Whether you have an old humidifier or a brand-new one, it’s crucial to know how to clean it regularly to stop bacteria from spreading throughout your house. (Airborne bacteria is the last thing you need if you’re trying to stay ahead of the game during the cold and flu season!) To start breathing a little easier, we chatted with a humidifier specialist who showed us how to clean a humidifier with vinegar.
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How Often to Clean a Humidifier
Every three days, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises cleaning a humidifier. You can, however, clean your humidifier once a week provided you adhere to routine maintenance guidelines. Cleaning it more often is advised if it is used regularly or if anyone in the house has serious allergies or respiratory problems.
Considerations Before You Get Started
Refer to the humidifier’s manufacturer’s directions before cleaning. Since every model is different, some processes or tools could be needed.
As simple as it may sound, purchasing an easy-to-clean humidifier is a certain method to make cleaning it a breeze. It is possible to clean a humidifier with a large tank opening without using a lot of brushes or tools. To make it simple to empty, wipe, and refill the tank with clean, fresh water, make sure your entire hand fits within.
How To Clean a Humidifier With Vinegar
Over time, the walls of the humidifier will accumulate scale, or mineral accumulation, if you fill the tank with tap water. For a cleaner humidifier, learn how to remove scale from the machine.
Get Ready to Clean
Turn off and unplug the device. Before cleaning the humidifier, always do this.
Fill the Tank with Vinegar
Pour around two cups of pure white vinegar into the water container, then pour the contents out into the reservoir. Many humidifiers can be described by filling the water tank with white vinegar, letting it sit on the base for 20 minutes, and then rinsing it with fresh water. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Scrub Surfaces and Crevices
Depending on the model of humidifier you have, cleaning every region can require disassembling some parts.
- Wipe all surfaces with a towel dampened with the white vinegar.
- Use a toothbrush and undiluted vinegar to remove scale from hard-to-reach areas.
- Remove any nozzles or spouts from the water tank and immerse them in a vinegar and water solution.
Disinfect and Rinse
Next, use a small amount of bleach to disinfect the machine.
- Before adding bleach, make sure the tank is clear of any remaining vinegar.
- One gallon of water and one teaspoon of bleach should be mixed, then left in the tank for twenty minutes.
- Rinse the machine and every component in hot water until the scent of bleach disappears.
After drying, reassemble
Place each humidifier component on a fresh cloth and let it air dry. Before restoring the tank, base, nozzle, and other components, make sure they are completely dry. Then, before using your just-cleaned humidifier, put the parts back together.
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