How To Clean A Humidifier To Prevent Mold And Bacteria Growth
Cleaning your humidifier regularly keeps bacteria, mold, and minerals from building up inside, so you always have a safe and clean mist circulating throughout the room. 'Regular cleaning also extends the life of your humidifier to keep it running smoothly and effectively without any germs clogging up the unit,' explains Jennifer Lynch, a content manager at Pure Enrichment.
Another issue that can occur with humidifiers is the water that passes through them. The water and air that passes through your humidifier is not always clean, according to Lucas Lappe, co-founder of Canopy and head of product development. 'The minerals in water and the dust/mold in the air can build up and cause havoc inside your humidifier,' he explains. This is why it's important to regularly clean out your humidifier.
Some humidifiers, like the Canopy humidifiers, all come with something called a Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA) technology, which works to keep air running through the units at all times. 'This eliminates remnant water inside that can lead to buildup and mold growth,' says Lappe.
Both Lynch and Lappe do not recommend using any harsh or abrasive chemicals, like bleach or hydrogen peroxide, to clean out your humidifier. 'These can damage your device, but more importantly, create unsafe conditions with the dissemination of particulates into the air you breathe,' warns Lappe.
Before you begin the process of cleaning out your humidifier, you want to make sure that it's unplugged. 'Do not submerge the humidifier into water when cleaning,' explains Lynch. 'Always rinse well and let the unit dry completely before reassembling and plugging back in.' If you find a buildup of mold in your device, you may want to wear a mask while cleaning it so you don't breathe in any spores, suggests Lappe.
Another thing to note is that some humidifiers don't need as much rigorous cleaning as others. For example, Canopy humidifiers need less cleaning thanks to the special SPA technology and dishwasher-safe parts. Make sure to always check the manufacturer's directions for cleaning before you begin.
White vinegar
Water
Soft cloth or sponge
Bottle-cleaning brush
Toothbrush or small brush
Unplug the humidifier.
Disassemble the humidifier. Refer to your humidifier's manual for specific instructions on disassembly. Most models allow you to remove the water tank, base, mist nozzle, and filter (if applicable).
Pour excess water out of the base of the unit.
Clean the washable components. Fill the base of the humidifier with the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 30 minutes. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier with a mist nozzle and any other removable parts, Lappe suggests soaking them in a bowl filled with the vinegar solution for at least 30 minutes. Use the soft cloth or old toothbrush (for tighter spaces) to gently scrub any mineral deposits or residue.
Empty the vinegar solution from all the components. Rinse all the parts thoroughly with clean water until the vinegar smell disappears.
Leave all the parts of the humidifier to air dry completely before reassembling. This can take several hours. Never reassemble the unit if any parts are still wet, as this can promote mold growth.
Once everything is dry, reassemble your humidifier.
Unplug humidifier.
Pour excess water out of the base of the unit.
Create a mixture of half white vinegar and half water.
Wash out the base of the unit with the solution using a cleaning brush or soft cloth.
Empty the water tank.
Remove the mist nozzle and clean the mist tube with the solution and a bottle-cleaning brush.
Wipe the surface of the unit with a soft, damp cloth. If you notice an accumulation of water during usage, reduce humidity and dry the outer surface with a cloth.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your humidifier weekly to ensure no risk of mold growth or mineral buildup. 'With Canopy, we recommend refreshing the main parts every time you change the filter (which is about once per 4-6 weeks),' says Lappe.
Can I use soap to clean my humidifier?
According to Lappe, you can use soap to clean the surfaces of a humidifier, but it may not be as effective against mineral buildup.
Can I use essential oils in my humidifier?
Lynch does not recommend using essential oils in your humidifier, but Lappe says that some humidifiers can handle essential oils. 'This will really depend on the manufacturer and type of humidifier you have,' he explains. 'We recommend consulting the manufacturer to ensure it's safe and compatible—some essential oils may damage or disrupt the mechanisms inside the humidifier used for humidification.'
How do I remove mineral deposits from my humidifier?
To descale, or reduce mineral build-up from the water used in your humidifier, Lynch suggests purchasing an accompanying decalcification cartridge filter that is compatible with your humidifier. 'It will regularly provide mineral clean-up without the extra work,' she says. 'Otherwise, you can follow the same general cleaning steps provided for keeping bacteria out of your humidifier.'
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