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How to Clean a Humidifier

How to Clean a Humidifier
August 16, 2021

Humidifiers help combat cold dry air and keep your home comfortable. They also reduce symptoms caused by dry environments from scratchy throats to dry skin. However, although they do make your home more comfortable, they also require special care to keep them working properly.

Tips to clean a humidifier

Dirty humidifiers can actually make things worse in your home by dispersing bacteria, mould and mildew into the air you breathe. This can lead to worsening allergy and asthma symptoms. So knowing how to clean your humidifier is important.

Here we offer tips on how to clean your humidifier, so you reap the benefits and keep your air quality clean and comfortable even in the dead of winter.

How to Clean a Warm Mist Humidifier

If you aren’t sure what kind of humidifier you have, warm mist humidifiers produce a warm mist that can be seen and felt. If you have a warm mist humidifier, they are also quite quiet and are an excellent choice to help reduce germs. They do tend to use up more energy, and the steam can cause scalds if you aren’t careful. They are probably not the best choice if you have kids or pets unless you find a safe spot that is out of the way. To clean your warm mist humidifier follow these steps:

  • Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before you begin cleaning your humidifier.
  • Unplug your humidifier and remove the filters and other removable parts.
  • Place the removable parts in your kitchen sink with some warm water and dish soap and carefully clean, rinse, and leave them to dry.
  • Clean your filter using clean water without any soap and leave it to air dry.
  • Wipe down the humidifier using a microfibre cloth dipped in warm soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with a clean wet cloth.
  • For your tank, use vinegar and a toothbrush to tackle the buildup of mineral deposits, mildew, and mould. Then wash it out with soap and water in your kitchen sink. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

Once all the parts are completely dry you can reassemble it, plug it in and switch it on.

How to Clean Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers emit an invisible cool mist into the air. They are good at trapping airborne contaminants and are used in warm environments. They tend to be noisier than their warm mist counterparts, and need to be cleaned every few days as they are at higher risk for bacteria growth. To clean your cool mist humidifier follow these steps:

  • Unplug your humidifier and remove the filter and removable parts.
  • Follow the same cleaning instructions for the removable parts above, except for the filter.
  • Because the filter traps airborne contaminants, it requires a more thorough cleaning than a hot mist humidifier. Submerge it in undiluted distilled white vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly to remove the vinegar otherwise, it will produce a smell when you turn the humidifier back on.
  • If the filter seems to have buildup, scrub it with a soft-bristle toothbrush before rinsing.
  • Pour vinegar into the base of your cool mist humidifier and let it soak for 30 minutes and then rinse it carefully to remove all of the vinegar.
  • For the water tank, you can use a brush and vinegar to remove residue and mineral deposits.
  • Wipe down the outside of the humidifier following the same steps above for the hot mist humidifier.

Once everything is dry, put the humidifier back together, plug it in and switch it on. If you smell vinegar, you can turn it off, unplug it and take the filter out to rinse it again. To be safe, rinse the water tank as well. Be sure the parts are completely dry before putting it back together and switching it on.

How to Disinfect a Humidifier

Before storing your humidifier away for the summer, be sure to clean and disinfect it. Disinfecting is a different process and will help kill bacteria, mould and viruses. Although regular cleanings will help reduce this buildup, it is always recommended you disinfect your humidifier using one of the following processes to help improve indoor air quality.

  • Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide helps prevent mould. Use a solution of four parts water to one part 3% hydrogen peroxide directly in the tank and let it sit for 30 minutes. Empty it out and rinse the tank. Let it air dry before putting it back together.
  • Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant, antiviral, and antibacterial solution. It’s ideal for cool mist humidifiers. Use five drops of the essential oil in the tank for 30 minutes before rinsing it and letting it air dry. If you have a warm mist humidifier, you can actually add five drops to the water tank and let it run. It sanitizes while also helping clear your breathing.

How to Keep Your Humidifier Cleaner

You can also use these tips to help keep your humidifier cleaner:

  • Change the water: Every day you should dump out the old water and refill the tank with fresh water to prevent mould and bacteria growth.
  • Use distilled water: Instead of tap water, use distilled water. It won’t cause mineral build-up and will also reduce the development of white dust caused by minerals. This helps improve your indoor air quality.
  • Clean regularly: You should clean your humidifier once a week and disinfect it as well if you run your humidifier all the time. Thorough cleanings help remove mould and bacteria, so you maintain better air quality.

As you can see, although your humidifier offers many benefits, if not cleaned often, you could be reducing air quality in your home.

If you would like to learn more about keeping your entire home clean, call Maid4Condos today at (647) 822-0601 or contact us here.

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