It’s important to add moisture to your home when you have a cold, but remember to clean your humidifier. After all, a humidifier that spreads moldy air isn’t good for your health.
Unplug and Empty Humidifier
Start by unplugging your humidifier and dumping out any water left inside. Stagnant water can cause mold and bacteria, so you need to empty it to clean the unit properly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when emptying the water to prevent it from getting into the motor and electrical parts, as this could damage your humidifier.
If you reach into the water tank or touch the bottom of the machine and it feels greasy or dirty, it means it’s been too long since you cleaned it. But don’t worry, that’s the grime we’re here to tackle.
Fill Base with Vinegar Solution
With the humidifier unplugged, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar to the base and let it sit for an hour. The vinegar will help break down any buildup and disinfect the unit.
Make sure to buy vinegar with six-percent acidity, not five. This extra one percent makes it up to 20 percent more effective. However, don’t use this vinegar for cooking; it’s just for cleaning.
Clean Inside of Reservoir
While the base of the humidifier soaks in the vinegar solution, use this time to clean the inside of the water reservoir.
Since the water in the reservoir sits still, it can leave a greasy film inside. The best natural way to clean it is to fill it with 2 cups of white vinegar, close it tightly, and shake vigorously to scrub away the grime. Keep shaking for several minutes, or until your arms get tired.
Turn the reservoir upside down and let the vinegar solution flow through the nozzle by pressing on it to loosen the seal.
Refill Reservoir with Plain Water
After emptying it, fill the reservoir with clean water and repeat the process to wash away any debris from the reservoir and the nozzle.
Pour Solution Out & Clean Exterior
After the base has soaked, pour out the solution, being careful not to let it get into the motor. Then, use a cloth soaked in vinegar to wipe the inside of the base and leave it to air dry.
Use the same vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe the outside parts of the appliance, like the funnel where air passes through.
Regularly cleaning your humidifier helps prevent mold and bacteria, ensuring the mist it produces is clean for your room. Keep it clean for better health!