Humidifiers are common household appliances that help to combat dry air—the kind that leaves you with flaky skin and chapped lips—and fight against allergens and asthma attacks. Humidifiers work by emitting moisture into the air in your home, making them highly convenient.
However, they can quickly become dirty and lead to the development of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to your health. Cleaning the device regularly is a necessity.
Here are six easy steps for cleaning your whole home humidifier:
1. Read the Manual
The first thing you should do before tackling the disassembly process of your humidifier is to look at the manual. It helps to know which parts to avoid, and it might include instructions about cleaning the humidifier.
2. Take Apart the Humidifier
Unplug the humidifier first to avoid any potential electric shock risk. Then, prior to cleaning, you’ll need to disassemble it. Take off the water tank filter component and any other parts that can be removed from the base of the humidifier. Rinse the filter with cool water.
3. Use White Vinegar
You should never use cleaners in your humidifier because they contain harsh chemicals that can permanently damage the device. White vinegar is an excellent solution because it’s all natural and effective at removing stains and killing bacteria, mold and mildew.
Pour white vinegar into the humidifier tank until full and pour some into the smaller, removable parts as well. Let the vinegar sit and soak for half an hour. After the 30 minutes are up, use a cleaning brush or clean cloth to scrub any lingering stains.
4. Disinfect the Humidifier
Next, you’ll want to disinfect the humidifier. Mix one teaspoon of bleach into a gallon of water to create the disinfectant. If you don’t have bleach, you can use three percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with water instead. Coat the humidifier tank and let it sit for at least a half hour. Once time is up, rinse it thoroughly.
As an optional disinfecting step, you can add a few drops of lemon or other citrus oil to the disinfectant mixture. It works extremely well for killing bacteria and smells nice too.
5. Clean the Air Filter
If your humidifier has an air filter, it should be cleaned separately from the rest of the device. Clean the filter by holding it under the sink and running cool water over and through it. Leave it to air dry when you’re done. Make sure the filter is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
6. Thoroughly Dry the Humidifier and Reassemble It
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each part, allow time for each component to dry completely. If there are any parts that are still damp, you can dry them off with a clean, dry cloth or towel. Then, you will be able to put the parts back together so that you can use the humidifier again.
These are helpful tips to ensure that your humidifier stays clean and runs effectively. Keep in mind that if you’re going to be away from home for some time, the best thing to do is drain your humidifier, keep it dry and store it in a dry, dark place. This can help prevent bacteria and fungi, which can be harmful to your health, from developing in the machine.
