How To Clean A Humidifier In 9 Quick Steps

How to clean a humidifier? While you have many options for cleaning your humidifier, we recommend the following steps.

Cleaning a humidifier regularly is important. It ensures that it is functioning right and provides you with the health benefits that you need. 

9 Steps To Clean A Humidifier

So we will go over the steps on how to clean a humidifier. Depending on the model of your humidifier, some of these steps may vary slightly.

1. Unplug Your Humidifier:

First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your humidifier is unplugged before beginning the cleaning process.

If you have a central humidifier, you will want to turn off the power to the unit at the breaker box.

And if you have a small, portable humidifier, simply unplug it from the outlet.

Without power, your humidifier will be much safer to clean. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting electrocuted.

2. Drain The Water:

The next step is to drain all of the water from your humidifier. 

If you have a central humidifier, you will likely need to turn a valve to release the water. 

And if you have a small, portable humidifier, there may be a spigot that you can use to drain the water.

Either way, make sure that all of the water is out of the unit before moving on to the next step.

Draining the water is essential because you don’t want to be cleaning a humidifier that still has water in it. 

Not only is it dangerous, but it also won’t be as effective.

3. Disassemble The Unit:

Now disassemble the unit so that you can access all of the different parts. 

Take apart the humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve unscrewing different parts or simply pulling them apart.

This will vary depending on the type of humidifier that you have. But most units will have a water tank, a base, and a wick filter.

Some units may also have other parts, such as a mist nozzle. As you disassemble the unit, be sure to keep track of all the different parts. 

You don’t want to lose anything during the cleaning process. And you’ll need to put everything back together when you’re finished.

4. Clean The Water Tank:

It is time to clean the water tank. You can do this by filling the tank with a mixture of water and the cleaning solution of your choice. 

Let the cleaning solution sit in the tank for a few minutes. Then scrub it with a soft-bristled brush to remove any lingering dirt or buildup.

Then empty the tank and rinse the tank several times with clean water. It will remove any residual cleaner. 

Be sure to dry the tank completely before moving on to the next step. 

5. Clean The Base:

Well, here comes cleaning the base of the humidifier. This is where the majority of the dirt and buildup are likely to accumulate. 

Start by scrubbing the base. Use a soft-bristled brush and the cleaning solution of your choice. 

Pay special attention to any nooks and crannies where dirt and buildup are likely to accumulate. 

Once you’ve scrubbed the base, rinse it with clean water and dry it completely.

6. Clean The Wick Filter:

The wick filter handles absorbing water and keeping the humidifier’s reservoir clean. 

So it’s important to clean this part of the humidifier regularly. Start by soaking the wick filter in the cleaning solution of your choice. 

Let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a soft-bristled brush. 

Once you’ve scrubbed the filter, rinse it with clean water and let it air dry.

7. Reassemble The Unit:

Now it’s time to reassemble the unit. Simply put all of the parts back together according to the owner’s instructions. 

Also, be sure to dry all of the parts completely before reassembling the humidifier. 

If any of the parts are even slightly damp, it could cause the humidifier to malfunction. And you certainly don’t want that.

8. Fill The Tank Again With Distilled Water:

Once you’ve reassembled the humidifier, it’s time to fill the tank with water. But this time, you’ll want to use distilled water. 

This is because distilled water is free of minerals and other impurities. These impurities can cause buildup in the humidifier. 

And that’s exactly what you want to avoid. Because the last thing you want is to have to clean the humidifier again in a few short weeks.

9. Turn On The Humidifier And Enjoy:

Now it’s time to turn on the humidifier and enjoy the benefits of clean, humidified air. 

Be sure to empty and clean the humidifier regularly to prevent buildup. And this way it continues to operate properly.

That’s all there is to it! Cleaning a humidifier is a relatively easy task that only takes a few minutes to complete. 

But it’s an important task nonetheless. Because a clean humidifier not only runs more efficiently. But it also helps to improve your indoor air quality. 

And that’s something we can all benefit from.

What Cleaning Solutions You Can Use And Why?

Now that we’ve gone over how to clean a humidifier, let’s talk about what cleaning solutions you can use. 

The good news is that several different cleaning solutions will do the trick. 

The bad news is that not all of them are created equal. So it’s important to choose a cleaning solution that is effective and safe. 

Here are some of the most popular cleaning solutions that you can use to clean your humidifier:

1. White Vinegar:

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant known for its ability to kill mold and mildew. 

It’s also an effective cleaner for removing mineral deposits. Vinegar is a safe and effective option for cleaning your humidifier. 

You can use it at full strength or dilute it with water. If you choose to dilute it, use equal parts vinegar and water.

However, it’s important to note that vinegar can damage some types of humidifiers. 

So be sure to check your owner’s manual before using it to clean your humidifier.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide is another natural disinfectant that is effective at killing mold.

Hydrogen peroxide is made of water and oxygen and is a safe alternative to vinegar. 

Its uses are mostly the same as vinegar. You can use it to clean your humidifier’s tank, base, and wick filter. 

Moreover, it removes mineral deposits. However, like vinegar, it can also damage some types of humidifiers. 

So again, be sure to check your owner’s manual before using it to clean your humidifier.

3. Rubbing Alcohol:

Rubbing alcohol not only disinfects but also evaporates quickly. This makes it a good choice for cleaning the inside of your humidifier tank. 

However, rubbing alcohol is flammable. So it’s important to use caution when using it to clean your humidifier. 

Also, be sure to dilute it with water before using it. A 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water is a good place to start.

4. Bleach:

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant you can use to clean your humidifier. 

It’s also effective at removing mineral deposits. However, bleach is a harsh chemical and can damage your humidifier if used improperly. However, it’s also corrosive.

So it’s important to use caution when using it to clean your humidifier. 

Moreover, you should never use bleach without diluting it first. The general rule of thumb is to use one cup of bleach per gallon of water. 

5. Commercial Humidifier Cleaner:

If you don’t want to use a DIY solution, you can always opt for a commercial humidifier cleaner. 

There are several different brands on the market. And they’re all to clean and disinfect your humidifier. 

However, it’s important to choose a cleaner that is safe for your particular humidifier. 

Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it won’t damage your humidifier.

6. Lemon:

Lemon does wonders for your skin, hair, and home. But did you know that it can also clean your humidifier? 

Lemon is a natural disinfectant and is used in the same way as vinegar. 

You can use it to clean your humidifier’s tank, base, and wick filter. Lemon is also effective at removing odors. 

To use lemon to clean your humidifier, simply cut a lemon in half and rub it on the affected areas. 

Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth.

7. Baking Soda:

Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent used to clean your humidifier. 

It’s effective at removing odors and mineral deposits. 

To use baking soda to clean your humidifier, simply make a paste with water and baking soda. 

Rub the paste on the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean cloth. 

So there you have it, seven different ways to clean your humidifier. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Humidifier?

You should clean your humidifier at least once a week. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean it more often. 

If you live in an area with soft water, you can probably get away with cleaning it every two weeks. 

At the end of the day, it’s important to clean your humidifier as often as needed. 

Not cleaning it can lead to a build-up of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.

And it can produce awful smells that will make your home smell like a swamp. 

So be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to keep it running smoothly. 

Final Thoughts:

Cleaning your humidifier is important to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. 

To clean your humidifier, simply use one of the seven methods listed above. 

And be sure to clean it regularly to keep it in good working condition.