A fog machine is a very versatile piece of equipment that’s used in a vast range of industries and applications.
It’s used for pest control in agriculture as well as in homes. It also helps you to get rid of the odour and restrict mould growth. In the entertainment industry, it’s used to create artificial effects such as mysterious low-lying fog, impenetrable clouds, and thin mist in the air.
If you want to learn how to use a fog machine, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss different types of fog machines with different wattages, how to use them indoors and outdoors for different purposes, and some tips and FAQs. So, let’s get started.
Table of Content
Safety Precaution to Take Before Fogging Machine
How to Use a Fogger to Disinfect?
How to Use a Fog Machine Indoors?
How to Use a Fog Machine Outdoors
How to Use a Fog Machine in a Car?
The safety precautions you need to take depend upon the purpose of using the fogging machine.
For example, the list of precautionary measures will be way longer if you want to use a fogging machine for pest control than using it just to create mist or fog for a Halloween party or concert.
Important Note: Bear in mind that not all fogging machines can work with insecticides. Make sure that you use the right fogging machine for the right purpose to avoid damaging your equipment.
Here’s a list of safety precautions that you should take before using a fogging machine.
It's one of the most important safety measures that'll keep you from many unwanted situations. You must read your manufacturer's recommendations and use the appropriate amount of fog juice to fill the machine.
That's because you don't want to release too much material, even if the fluid only contains non-hazardous glycol and water. That's because it can cause throat or respiratory irritation issues in some people.
On the other hand, if you're using a fog machine for pest control, then you most probably need to use poisonous material that can lead to serious health problems if you use more material than recommended for your area.
We stock Fogging Machines here at JennyChem to help you disinfect your home/office against Covid.
If the fogging material in a large amount directly comes in contact with ignition sources such as electrical appliance spark, pilot light, and flame, it can cause an unwanted accident.
Keep in mind that fogging machines tend to get extremely hot. You should put your fogging machine at least 6 feet away from all ignition sources.
Other than informing your family members, you should also notify your neighbours that you need to use a fogging machine. It’ll allow them to prepare accordingly to keep themselves from being exposed to the poisonous particles.
Moreover, you should never work alone while using a fogging machine to combat pests. That’s because the poisonous gases will be used that can lead to dire consequences if you become faint or sick. So, irrespective of the area and dosage, there should be at least one other person present to deal with any emergency.
It’s also important to cover all the important areas such as utensils, expensive furniture, food items, and so on to avoid contamination. You should also close windows and doors whether you’re using a fogging machine for your party or to disinfect your house. Otherwise, you’ll not get the desired result as the fog will escape quickly.
This precaution is only necessary if you are using pesticides in your fogging machine. Although most fogging fluids aren’t harmful to pets or people, they might still have some insecticides that can lead to an allergic reaction.
That’s why consider wearing a non-paper respirator, protective glasses, and gloves. Don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.
We stock high quality Face Masks, Face Shields, and Gloves. Shop Now!
If you want to use a fogger to disinfect your home, then you must use the safety protocols. Consider following all the precautions that we've mentioned above and then follow the steps mentioned below to use a disinfecting fogger properly.
Pro Tip: Use the disinfecting product with hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide. According to a study, such disinfectants not only can inactivate the airborne viruses and offer high sanitation efficiency, but they can also cover wide areas, even hard-to-reach surfaces.
Shop our Sanitizers and Disinfectants.
You can use a fog machine indoors to create the atmosphere for any event or disinfect any specific area.
However, you should follow the right steps in order to achieve the best results. Here’s how you can use a fog machine in your house after taking care of all the precautionary measures that we’ve discussed above.
The first step is to decide the area where you want to use your fog machine. It’s better to select the space that has plenty of ventilation because it’ll be difficult to breathe and see if the fog becomes too thick.
After selecting the right place, you’ll need to remove the valuable items from there and close all the windows and doors. You’ll also need to remove objects that can cause slips or trips.
Now you'll need to choose the right location to place your fog machine. If you're using it for disinfection, then consider positioning your equipment right at the centre. The surface where you place the fog machine must also be flat and stable.
Plug your fogging machine into an electrical outlet that is properly grounded after placing it in the right location. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations to remove the lid in order to pour the fog fluid.
You’ll need to use the fluid that your fogging machine supports to avoid damage. Consider using a funnel to mitigate the chances of spilling.
Turn your fog machine on and wait until it warms up. Typically, fog machines take about 5 minutes to warm up, and you'll need to use the manual button to start making fog.
Most machines also come with a ready light that automatically turns off when the machine has warmed up. In addition, you can also use the timer mode (if your machine has one) that keeps the fog machine working for a specific period of time. This way, you won't need to turn it off manually.
Tip: Once you’re done, clean your fogging machine thoroughly before packing it away.
All you need to do is to add the cleaning solution to the reservoir of the machine and run it for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, dry the machine and place it somewhere dry and cool.
If you want to use a fog machine outdoors, then consider following the steps mentioned below to achieve the desired results.
You’ll need a high-capacity fog machine if you want to use it outdoors. You’ll also need to run it for a longer time as compared to indoors. That’s because the fog will disperse rapidly in any outdoor area.
If you want to use a fog machine outdoors for an event such as a Halloween party, then you'll need to choose the low-lying fog juice.
It'll allow the fog to stay on the ground, and it won't disperse rapidly. You can also use a fog chiller for your fogging machine to achieve optimal results.
As mentioned, you'll need to run your fogging machine outdoors for a much longer period. It also means that you'll need more fog fluid, and you'll also need to check its level in the reservoir from time to time.
Pro Tip: You’ll also need to arrange a generator to power your fog machine if an electrical outlet isn’t available.
If you want to use a fog machine in your car, then consider using a water-based fluid rather than oil-based. That’s because oil can mess up your car’s interior. Moreover, you’ll also need to use a fogging machine with low wattage because of the small area of the car.
After filling the machine’s reservoir with the fog fluid, you’ll need to place it in the middle of the back seat. Make sure that the machine is facing forward before starting the operation.
You can use the timer option or the remote control depending upon your equipment. Once the car is filled with the fog, consider leaving it for some time (10-15 minutes) to let the fog do its job.
After that, open the car doors and let the fog escape completely and clean the car with the cleaning solution to complete the process.
Pro Tip: If your car is infected by pests, then you can also use a bug bomb to get rid of the infestation. However, you'll need to leave the car with the door and windows closed for several hours (5 to 8) after placing the bug bomb.
One of the most important things that you need to consider while purchasing a new fogging machine is the watts it consumes. Different fog machines come with different wattage sizes.
The higher the wattage, the more fog it'll generate. Here are some of the most common wattage sizes available in the market.
Note: The amount of fog is calculated in CFM (Cubic Feet of Fog Per Minute).
A fog machine with a 400 watts size is perfect for small areas such as a home where you only need to create fog for just one room. The general performance specifications of a fogging machine with 400 watts are listed below.
Shop: JennyChem's 400W Fogging Machine
The fog machine with 700 watts offers more smoke in less time, and it's best suited for larger areas such as yards. You can use it for a small outdoor party. Here's what a 700 watts fog machine offers.
A fog machine with 900 watts is very powerful equipment that can be used for much larger spaces. It can be used in theatrical productions and big outdoor parties. It comes with the following specification.
A fog machine with 1,000 watts is very powerful that's usually used for very large venues such as clubs, entertainment industry functions, etcetera.
Shop: JennyChem's 1000W Fogging Machine
A fog machine with 1,500 watts is one of the most powerful options available in the market. It’s used by the entertainment industry in red carpet events and concerts.
A typical fogging machine takes around five minutes to warm up before it can start generating fog.
Some fogging machines also come with a ready light that turns off automatically to indicate that the machine has warmed up. Consider reading the manufacturer’s recommendation to use your fog machine properly.
Fog fluids primarily have two different ingredients. One is deionized water, and the other is an active substance like glycerine, trimethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or a combination of these.
You don't want to use mineral water or tap water in your fog machine because they contain impurities and can damage the equipment.
Yes, you can use a fog machine in your house. However, it's critical to take all the safety precautions before doing so.
That's because the fog will coat everything it touches, and you'll need to clean your house afterwards.
Generally, a fogging machine won’t damage your carpets.
But still, it depends upon the quality of fog fluid you used and the amount of fog the machine created. If you have produced an unusually large amount of fog, then there is a risk that it’ll seep into your carpet, inflicting minor damage.
Bear in mind that every fog fluid will leave some residue on the surfaces it comes in contact with. It's about whether or not it evaporates from the carpet surface. Therefore, you should make sure that you only use the high-quality fog fluid, which is rated for indoor use.
No, a fogging machine won't ruin your electronics, but it'll leave a thin coating over them. So, you'll need to clean your electronics and let them dry to avoid damage if you had to use a fogging machine for a long time.
