Before you begin using your humidifier this fall, it’s important to clean it first, especially if your water contains a high level of minerals. My humidifier requires an annual cleaning to remove lime scale and other deposits, and I clean and disinfect the holding tanks regularly. You can’t just keep adding untreated water and expect your humidifier to keep running indefinitely. Those who regularly clean their humidifier will keep their units running smooth, and they will last much longer than those that are ignored. I’ve had my humidifier for ten years, and with regular cleaning and the proper care I provide, it runs as effectively as the day it was purchased.
Precautionary Statement
It’s in your best interest to follow manufacturer instructions when attempting to clean a humidifier or any other household appliance. However, if you don’t have instructions, and if you can’t find manufacturer information online, try the following simple directions for cleaning your humidifier. Use common sense, and take the proper steps to ensure your safety when cleaning a humidifier. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for cleaning tips and information.
Basic Cleaning Instructions
Vinegar is one of the best natural products for cleaning and removing buildup, and it does a fantastic job of cleaning lime scale and other deposits that have collected inside of a humidifier. I have used this cleaning method for years, and the power of white vinegar has saved me a great deal of money over caustic chemicals and expensive cleaning supplies.
Begin by removing the filter from the humidifier. Pour white vinegar into the reservoir, and allow it to sit undisturbed for a few hours or overnight, depending on the severity of the buildup. While wearing waterproof gloves, clean the bottom and sides of the reservoir with an all-purpose scrub sponge, and rinse away the vinegar along with the debris. Repeat this process if necessary until no more buildup remains. In addition, be sure to rinse away all of the vinegar before replacing the filter and using the humidifier.
Mineral-Free Water
Regularly cleaning away lime scale and other buildup will prevent problems and keep your unit running optimally, but to prevent a recurring problem, run the humidifier using only distilled or mineral-free water. If gallons of water are used each day, this isn’t feasible for the average person, but when a lack of humidity and excessive minerals are a serious problem, distilled water is the best solution.
If you prefer to use distilled water but find it unaffordable, consider running the humidifier during the day when the heat source runs most often, and turn down the temperature at night. Running a humidifier part of the time is better than not at all. Watch for sales on distilled and mineral-free water, and consult your yellow pages for water treatment options.
The Importance of a Clean Filter
A humidifier filter basically consist of a plastic frame that houses paper-like material that resembles an air filter. They can be quite expensive, but when mineral buildup is a problem the filter should be changed at least once a season to keep the humidifier running smooth. A clogged filter won’t work properly, and the cost of a filter is well worth the investment.
If the filter is salvageable, clean it by hand with clear running water, and remove as much of the buildup as possible. A soft bristle brush can be used as a cleaning tool, but keep in mind, if the material tears or comes loose from the frame, it will be necessary to replace the filter.
Anti-Scale Additives
Shop online or check your local home improvement store or any store that sells humidifiers to find additives that will help keep your humidifier clean. Not only will additives prevent scale and other buildup, but additives will also extend the life of the filter. For the price of a bottle of anti-scale, you might be able to use your humidifier filter for more than one season. This cuts down on waste and unnecessary expense. Besides regularly cleaning my humidifier and filter, I’ve used an additive to help prevent mineral buildup and scale, and it does a great job of keeping components clean while freshening the air.
Preventing Bacteria
Additives to prevent algae and bacteria are also available, but they aren’t completely necessary – if you’re properly cleaning the holding tanks on a regular basis. Approximately every three days, dump out unused water, and rinse out the interior with a mixture of hot water and bleach. Add about one teaspoon of bleach for every gallon of water. Thoroughly rinse the containers, and make sure all traces of bleach are rinsed away before refilling and running your humidifier.
