How to Maintain and Clean Your Humidifier

Extreme changes in temperature can wreak havoc to your health. This is especially true during winter season because of air dryness that can precipitate different ailments. The use of humidifiers have become a necessity for many homes especially in locations that experience extended dry spells. Just like any other appliance, the humidifier needs basic maintenance as well as disinfection to ensure that it perform at its peak. Humidifiers have become very popular because of its extensive uses and health benefits in homes and office spaces because of its health and aesthetic benefits. This is also more cost-effective than purchasing heaters during winter.

It is important to clean your humidifier in order to prevent spreading illnesses inside the home. If you do not regularly clean, replace the water, and disinfect your humidifier, you could run the risk of inhaling bad or polluted water. Long-term exposure to contaminated air can cause respiratory infections. Cleaning your humidifier is easy and would need basic household cleaning materials like gloves, bleach or hydrogen peroxide, water, brush, and towels.

Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to maintain and clean your humidifier:

• Disassemble the humidifier and completely empty out the water tank.
• Pour ample amount of vinegar into the base of the humidifier that covers water content. Pour vinegar into a basin to soak the smaller parts of the humidifier. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then brush everything thoroughly especially in hard-to-reach areas of the humidifier.
• Prepare a bleaching solution composed of 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Fill the tank halfway and stir to thoroughly coat and disinfect the entire tank. Soak the smaller parts as well.
• Rinse the tank thoroughly by shaking everything to remove cleanser suds and aroma. Rinse the smaller parts of the humidifier. Make sure to towel-dry everything to avoid trapped moisture in the equipment and to get rid of the bleaching agent scent. This will help prevent the formation of molds and other residue.
• Air-dry the tank and the smaller parts of the humidifier. Place the small parts on top of clean towels and let dry.
• Reassemble the humidifier. You should also consider replacing the air filter. Proceed to fill the humidifier tank with clean mineral-free water and plug it in to continue usage.

You need to maintain the cleanliness of your humidifier and make sure to disinfect it thoroughly as often as necessary. Clean it at least once a week and empty out water after every use. To avoid mold, make sure that you clean and drain your humidifier. Make sure to use distilled water and not mineral water that can leave mineral residue which is very hard to clean and also trigger bacterial growth that is harmful to the health of everyone exposed to the humidifier. Set a schedule for cleaning and disinfecting your humidifier and stick with it.

Cleaning your humidifier helps in keeping it working optimally for many years to come while maintaining the safety and overall health of your family at home.

It is important to realize that not all humidifier require a lot of maintenance. To figure out which humidifier might be best for you and your budget, check out our best rated humidifier reviews.