A properly working humidifier can be a lifesaver. However, simply turning your humidifier on is not enough to get rid of dry air and respiratory illnesses. It requires regular cleaning and fortunately for you, cleaning it on a regular basis is not a complicated task at all.
During the cold, dry months of winter, humidifiers are there to save the day. They add moisture back to the air in the room, soothe dry skin, and they also improve symptoms of colds and a number of respiratory issues. However, when not cleaned regularly, humidifiers can actually start to do more harm than good. The standing water makes a perfect ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew growth. If you leave all those in your humidifier and turn them on, all you will do is allow them to spread around your home and they will eventually make your allergies worse. Ideally, you should empty out, clean, and sanitise your humidifier once a week.
In this article, we will discuss how to clean a humidifier in a few simple steps. This method should be able to apply to most types of humidifiers. However, you should always check your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations and warnings. That way you will make the process easier and avoid any damage to your humidifier.
Step1: Remove and rinse the filter of your humidifier
Always unplug the humidifier first. Then, remove the tank and pull out the filter. Rinse it with cool, clean water. Do not add any cleaning solution to the water. Any cleaning product can potentially damage a humidifier’s filter.
Step2: Disassemble the rest of your appliance
Refer to your manual instructions and take apart the rest of your humidifier. By disassembling the parts you will be able to properly wash them separately.
Step3: Rinse or soak all the separate parts of your humidifier in undiluted vinegar
Fill the base with white vinegar and swish it around so it covers all its sides. This all-natural solution is perfect for cutting through mineral deposits, killing mould and mildew bacteria, and preventing future growth. Soak any other parts in white vinegar as well. Simply fill a small bucket or sink and put all of the parts you removed inside. Let them soak in there for about half an hour. That time will give vinegar the opportunity to work properly.
Step4: Scrub all the parts of your humidifier with a soft-bristled brush
Work gently and thoroughly to brush the wet base. Make sure you get into all creases and corners so that the vinegar gets a chance to dissolve all mineral deposits, mildew, and bacteria. You can use the special brush your humidifier came with. If you don’t have such a brush, you can use a bottle or an old toothbrush. When done with the base, make sure you also do the same with all the parts that you soaked in the tub of vinegar. When done soaking and brushing, rinse all the parts with cool, clean water. Lay them on a towel and let them air dry.
Step5: Soak the tank in bleach or in diluted vinegar
The next step would be your humidifier’s tank. Pour any water that might be in there and refill the tank with fresh, clean water. Add a tablespoon of bleach (or vinegar if you prefer to use natural cleaning methods). This amount is enough for every 4 litres of water. When the solution is mixed, let it sit in the tank for about half an hour. Drain the tank and rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.
Step6: Time to reassemble your humidifier.
Reassemble all parts of your humidifier. If you are having any trouble, follow your manual’s instructions. Fill its tank with clean water and plug your appliance in.
To keep your humidifier clean and in proper condition, follow these tips:
• If you use spring or distilled water in your humidifier, you will reduce the amount of mineral deposit that is left inside your tank. That will make your weekly cleanings much easier.
• Empty out and refill your humidifier with clean water daily. Fresh water will keep your humidifier and filter clean for longer. It will also improve the quality of your air.
• The household humidity level should remain anywhere between 30 and 50%. Anything higher will cause stuffiness and condensation which will help the mould and mildew growth. If you keep it below those levels, you may experience cracked, dry skin and dry nosebleeds that many people experience in winter.