How to Clean a Humidifier? – The ideal humidity level in your home should be between 30% and 50%. Having the right humidity levels in your home can protect against bloody noses, dry throat, and dry skin. But is there a proper way to use and maintain a humidifier for optimal benefits?

Learning how to clean a humidifier will stop the growth of mold and bacteria. Without proper care, these problems can harm your health. Read on to learn how to care for and clean your humidifier.

What is a Humidifier?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your house when it is dry. Having a humidifier will prevent dry, irritated skin along with a dry nose and throat. It can also protect those prone to nosebleeds and cracked lips.

Humidifiers have an impact on your overall health, too. Many common winter illnesses worsen with too much dry air in the house. Adding moisture to the air gives your body extra protection against these illnesses.

How Often Should I Clean My Humidifier?

It may seem like you don’t need to, but you should clean your humidifier weekly. It will prevent mold and bacteria from growing and releasing into the air when you run it. If a member of your household has respiratory problems, you should clean it even more often.

There are things you can do daily to prevent the growth of mold in your humidifier. Each day, rinse the tank of your humidifier. Wipe it dry with a towel and replace the water with fresh water.

What You’ll Need For a Deep Clean

The items needed for deep cleaning a humidifier are ones you already have around your house. They are inexpensive and easy to find if you don’t already have them.

You will need:

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • A small cleaning brush or cotton swab
  • Water
  • Clean towel

How To Clean a Humidifier: Simple Steps

Start by removing the tank and putting a cup of white vinegar into the well. Use your small scrubbing tool to remove any scale or buildup in the well. Rinse until all the vinegar is gone and dry with a towel.

Next, you will add a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar to the tank and let it sit for 20 minutes. Shake the liquid around a few times, so you get every part of the tank. Pour the vinegar solution out, rinse until the vinegar is gone, and dry with a towel.

Regular Humidifier Maintenance

When you are not using your humidifier, do not let water sit in the tank in storage. Dry out the humidifier with a towel before storing it away for the season.

The filter will also need replacing as a part of maintenance. Mold can grow on the filter as well, so change it often. It should be changed every 1-2 months with a filter like Aprilaire Discount Filters.

Protect The Air You Breathe

Knowing how to clean a humidifier can make the air in your home fresher and healthier to breathe. It helps reduce the dryness that comes in the colder months. It also protects you and your family from illness.

We hope you found these tips helpful and are ready to clean your humidifier like a pro! If you liked this article, you can find more like it in the lifestyle section of our website.