How to Disinfect a Humidifier
Humidifiers are great for fighting dry air, but they can also pump bacteria and germs into the air. They must be cleaned and disinfected every two to three days, or before storing.
The same cleaning rules apply for cool- and warm-mist humidifiers, though the process is a little more labor intensive with hot-water vaporizers.
Disassemble
A humidifier is a great addition to your home — it helps moisturize your skin and ease the irritation of dry respiratory systems. It can also help ease symptoms of allergies and asthma, so it’s important to keep it clean and disinfected every day.
Experts recommend using distilled water in your humidifier, as opposed to tap water, to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits and bacteria. It’s also recommended to dump out and rinse the water tank before refilling each day. This helps to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria inside the humidifier, as well as preventing white dust, which is created when minerals in the water react with the air.
To disassemble your humidifier, start by unplugging it and emptying any remaining water. It’s important to do this each day, as stagnant water can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungus. Once the humidifier is empty, use a clean cloth to wipe down the tank and basin.
Next, pour white vinegar into the base of your humidifier and submerge any small parts that can fit in the container. Let them soak for 30 minutes, and scrub any residue that clings to the surfaces with a soft brush dipped in vinegar. Rinse each part and allow it to dry completely before reassembling your humidifier. For extra protection, you can swap out the vinegar solution for bleach and follow the same steps.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleanser that’s safe to use in many household items. It’s great for scrubbing surfaces, breaking down mineral build-up and eliminating strong odors. It’s also effective for cleaning humidifiers, though a thorough deep-clean requires the additional step of using another disinfectant.
Unplug your humidifier and fill best humidifier for baby the water tank with white vinegar. Swish it around to break down any mineral build-up in the water tank. If you have smaller parts like the nozzle or tank cap, place them in the base container to soak. Let everything sit for 20 minutes before draining.
Scrub down the rest of your humidifier with warm water and a scrub brush or sponge, being careful not to damage any components. For any hard-to-reach areas or corners, a toothbrush coated in a small amount of vinegar can help. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
If you prefer to skip the vinegar, hydrogen peroxide can work just as well. It’s safe for soaking metal filters and will tackle any lingering bacteria, too.
For the best results, clean your humidifier every day to prevent any bacteria or mold from growing and making you sick. Once you have a good routine down, cleaning should only take an hour or two. Leah Groth writes about consumer products, travel and pets for Reader’s Digest. She’s also a freelance writer and home improvement blogger for various websites.
Bleach
A humidifier is an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria, especially if it doesn’t get used often. Simple cleaning with white vinegar might be enough to keep it clean, but sometimes you need a stronger disinfectant. Bleach works well to kill bacteria and other germs so your humidifier isn’t blowing out dirty, harmful spores. Before you use bleach, however, be sure to unplug the unit from the power source and dump out any water. Working with electricity and water is dangerous, so never try to clean a humidifier while it’s still connected to the outlet.
Use a solution of one teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water to thoroughly clean the best humidifier for baby inside of your humidifier. Be sure to clean every part of the unit, including the tank. After sanitizing, rinse and let it dry completely before you reassemble the humidifier and turn it on.
If you’d prefer to avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective alternative. Pour a few cups of the standard 3% solution into your humidifier’s tank and allow it to sit for about an hour. After the tank has sat, empty and rinse it out. Repeat as needed to keep your humidifier free of germs and mold. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area because breathing the bleach mixture into your lungs can irritate your lungs and cause other health problems.
Distilled Water
Humidifiers are an ideal place for mold to grow, as they’re often dark and damp, have little air flow and are filled with stagnant water. When this yucky microorganism gets into your breathing air, it can cause serious health problems, including asthma, respiratory infections and allergies. You can get rid of these spores by using disinfectant and cleaning the humidifier regularly.
Before you start cleaning, make sure you unplug your humidifier and remove the water tank and any detachable parts, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also empty the remaining water in the tank. This will help prevent diluted cleaning solution from damaging the humidifier and prevent any water leakage during the disassembly process.
Once you’ve removed all the parts, use a soft-bristle brush and distilled water to scrub away any mineral deposits on the base. Rinse the humidifier thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before reassembling it. Alternatively, you can use hydrogen peroxide to sanitize the inside of your humidifier and cut through any stubborn stains or scale buildup.
When you’re ready to refill your humidifier, choose distilled water. This type of water has a lower mineral content than regular tap water, which will help reduce scale and the growth of bacteria and mold. It will also make your humidifier less likely to expel white dust into your home and is easy on the skin.
