Cool mist humidifiers can be a blessing during the dry winter months. They prevent skin and hair from drying out on heating, they can prevent the occurrence of viruses in the air and facilitate the inhalation of indoor air. But do you know how often they need to be cleaned?
Most manufacturers recommend disinfecting your humidifier at least once a week. Hand over the cleaning and the dirty filter of your humidifier could instead pump mold and bacteria into the air! But do not worry. The process is much easier than you think, especially if you follow a constant schedule. Let us guide you!
How to clean your humidifier thoroughly
What you need
- Your humidifier
- White distilled vinegar
- Water from the tap
- A bottle brush or a toothbrush
- Essential Tea Tree Oil (optional)
Step 1: Disarm
First empty the remaining water in the tank, then disassemble the humidifier and lay the parts in front of you (including the filter if your model has one). You will quickly see which parts should be cleaned.
Tip: If you have your manual at hand, remove it. You probably have instructions on how to properly disassemble the humidifier for cleaning.
Step 2: disinfect with vinegar
White distilled vinegar is a natural, inexpensive disinfectant, no bleach is needed! Pour the vinegar into the water tank and into the base. Soak for 25-30 minutes. During soaking, rinse the filter (if your model has one) with cold water and allow it to air dry with a towel.
Tip: If you have removable internal parts, place them in a vinegar container to remove mineral deposits and mold.
Step 3: Clean the brush
Use your bottle brush or toothbrush to clean the visible deposits on the base, water tank and internal parts. This should be a quick job as the vinegar has already cleared the dirt.
Tip: Your humidifier may have its own cleaning brush. Check if you have it somewhere.
Step 4: Rinse and air dry
Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, rinse all the vinegar out of the water tank, the base and the inside parts with tap water (or a mixture of water and tea tree oil) until the odor has disappeared. When done, lay all pieces on a towel to allow to air dry completely.
Tip: You will know that vinegar works when it is shiny. It does not work? Change the vinegar once or twice during the soaking period and remove stubborn stains with a sharp object.
Terms of Use
- Empty and fill the water tank every day you use it
- Always fill with clean and filtered water to avoid accumulation of mineral deposits
- Clean and disinfect your humidifier at least once a week
