Adding moisture to your home helps when you have a cold, but don’t forget to clean your humidifier. It won’t help much if it’s spreading dirty, moldy mist into the air.
Turn Off and Empty Your Humidifier
Start by turning off your humidifier and pouring out any leftover water. Still water can cause mold and bacteria. Make sure to follow the instructions for draining it so you don’t accidentally get water in the motor or wires — that can easily damage the humidifier.
If the inside of your humidifier feels greasy or slimy when you touch it, that’s a clear sign you’ve waited too long to clean it. But don’t worry—we’ll get rid of that grime together!
Fill the Base with Vinegar and Water
While the humidifier is turned off, pour 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white vinegar into the base and let it sit for an hour. Vinegar naturally cleans, loosens grime, and disinfects the humidifier.
Clean the Inside of the Water Tank
While the base is soaking in the vinegar mix, clean the water tank too. Since water sits there, it can get slimy inside. The easiest way to clean it is to pour in 2 cups of white vinegar, close the lid, and shake it well. Keep shaking for a few minutes—or until your arm gets tired!
Hold the water tank upside down and let the vinegar flow through the nozzle. Usually, you just need to press the nozzle gently to let it drain out.
Refill the Tank with Clean Water
After emptying the tank, fill it with clean water and rinse again to wash out any loosened dirt.
Empty the Solution and Clean the Outside
After the base has soaked, carefully pour out the vinegar mixture, making sure no liquid gets into the motor. Wipe the inside of the base with a cloth dipped in vinegar, then let it air dry.
Use the same cloth to wipe the outside parts of the humidifier, like the funnel where the mist comes out.
How Often You Should Clean Your Humidifier
Cleaning your humidifier regularly (every three days, as recommended by experts) helps prevent mold and bacteria. This keeps the mist clean and your room healthy!
