Here’s how to clean your humidifier to keep the air in your home free from bacteria and mold.
Your humidifier can be helpful for keeping your home moist and cozy during cooler winter months.
However, a dirty humidifier can aerosolize bacteria or mold and then mist it into the air you breathe.
Photo: Getty Images / Axel Bueckert / Roman Kulinskiy
What Makes a Humidifier Dirty?
A humidifier can get dirty quickly, especially if you fill your humidifier with tap water.
Plus, living in a home with a dirty humidifier can make you sick.
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Plus, it can reduce your humidifier’s lifespan.
So, be sure to clean your humidifier regularly for better overall health.
After reading the manual, unplug the humidifier from the wall and disassemble, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Remove and empty the water tank and any other parts indicated in your manual.
Vinegar and Water
Donovan says to prepare a cleaning solution with vinegar and water.
If they do not fit in the base, immerse them in a bowl of vinegar instead.
Then rinse everything off with tap water and reassemble your humidifier.
Afterward, rinse all the parts with water.
If the residue or odors aren’t completely removed, gently scrub everything with a soft-bristled brush.
Leave the air filter out to dry naturally once you’re done rinsing it.
Lastly, reassemble the humidifier and piece it back together once all of the components are fully dry.
Before each use, you should also rinse out the basin and replace the water.
“This will lower the chance of mold and mildew building up,” Donovan says.
He recommends opting for distilled water, since it has a lower mineral content.
These minerals can also promote a breeding ground for bacteria," he says.
You should also clean and drain your humidifier for storage during seasons when it’s not in use.
