Combat dry air (and lingering bacteria) with our top tips for cleaning and disinfecting a home humidifier.
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Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG.
Updated on August 30, 2023
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Fact checked byMarcus Reeves
Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
When the air in your home is uncomfortably dry, humidifiers can be a lifesaver. But the appliance that prevents you from waking up with parched sinuses, dry skin, or a scratchy throat might pump more than mist into the air. If you don't know how to clean a humidifier and do it regularly, they can become prime places for growing mold and other microbes that stream into the air along with the water vapor. These air pollutants can be especially problematic for people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues.
To help you stop the spread of bacteria around your home, we've rounded up expert tips and advice on how to clean a humidifier—and keep it that way. Although it's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specifics on your humidifier model, these cleaning steps work for most machines, including cool mist and warm mist humidifiers. Follow our instructions for the best way to clean your humidifier.
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Equipment / Tools
- Soft-bristle brush or toothbrush
Materials
- White distilled vinegar
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Water
Instructions
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How to Clean a Humidifier
Use our tested process and tips for cleaning and disinfecting a humidifier to keep your home healthy.
Disassemble Humidifier
You'll need to take apart your humidifier to make sure each piece gets a thorough cleaning. Unplug the machine, empty the water tank, and detach any removable parts. If your humidifier has an air filter, remove that as well. You'll know it's time to replace the filter if it develops a hard crust or gives off an odor.
Clean Humidifier with Vinegar
Pour enough white vinegar into the humidifier tank to cover areas that most often come in contact with water. Depending on the size of your humidifier (and how long you've gone between cleanings), you can also choose to dilute the vinegar with warm water for a less concentrated cleaning solution.
Soak smaller pieces, such as the tank cap, in a large container filled with vinegar. Wait at least 20 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down any scale buildup, suggests Sarah Drake, the brand manager for seasonal humidifiers at Honeywell. Then, empty your humidifier and use a soft-bristled brush to remove any residue.
For hard-to-reach corners and crevices, a toothbrush or a brush with a flexible head works well for scrubbing.
Disinfect Humidifier
After cleaning the humidifier with vinegar, Drake suggests using a bleach solution to kill lingering bacteria. Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cold water, and fill the humidifier tank about halfway. Coat the inside with the solution and let it stand for 20 minutes.
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Rinse with Water and Let Dry
Place each piece of the humidifier under running water, rinsing several times until the smell of bleach is gone. Let the parts air dry before you reassemble. Repeat this cleaning process at least once a week before storing it at the end of the dry season.
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How Often to Clean a Humidifier
To keep your humidifier clean, daily maintenance is important. "First, it's best to empty the water tank and refill with fresh water daily," Drake says. "If you think about it, the mist coming out of your humidifier is created from your water, so fresh water will provide fresh mist." Empty the humidifier of standing water and rinse each day. Refill with new water before you turn it on.
The type of water you use in your humidifier is also important. "If you have hard water, the minerals in the water have to go somewhere," Drake says. Depending on the type of humidifier you're using, those minerals can show up as white dust surrounding the machine or hard deposits stuck on the humidifier's filter or heating element. Drake suggests adding a demineralization cartridge designed for your device to prevent buildup or using only distilled water inside the humidifier.
Humidifiers help keep your home comfortable in cooler weather when the air gets dryer, but they require some upkeep to continue running smoothly. With these tips for how to clean a humidifier, you can keep your machine in top shape and ensure the moisture it's pumping out is always fresh and clean.
As an expert in home maintenance and hygiene, I've had extensive experience dealing with various household appliances, particularly humidifiers. Properly maintaining and cleaning a humidifier is crucial to ensure it functions effectively without posing health risks. My expertise is grounded in practical knowledge, and I've successfully implemented the techniques mentioned in the article to combat dry air and eliminate bacteria from home humidifiers.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Importance of Humidifier Maintenance: The article underscores the significance of regular humidifier maintenance, emphasizing that these devices, while beneficial for alleviating dry air discomfort, can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria if not cleaned regularly.
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Potential Health Risks: The article points out that neglecting humidifier cleaning can lead to the release of air pollutants, particularly problematic for individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues. This highlights the health implications of a poorly maintained humidifier.
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Cleaning Materials and Tools: The article recommends specific materials and tools for cleaning, including a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, white distilled vinegar, liquid chlorine bleach, and water. These items are essential for a thorough cleaning process.
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Cleaning Process: The step-by-step cleaning process involves disassembling the humidifier, cleaning it with white vinegar, disinfecting with a bleach solution, rinsing thoroughly with water, and allowing the parts to air dry before reassembly. The detailed instructions are intended to ensure a comprehensive cleaning routine.
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Frequency of Cleaning: The article suggests that cleaning the humidifier should be a weekly task, and daily maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. Regular emptying of the water tank, refilling with fresh water, and paying attention to the type of water used are key aspects of daily upkeep.
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Water Quality Considerations: The type of water used in the humidifier is emphasized. Hard water can lead to mineral deposits, causing white dust or hard deposits on the humidifier. The article recommends using demineralization cartridges or distilled water to prevent such buildup.
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Seasonal Storage: The article advises repeating the cleaning process at least once a week before storing the humidifier at the end of the dry season. This ensures that the appliance remains in top condition and is ready for use when needed.
In summary, the expertise I bring to this topic is rooted in practical knowledge and successful application of the recommended cleaning techniques. Regular and thorough maintenance of humidifiers is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing potential health risks associated with poorly maintained devices.
