How to Clean a Humidifier
A humidifier is handy equipment to have in your home, but for it to be effective, you need to clean it regularly. Otherwise, it will do more harm than good. If you don’t know how to clean your unit properly, here are some steps you can follow.
What You’ll Need:
Humidifier manual
White vinegar
Water
Soft-bristled brush
Spray bottle
Bleach
Saucepan
Procedure:
Check the humidifier manual, to see if this procedure is safe for your unit. Some humidifiers require certain cleaning procedures, and chances are this one won’t suit yours. Make sure it’s safe before you proceed.
Unplug your humidifier, then carefully take it apart. Separate the water tank from the base and filter. Make sure you remove the motor housing, so the base is set apart.
Get some cool water and fill the tank with it. Afterwards, add a tablespoon of household bleach, replacing the cap. Allow this to sit for 30 minutes.
Get a large saucepan and fill it with water. Use this to steep the humidifier’s filter. Add in two cups of vinegar, then let sit for 30 minutes. Remove it properly after.
Get some undiluted white vinegar in the humidifier’s base, then leave it for 30 minutes as well. Get a brush or soft cloth then thoroughly remove build-up or residue by scrubbing. Thoroughly rinse the base afterwards.
You now need to disinfect the humidifier’s base. Get a gallon of water and mix in a teaspoon of chlorine bleach to it, then pour this mix ion the base. Swish the solution around every now and then, so the base will be evenly coated. Leave for 30 minutes, then pour out. Rinse thoroughly until the smell of bleach disappears.
Check that there’s no bleach residue or vinegar in the humidifier parts anymore, before you use it again.
Fill the tank with cool water, then carefully put back your humidifier together. Plug it in, and it’s ready to use again.
Make it a point to clean your humidifier at least once a week. As long as you properly maintain it, you’ll be assured that your unit is efficient and helpful all the time.