How To Clean A Humidifier

Humidifiers moisturize indoor air and can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms, heal dry skin and help your baby sleep soundly. Improper cleaning of your humidifier can introduce bacteria into the air, so it's especially important to clean your humidifier regularly using the correct method. Learn how to accomplish basic cleaning, sanitize your humidifier, and prevent bacterial growth.

basic cleaning

1. Flush the filter.

First, unplug the humidifier and remove the filter. Run it under the faucet with cold water to remove any impurities, and let it dry on a clean towel while you wash the rest of the section.

●Do not use cleaning solutions to clean filters. Chemicals can permanently damage the filter and prevent it from working properly.

●Your humidifier may have a model that requires you to change the filter from time to time. If this is the case, you can check the manufacturer's instructions and replace the filter as recommended.

2. Clean the water tank.

Separate the water tank and humidifier and pour out any remaining water. Fill the tank with 3 cups of vinegar, shake it to cover the bottom and sides of the tank, and let it sit in the tank for 1 hour. Vinegar is used as a natural cleaning agent to dilute the dust accumulated at the bottom of the tank. When you're done, rinse the tank thoroughly.

●If necessary, use a plate brush to remove some of the grime from the bottom of the tank.

●Using another type of cleaner can be counterproductive, as the liquid in the tank will infuse air. Stick with vinegar to ensure you create a safe and comfortable environment for your family.

●If the tank is too small to fit the brush, you can dilute the suspension by adding a few spoonfuls of rice mixed with cold water and vinegar to the tank. Close the tank and shake it for a few minutes, then let it sit for a while. Repeat this process until the grime disappears. Rinse thoroughly at the end to make sure all the rice is rinsed out.

3 Wipe the frame.

Wipe the rest of the humidifier with a sponge dipped in vinegar and water. This prevents dust and other debris from entering the tank and inhibits the growth of mold or bacteria.

Disinfecting humidifier

1. Use bleach and aqueous solutions.

Pour a gallon of water and a spoonful of bleach into the tank and let the solution sit in the tank for an hour to sanitize the humidifier. Pour off the solution and rinse with cold water.

●Please make sure the water tank is thoroughly washed before replacing.

●Do not let the bleach sit in the tank for more than 1 hour or the solution will damage the tank.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide.

Pour a few cups of hydrogen peroxide into the tank, shaking the tank to make sure the bottom and sides of the tank are covered with hydrogen peroxide. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit in the tank for 1 hour, then pour it out and rinse it off with cold water.

3. Do a deep clean with vinegar.

Pour a cup of vinegar and a gallon of water into the tank. Plug in the power and let the humidifier run for 1 hour, after 1 hour pour out the remaining water in the tank, rinse with water, then pour in clean water and let the humidifier run for 1 hour. Dump any remaining water in the tank before use.

●Don't run the humidifier indoors when you put vinegar in the tank. This will make your home smell of vinegar.

●Do not use bleach or any other chemical for deep cleaning on the working part of the humidifier. Operating the humidifier and running chemicals through the system can cause permanent damage.

prevent bacterial growth

1. Change the water frequently.

Leaving water at the bottom of the tank for extended periods of time can cause minerals to build up on the bottom and walls. The longer you leave the water in, the more buildup will be left on the bottom and walls, and the harder it will be to clean.

2. Clean the humidifier every three days.

When using the humidifier a lot in winter or when a family member has a cold, simply wash it with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide every three days. Do a deep clean every two weeks or so.

3. Replace the humidifier if necessary.

Many humidifiers break down from time to time over time. Worn parts will be more prone to bacterial growth.

●If your humidifier is more than 5 years old, you may need to replace it.

●If you're not ready to replace your old humidifier, make sure you wash it out with bleach or hydrogen peroxide every few weeks.

4. Keep the area around the humidifier dry.

Deactivate if the humidifier causes the surrounding area to become wet. Moisture around the humidifier can cause bacteria and mold to grow.

5. Properly store the humidifier.

When winter is over and it's time to put the humidifier in storage, clean it thoroughly and make sure it's completely dry before putting it away. When you take it out again next year, clean it again before using it.