Humidifiers can do wonders for dry skin, allergies, and asthma. However, daily and weekly cleaning should be done, from the water tank to the filter. Proper maintenance and cleaning assure that the humidifier isn’t causing more harm than good and prolongs the life of the humidifier.
Humidifier Problems and Dangers
Regularly cleaning your humidifier protects you from preventable health issues. In some cases, not cleaning the humidifier can actually cause the symptoms you’re trying to prevent.
A humidifier’s water tank offers the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. It’s dark and wet with little barriers to infestation. Cool-mist humidifiers, in particular, are susceptible because they don’t have the heat used in a warm-mist humidifier to kill off at least some of the invaders. However, even a warm-mist humidifier can create a breeding ground for trouble if the water is left standing. Old water breeds the kinds of organisms that, once airborne, cause stuffiness, fatigue, post-nasal drip, and other flu-like symptoms.
Bacteria, mold, and mildew aren’t the only problems associated with a dirty humidifier. Tap water can lead to mineral deposits that clog the humidifier, reducing its effectiveness. Even though it’s running, it may not be helping as much as you hope simply because the deposits get in the way.
Humidifier Cleaning Materials and Where to Start
Thankfully, most of the materials you need to keep your humidifier clean are already in your cleaning closet. We’ve included materials and instructions for cleaning a humidifier daily, weekly, and monthly (or longer).
| Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
| Microfiber cloth | Distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide Small, soft-bristle brush (toothbrush or dishwashing brush) | Liquid bleach |
How to Clean a Humidifier
Different types of humidifiers may have slightly different cleaning needs. For example, different parts may be exposed to water in one model than in another. Read through the owner’s manual to make sure you disassemble (and reassemble) the humidifier correctly. This will ensure that you gain access to all of the components.
Daily cleaning:
- Turn off the humidifier, and unplug it.
- Empty the basin and tank to remove any stagnant water.
- Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the inside of the tank and basin.
- Wipe the exterior, including the vents.
- Refill the humidifier with clean distilled water.
A note: Distilled water goes through a special process that removes impurities from the water that cause scale/mineral deposits.
Weekly cleaning:
- Turn off the humidifier, unplug it, and disassemble it according to the owner’s manual.
- Add one to two cups of white vinegar to the tank (some instruction manuals may recommend diluting the vinegar or using diluted hydrogen peroxide). Tilt and move the tank so that the solution touches every part of the tank’s interior.
- Place the tank back on the base and let the vinegar seep into the base to dissolve any mineral deposits.
- Let the humidifier stand with the cleaning solution in it for 15 to 30 minutes.
- While you’re waiting, wipe down the small parts like the tank cap and vents. You can use a microfiber cloth moistened with water or undiluted white vinegar.
- Rinse everything, the tank, base, and any small parts with water to remove the solution.
- Completely dry the interior and exterior of the tank.
- If you’re using the humidifier again immediately, refill the humidifier with clean distilled water.
A note: If you have a humidifier with a wick filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the filter. However, keep in mind that you can tear it or strip away some of its surface treatments during cleaning. In some cases, it’s better to replace the filter than try to clean it.
Monthly cleaning:
Follow all of the steps in the weekly cleaning instructions, but use a solution that consists of one gallon of water with a teaspoon of bleach. Let the solution soak in the tank for 15 to 30 minutes. Be sure to rinse everything in fresh water and completely dry it before refilling the tank with distilled water.
A word of caution: The manufacturer’s instructions for some machines explicitly state not to use bleach. If that’s the case, follow the instruction manual as there may be components that are susceptible to damage if exposed to bleach.
You should also completely disinfect the humidifier with bleach if you’re going to put it in storage. Also, be sure that it’s completely dry before boxing it up.
FAQs
How often should I clean my humidifier?
You should follow a regular cleaning schedule that includes a daily wipe down, weekly cleaning with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and a monthly disinfecting with bleach. Regular, consistent cleaning prevents the humidifier from reducing the indoor air quality with bacteria or mold.
If you don’t use the humidifier on a daily basis, you should disinfect it with bleach before placing it in storage.
Can I leave water in the tank when I’m not using the humidifier?
No, you should empty and dry out the humidifier if you aren’t going to use it for a few days. Standing water breeds organisms that end up in the water vapor expelled from the humidifier. Cold mist humidifiers present more of a problem than warm mist humidifiers, only because the heat from a warm-mist humidifier kills some bacteria, viruses, and mold.
How often do I need to replace the filter?
The filter life depends on the humidifier type, design, and how often the humidifier is used. With daily use, most filters last about three months. Some wick filters can be cleaned by soaking them in water. However, if you’re preparing the humidifier for storage, replace the filter. That way, when you open it again, it will be ready for use straight out of the box.
A Final Note
The best humidifiers get regular maintenance to keep them running at peak efficiency. Thorough cleanings keep mineral buildup, mold growth, and other dangerous contaminants in check. Cleaning the humidifier also makes sure that the humidifier is helping respiratory problems rather than contributing to them.
