You Need to Clean Your Humidifier HOW Often? An Expert Explains What You Need to Know
If you’re often waking up with chapped lips, dry skin, or a sore throat like you're constantly besieged by allergies, chances are, the air in your house is dry. Some homes tend to be drier than others — it often depends on the climate of where you live, how your home is heated, and how well it is insulated.
The best way to quell the discomfort that comes with living in a dry house is to get a humidifier. They're used to add moisture to the air, which can help your body lock in hydration. As helpful as these devices can be, it's important to know how to clean a humidifier, so you're not potentially adding harmful particulates into the air.
How do humidifiers work?
As the name suggests, humidifiers raise the humidity level of a dry atmosphere. According to Sleepopolis, humidifiers work by using a fan to push air through a wet filter. This creates water vapor, which is then dispersed throughout the room.
As a result of using a humidifier in a room where you spend a lot of time (like your bedroom), you may experience less skin dryness and overall discomfort. However, if you run your humidifier every night, make sure you're cleaning it regularly — at least once a week, according to most manufacturers. Without routine maintenance, your humidifier can easily turn into a “cesspool of bacteria and mold,” according to Wirecutter.
To understand how to clean a humidifier the right way, we talked to Liz Halvorsen of the home organizing company Mess to Bliss. Here are the most important tips to know about how to keep these devices in tip-top shape.
How to clean a humidifier
Use the right cleaning products
You don't want to be using any all-purpose cleaners or soapy substances to clean your humidifier. Instead, Halvorsen recommends using a 50/50 blend of vinegar and distilled water.
“This helps limit the amount of mineral buildup in the tank,” she explains.
According to Good Housekeeping, you can also clean your humidifier with distilled liquid chlorine bleach if it has a lot of stubborn grime. Just make sure you aren't using bleach and vinegar at the same time, because that combination can produce toxic fumes.
Take it apart and scrub each piece
After you've grabbed your cleaning products, take apart the humidifier completely, separating the base, tank, and cap. Then, pour the vinegar or bleach into the base and cap, and let it sit for up to 20 minutes.
While the humidifier is disassembled, scrub each piece of the unit to get into its nooks and crannies.
“Use a small toothbrush or Q-tip to clean small areas where mildew can build up,” says Halvorsen.
Replace the filter frequently
Because humidifiers push air through a filter, the filters are generally the first part to get moldy. As soon as this happens, the vapor that comes out could be contaminated.
Even though each humidifier model is a little different, Halvorsen says it’s crucial to regularly replace the filter — if that’s an option. That way, you’ll keep the device (and the vapor it emits) as clean as possible.
Let it dry before storing away
When you’re done cleaning your humidifier, you could fill it back up with water to start using again right away. However, if it's the end of the season and you're planning to store your humidifier for a few months, don't rush to put it away.
“Let the humidifier air dry completely before storing it,” Halvorsen says. Once everything is dry, you’ll want to store it in a dry space, too. Avoid leaving it in a damp part of the basement or anywhere near the shower where mold is likely to grow.
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