How to Clean and Maintain a Humidifier

Humidifiers are very beneficial, especially in dry climates. They add moisture to the air, helping with dry skin, congestion, and allergies. Like all things that hold water, they can get dirty. Not just hard water, but they can also harbor mold and bacteria, which you don’t want to be breathing in. Let’s clean those humidifiers using simple at-home ingredients. 

Begin by checking the owner’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions. Generally, you should disassemble the humidifier and identify the parts that are safe to submerge in water, making sure they are free of electronic components.

Hard Water/Descaling

To clean the humidifier’s water tank, first fill it with a vinegar solution (approximately 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar, but don’t overthink it). Let the solution sit for at least an hour to allow the hard water to start softening. Check to see if it’s lifted by scrubbing a small spot. Depending on the severity of build up, you may need to let it sit longer. Once the buildup has softened, scrub the tank with a scrub brush or soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly before using your humidifier.

Bacteria/Mold

To eliminate mold or bacteria, scrub the humidifier’s components with undiluted bleach. Important: Never mix bleach and vinegar. If you use both products, rinse thoroughly in between. After cleaning with bleach, rinse all parts well before using the humidifier again.

Filter

Don’t use any chemicals on the filter,  it can destroy any antimicrobial coatings. Simply rinse your filter out well and let it air dry before reinstalling.

Daily care

There are a few things you can do in between full cleans to prevent bacteria and hard water.

1. Use distilled water. 
2. Empty and rinse your humidifier often. Sitting water = mold and bacteria.

Humidifiers can last years if taken care of properly. So take the time to care for and clean your humidifier. 

To clean more of your household electronics, see here. 

Georgia @GoCleanCo