When you’re struggling with a respiratory illness, breathing clean air is crucial. A humidifier moistens the air, making it easier for you to breathe when you’re dealing with a cold or the flu.
However, it’s easy to overlook cleaning this important machine. Unfortunately, a dirty humidifier could be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and mildew.
When you operate a dirty humidifier, you could be inadvertently spreading mold and mildew spores through the air. When this happens, you and your family members may breathe in these harmful particles and develop new symptoms.
How Often to Clean Your Humidifier
When you’re sick, you likely run your humidifier almost around the clock for days on end. During these high-use periods, your machine needs frequent attention.
In fact, the EPA suggests cleaning the machine every three days. In addition, more in-depth cleaning is necessary on a weekly or monthly basis. Always clean and dry the humidifier before storing it away.
How to Clean Your Humidifier
The cleaning instructions for humidifiers vary, so check your manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning method. If it is safe to clean your humidifier with vinegar, you need to first turn the machine off and unplug it from the wall.
Then, add two cups of pure vinegar into the water reservoir. Allow the vinegar to sit for at least 20 minutes so that it can work effectively on bacteria, mineral buildup and more. After 20 minutes, pour the vinegar out. Rinse the reservoir with fresh water to remove the remaining vinegar.
If your humidifier has small crevices or parts that can be removed, more cleaning is required. Disassemble the parts. Then, dip a clean toothbrush or cloth into undiluted vinegar. Use this to wipe down the remaining parts and crevices. Remember to rinse these parts off before reassembling the humidifier.
How to Disinfect Your Humidifier
Periodically, your humidifier may require a deeper level of clean. Both bleach and hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect it.
Bleach
Vinegar and bleach cannot be mixed together.
Before cleaning the humidifier with bleach, ensure that the vinegar has been completely rinsed away. Prepare a solution with a teaspoon of bleach and a gallon of water. Pour this into the tank. After 20 minutes have passed, pour the bleach water out, and rinse the reservoir thoroughly.
Hydrogen Peroxide
An alternative is to clean your humidifier using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Make a solution with four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide, and pour this into the reservoir. The solution should sit in the tank for at least 30 minutes before you empty the tank and rinse it out.
Tips for Keeping Your Humidifier Clean
To prevent bacterial, mold and mildew growth in your humidifier, always empty it and allow it to dry thoroughly after each use. Do not let water stand in the tank.
In addition, replace the water daily when it is in use. If you have hard water, consider using distilled water to prevent a scaly buildup in the tank. Unless the humidifier is designed for use with other liquids, only use fresh water in it.
You should also replace your humidifier’s filter every few months.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a humidifier?
Unless your humidifier is visibly dirty with mold or smells bad, cleaning it with vinegar is usually sufficient and easy. Simply unplug the humidifier and add two cups of undiluted vinegar into the tank instead of water. After 20 minutes, empty the tank, and rinse it with clean water.
Here’s a simple guide to cleaning your humidifier with vinegar:
How do I remove the buildup from my humidifier?
If your humidifier has a buildup of mineral residue from hard water, cleaning it with vinegar is the best option. You may need to scrub it with a toothbrush or cloth to remove stubborn buildup. To prevent future buildup, use filtered water rather than tap water.
How do I keep mold out of my humidifier?
After you’ve removed mold using bleach or hydrogen peroxide, you understandably want to prevent it from returning. When your humidifier is not in use, allow it to dry completely. In addition, replace the water daily when it is in use. Every few days, clean it with vinegar to prevent mold growth.
Can I clean my humidifier with dish soap?
Dish soap is safe to use in a humidifier. However, it will not strip away hard water buildup or eliminate mold, mildew or bacterial growth. For thorough, regular cleaning, you can combine a few drops of dish soap with undiluted vinegar to clean the reservoir.
Mold and mildew can grow in any dark, moist area of your home, and they can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Staying on top of your cleaning chores in the laundry room, bathrooms, kitchen and other areas is essential to maintaining a healthy living environment.
Tidyhere is your trusted source for professional house cleaning in Boston. Contact us today to book your first cleaning service.
