have, contact a professional near you to evaluate it.
Ways to Reduce and Prevent White Dust
The good news is there are practical and effective ways to prevent or reduce white dust in your home.
Use distilled water: Distilled water can be found at your local grocery store. Use it to fill your humidifier instead of tap water. Distilled water is stripped of calcium and minerals, so there is a lower risk of getting white dust. Additionally, using distilled water can help prolong the lifespan of your humidifier by preventing mineral buildup.
Increase ventilation: Good ventilation allows the air to circulate in your home and reduces the risk of airborne particles, including white dust, settling on surfaces. By keeping the air moving, you can help disperse any dust particles that are in the air, reducing the amount that settles on your furniture and other surfaces.
Install a water softener: If hard water is causing white dust, a water softener may help reduce the issue. This device removes the minerals from the water, reducing the risk of white dust.
The cost of a water softener can vary depending on the size and type, but it’s generally a one-time investment that can have long-term benefits. Not only would this reduce the risk of white dust, but it may also help your other appliances that use water.
Install a demineralization cartridge: If you use a portable humidifier, install a demineralization cartridge. This device works by removing the minerals from the water before it’s turned into vapor, reducing the risk of mineral buildup and white dust.
Long-Term Plan of Action
Keep your humidifier clean to reduce the risk of white dust accumulation. The EPA recommends replacing the water daily to reduce the risk of microorganism growth and using distilled water only.
They also recommend cleaning the humidifier every three days to reduce scale and microorganism growth. If you use chemicals to clean the humidifier, be sure to rinse it thoroughly to reduce the risk of spreading toxins throughout the house.
If you have a whole-house humidifier, a professional must have it and your ducts cleaned annually. Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the humidifier and ducts, leading to more white dust. This service costs $450 – $1,000, and humidifier repairs cost an average of $70 to $400.
Conclusion
White dust isn’t anything to be alarmed about, but it is a reminder to take better care of your humidifier. Start by ensuring your filter is clean and that you only use distilled water. Be sure you also regularly clean the humidifier or call for professional help to clean it if it’s a whole-house humidifier.
White dust can be annoying if you have allergies or respiratory issues and can stress your HVAC system unnecessarily. Call an HVAC professional immediately to rectify the issue and learn how to prevent it.
Request Service
Get started by filling out a request form or by giving us a call.
888-524-2244FAQs
How do you tell the difference between mold and dust?
Mold and dust may look similar, but they have distinctly different smells. Mold smells musty or like rotten socks, and dust smells like dirt. To tell for sure, place a drop of bleach on the blob. If it disappears, it’s mold; if it doesn’t change, it’s dust.
How do I get rid of white dust?
To clean white dust, you can use a clean cloth. If the dust is stubborn, slightly wet the cloth to remove it; after cleaning it, take preventive measures to reduce the risk by changing the HVAC filter, cleaning the humidifier, and using distilled water.
Is white dust harmful to health?
White dust isn’t necessarily harmful, especially if you’re in good health. However, if you suffer from chronic issues or have allergies, it could make breathing difficult or worsen your allergy symptoms.
Check Out Additional HVAC Resources
- R-22: Understanding Changes to HVAC Refrigerant
- Ideal Humidity Level for Your Home
- Thermostat Replacement Cost
- Guide to Air Conditioning Replacement Cost
- HVAC System Maintenance Checklist
Sources
Anna has over six years of experience in the home services and journalism industries and serves as the Content Manager at MyHomePros.com, specializing in making complex home improvement topics like HVAC, roofing, and plumbing accessible to all. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, she excels in crafting localized, comprehensive guides that cater to homeowners’ unique needs. Living on both coasts of the United States has equipped her with a distinctive perspective, fueling her passion for turning any house into a cherished home through informed, personalized decision-making.
