According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a decent humidifier offers a number of health benefits, including more hydrated skin, assistance in warding off allergies, and even protection against dry lips and mouth. It’s particularly crucial for your health to know how to maintain the humidifier’s cleanliness and condition if you use it frequently. Regular cleaning will prevent the humidifier from developing mold and posing health hazards down the road.
I asked cleaning professionals for advice and product recommendations in order to determine the best technique to clean a humidifier and some purchasing tips.
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Why do humidifiers need to be cleaned?
A humidifier’s interior is prone to residue growth because it contains stagnant water with fluctuating temperatures and inadequate airflow. According to Melissa Maker, author and founder of the cleaning website Clean My Space, the main problems with humidifiers are mineral buildup, possible bacterial and mold growth, and the accumulation of a slimy film in the reservoir. You can pump all of it into the air you breathe. Additionally, depending on the type—such as ultrasonic, steam, evaporative, or impeller—how you clean your humidifier may vary; we go into more detail about these in our list of the top humidifiers.
Additionally, according to Delah Gomasi, creator of Maid For You, it’s critical to clean your humidifier so that you can truly benefit from utilizing it. According to him, one of the things that impairs its functionality is scale (mineral deposit) accumulation, which clogs almost every part of the machine, from the filter and internal crevices to the misting plate and water reservoir. In other words, there is no humidification occurring when scale accumulation inhibits misting.
How to clean a humidifier
Tips for cleaning different types of humidifiers
Given that different humidifiers produce different types of mists (such as warm and cool mists), some of them require cleaning while others do not. Additionally, certain humidifiers need new filters.
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Evaporative humidifiers:
These types of humidifiers have an internal filter, such as a wick filter (mesh-like filter that resembles a sponge). If your humidifier s filter is reusable and relatively new, you can clean it by soaking it in vinegar and water for 30 minutes. Then, use a nylon bristle brush to scrub off any residue. Let dry before replacing. If your humidifier has a wick filter, it s best to replace it with a new one, such as theDurabasics Premium Humidifier Filter
, and buy multi-packs of them.
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Ultrasonic/impeller humidifiers:
An ultrasonic humidifier, which doesn t have a filter, uses ultrasonic vibrations to release water into the air. Maker recommends focusing on descaling the inside, especially if you use hard unfiltered water with a lot of mineral deposits for your humidifier. TheDurgol Universal Multipurpose Descaler
can help remove any scaling in your humidifier.
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Steam vaporizers:
This is a type of warm-mist humidifier that uses heat to create steam. Remove the water tank and use warm soapy water and/or a vinegar soak to clean it.
Related
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air here s what to do about it
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The best products for cleaning a humidifier
Homexcel Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 12 Pack
$7.99
$9.99
Amazon
Essential Oxygen Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
$7.99
$11.29.
Amazon
Durabasics 4 Pack of Premium Humidifier Filters
$29.99
Amazon
Durgol Universal Multipurpose Descaler
$15.95
$16.95
Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Robin Murphy, president of cleaning company Maid Brigade, if a humidifier is used frequently, it should be cleaned at least once a week. This lessens the accumulation of bacteria, mold, and minerals that can degrade your home’s air quality and the humidifier’s effectiveness. Murphy thinks it’s okay to clean a humidifier once a month if you only use it occasionally, like when you’re sick. However, it’s crucial to empty the tank after every use and let the components dry before using it again.
As Murphy previously stated, mold and bacteria can form in a humidifier if it is not cleaned. This is the result of moisture and standing water in a container with inadequate ventilation. The humidifier should only be filled with water when you are actively using it; otherwise, leave it empty when not in use.
Although bleach works well to remove mold and germs, Murphy advises against using bleach or cleaning solutions containing bleach to clean a humidifier unless done carefully. This is because, given that the machine is releasing moisture into the air, the lingering odor may irritate the respiratory system and eyes. If you decide to use bleach, dilute it with a little water and repeat the process with white vinegar, making sure to rinse well afterward.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Melissa Maker
is the founder of cleaning siteClean My Space
and the author of
Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster, and Loving Your Home Every Day
.
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Robin Murphy
is the president of the professional cleaning services companyMaid Brigade
, based in Westchester, NY.
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Delah Gomasi
is the founder of cleaning companyMaid For You
.
Why trust NBC Select?
As an NBC Select acommerce editor, I frequently write on appliances and cleaning-related subjects. I’ve written about the best carpet cleaners, steam mops, and dishwasher detergents. Additionally, I have published instructions on how to clean coffee makers, garbage disposals, and grout. In order to write this tale, I sought advice from two cleaning specialists.
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