How to Clean and Maintain a Humidifier: 10 Best Tips

Dismantle Your Humidifier

Before doing this, ensure you drain out any remaining water in your tank. Carefully separate the parts of the humidifier and lay them all on a flat surface. Most humidifiers have locks that hold the heating element parts. Therefore, you can still dismantle it further by loosening the locks. Once you have taken apart all the parts, you will easily notice the areas that need the most attention.

Please note that this is a general first step guide. It is important to use the user manual while you dismantle your humidifier.

Rinse the Filter

The filter will be one of the parts you have in front of you. Hold the filter under a running tap and rinse it using cold water. This drains away the impurities. Once it is completely clean, place it on a dry towel to dry.

Please note that using cleaning agents on your filter can cause damage to it. Only use running water to clean this part.

As you learn how to clean a humidifier, please note that there are some humidifiers that require the user to replace the filter every once in a while. If this is the type of humidifier you have, you need to change it as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Wash the Water Tank

The water tank is the next part you clean. Drain any excess water in the tank before commencing cleaning. Pour 3 cups of vinegar into the tank and swish it around. Ensure the vinegar covers the bottom part of the tank. Allow it to sit for an hour. Once this is done, rinse the tank with running water. If you must, you can use a scrubbing brush to get rid of the residue at the bottom of the tank.

Avoid using other types of cleaning solutions as they can damage the machine and can pollute air around your home. This is because all the liquid from the tank will be pumped into the air.

If your tank doesn’t have enough space for you to use a brush, you can pour some rise with vinegar into the tank. Close it and shake it for a minute or two. Allow it to stand for a few minutes and shake it again. Do this until the residue has been scrubbed off. Ensure you rinse under running water until all the rise particles are drained.

Wipe the Frame

Once those two parts are clean, use a sponge and vinegar to clean the other parts. This will get rid of debris and dust, and prevent it from going back into the tank once you use the humidifier again.

Use Bleaches Mixed in Water

If you must use bleaches to clean your humidifier, ensure you use a whole gallon of water with just one teaspoon of bleach. Allow the solution to sit in your tank for one hour. Drain the solution and thoroughly rinse the tank under running water.

Please make sure to rinse the tank thoroughly before putting it back. Do not leave the bleach in the tank for more than one hour. This can cause damage to your machine.

Use Peroxide

Peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent. A few cups of peroxide can be poured into the tank and allowed to sit there for one hour. Drain the tank and completely rinse it to ensure you get rid of all the peroxide.

Deep Clean It at Least Once Every Week

You should clean your humidifier once every week. This is particularly important if you use it regularly. This ensures that the humidifier is clean and that the air you breathe around your house is clean. Regular cleaning ensures there is no room for bacteria to grow.

Before Using, Rinse the Water Basin

Before turning on the machine for daily use, it is important to drain out any excess water in the machine. This gets rid of bacteria that may have started to grow. You need not to disinfect it on a daily basis, but it can be done every alternate day.

Opt for Distilled Water

This is the best water to use on your humidifier. Tap water contains added minerals, and this is let out into the air along with the vapor emitted from the humidifier. This can cause a layer to form in the room where the humidifier is used. These minerals are also known to favor the growth of bacteria. This is why using distilled water is important.

Clean and Dry It Before Storing

Once the season that requires the use of the humidifier is over, you need to clean it thoroughly before it is stored away. Once you have cleaned it, allow it to stay out and dry completely before you store it. If you store it while still damp, you will notice growth of molds when you need to use it next time. It makes for the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This will give you the unenviable task of having to clean it again before using it.

Once you have learned how to clean a humidifier and how to maintain it, ensure you follow the steps mentioned above to keep it clean and increase its life span.