A humidifier might be beneficial if you find yourself with dry skin,a stuffy nose, and bothersome nighttime sniffles. The ideal moisture level in your home is between 30% and 50%, and as the weather grows colder, those moisture levels decrease, according to the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab. For this reason, some people may decide to buy a warm or cold mist humidifier. Despite all of its advantages, a humidifier’s failure to be cleaned properly might result in the growth of bacteria and mold. Because of this, it’s critical to understand when and how to clean a humidifier.
The GH Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab’s executive director, Carolyn Forté, provides us with professional cleaning advice and instructions below. Forté offers the best vinegar and non-vinegar humidifier cleaning methods (including hydrogen peroxide and bleach). After reading this, you will understand exactly how to maintain the cleanliness of your humidifier throughout the winter and beyond, as well as how to clean the base, tank, and filter.
As cleaning procedures may vary depending on the type of humidifier you have, always adhere to the maintenance and cleaning guidelines specific to your model. It is always advised to keep the owner’s manual handy until you’re comfortable cleaning your humidifier entirely on your own. Her tutorial below provides all the essentials to get you started if you are unable to locate the manual or the cleaning instructions online.
How Frequently Should A Humidifier Be Cleaned?
The response may surprise you. Turn off your humidifier and clean it at least once a week. If you use it every day and you or anyone in your family has respiratory issues, you can clean it more frequently.
Whatever the kind, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. Stagnant water is a magnet for bacteria growth, and you don’t want bacteria spewing back into the air, especially if family members suffer from asthma or allergies.
Every time you used your humidifier, it was advised to add new water and drain any leftover water when you turned it off. It only takes a short time for bacteria to grow, so it’s always best to start with freshwater.
Items Required For Cleaning A Humidifier:
To clean a humidifier, you don’t need scrubbers, abrasive brushes, or detergents. To perform routine cleaning, just gather the following:
- White vinegar, distilled or chlorine bleach in liquid form.
- A tiny, gentle brush, such as a dishrag or toothbrush made of nylon.
How To Use Vinegar To Clean A Humidifier:
The cleaning process for warm and cool mist humidifiers is similar, although some sections could be different. Dishwasher safe parts may also be available for some brands. To be sure, see the owner’s manual.
Step 1: Unplug, empty, and fully disassemble the humidifier.
Step 2: To fully moisten the inside of the water tank, pour one to two cups of undiluted white vinegar into the base and tank, then swish it about. Some brands suggest a mixture of white vinegar and water.
Step 3: In order to release mineral buildup, place the vinegar-filled tank on the base (or, if your humidifier permits, pour vinegar directly into the base) and let the vinegar drip into the reservoir. Give it a good 15 to 20 minutes to stand.
Step 4: Drain the vinegar from the base and tank, then scrub the nooks and crannies with a tiny, soft brush to get rid of any mineral deposits that have become lodged. Wipe with a fresh cloth or sponge doused in full-strength white vinegar for small areas,like the tank cap. If the bottom of the tank on your model has a valve, physically press the release button to let some vinegar pass through it.
Step 5: Completely rinse, let the components air dry, and then put them back together.
How To Use Bleach To Clean A Humidifier:
You can undertake a deeper cleaning once a month to eradicate mold and kill bacteria, or you can use a bleach solution in place of vinegar for weekly cleanings.
Step 1: Disassemble and clean your humidifier. Always remember that vinegar and bleach should never be combined, as this can produce a hazardous gas. Pick one approach or the other.
Step 2: Combine one teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach with one gallon of water. To completely moisten the inside of the water tank, pour between half and three quarters of the bleach solution into it and swish it about. For this stage, some brands can suggest a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Proceed to fill the second tank of your humidifier with the leftover solution.
Step 3: Set the tank into the base and let the water reservoir fill up with the bleach solution. Let it stand for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Drain the base and tank of the bleach solution. Use pure water to rinse until the bleach smell is eliminated.
Step 5: Reassemble after wiping dry.
How Frequently Do You Need To Clean Your Humidifier:
To maintain your appliance in good working order after thoroughly cleaning it, do the following:
- When not in use, always drain the humidifier’s tank and reservoir. It takes only one to two days for bacteria to proliferate.
- Every time you fill the tank, flip your wick filter over to prevent the top from drying out and promote more equal aging of the filter. This will extend the filter’s lifespan.
- Depending on usage and condition, replace the filter every 30 to 60 days. This is especially important if the filter becomes hard and crusty from water minerals, smells, or stops producing as much moisture as the humidifier does.
- Before storing the humidifier, remove and dispose of the filter and make sure all components are dry and clean, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQs:
How Is The Humidifier Filter Cleaned?
You’ve finished cleaning the humidifier filter; don’t compress it to get rid of the extra water. The humidifier’s filter must be removed first. However, you must turn off the humidifier and take the plug out of the socket before you can open the outside cover.
How Can Vinegar Be Used To Clean A Humidifier?
Some brands advise using a mixture of white vinegar and water. To release mineral accumulation, place the vinegar-filled tank on the base (or, if your humidifier permits, pour vinegar straight into the base) and let the vinegar drain into the reservoir. Give it a good 15 to 20 minutes to stand.
How Can Mold Be Taken Out Of A Humidifier?
Moisture is necessary for mold growth. Mold won’t grow back if you refill your humidifier with fresh water and a dry filter. You can reassemble the humidifier and begin using it once the filter has dried. Add warm water to a bucket or sink. Run enough water through the filter to completely submerge it.
Conclusion:
Cleaning the humidifier is essential to maintaining good hygiene. We have covered numerous approaches of humidifier filter cleaning in our article. All of these techniques are quite simple and require little work. Thus, the cleaning procedure doesn’t really disturb you.
Your filter will function just as well as a new one if you follow the right instructions and use the appropriate equipment and materials. This article has all the information you need. I hope this essay answers all of your questions.
