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The mist of a humidifier is soothing during the dry seasons. Humidifiers add water vapor to a space to increase the moisture level, which soothes dry skin, eases breathing issues, and improves indoor air quality.
They circulate and filter the air to reduce airborne dust. However, the appliance creates a warm and moist environment inside. A dirty humidifier can then become a perfect place for bacteria and mold growth.
Your indoor air quality is immediately compromised when any of these microorganisms grow in the water tank or on the air filter. You might sense the change if you're sensitive to the IAQ: bacteria can lead to respiratory issues, asthma attacks, allergy symptoms, and other health problems.
Cleaning Frequency
If you rely on the humidifier actively, get into a good routine maintenance schedule and clean it at least once a week during periods of frequent use. If it's used infrequently, store it dry between uses. Don't let it go longer than two weeks between cleanings. If you do, you'll notice the water reservoir developing a biofilm slime, and you don't want that water cycling through your home.
Cool mist and warm mist models both need cleaning, but they deserve a different routine:
- Ultrasonic humidifiers create finer mist particles, so any bacteria inside spread faster through your room. Clean ultrasonic types every 3-5 days if you use them daily.
- Evaporative humidifiers have wicks or filters that trap more minerals; however, these parts wear out and need replacing every 1-3 months depending on your water quality.
What You'll Need
- White vinegar. Its antimicrobial properties help eliminate bacteria growth, mold spores, and mineral deposits without introducing harmful chemicals into the air.
- Bottle brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
Cleaning Your Humidifier with Vinegar in 8 Steps
- Unplug the humidifier.
- Disassemble all removable components. Remove the water tray or tank, filter, and any other detachable parts. If you're not sure how to clean the filter, check the user manual for cleaning instructions.
- Rinse with water. Empty the water tank and then rinse each component thoroughly with warm water to remove loose mineral deposits.
- Soak in white distilled vinegar. Fill a basin or sink with a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water. Submerge the disassembled parts in the vinegar cleaning solution and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps break down and eliminate any stubborn limescale deposits.
- Scrub and wipe. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any remaining residue. Use a bottle brush for especially hard-to-reach areas. Pay attention to corners and crevices where bacteria and mold may hide.
- Rinse it again. Another clean water rinse removes leftover vinegar residue.
- Air dry or refill. Allow all components to air dry completely if you're doing a seasonal shut-down and the humidifier is going into storage. If you're going to use it again immediately, go ahead and refill it. If you're particularly sensitive or if you noticed mineral buildup from hard water, you may want to fill it with distilled water instead.
Can you clean your humidifier with bleach?
A bleach solution is an effective disinfectant, but you shouldn't use it to clean your humidifier.
The chemical smell of bleach can linger in the device and be released into the air, which can cause respiratory problems.
Bleach is also very powerful and may damage gasket materials and other components in the machine.
We recommend sticking to natural ingredients like white vinegar for a thorough but safe deep cleaning process.
What humidity level should you aim for indoors?
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, you should keep indoor humidity between 40% and 50%. Below 40% causes dry skin and irritated airways. Above 50% encourages mold growth on walls and furniture.
You can buy a simple hygrometer for under $10 to measure humidity. Place it across the room from your humidifier for accurate readings. Many people over-humidify without realizing it, at the risk of creating the same mold problems in the home they're trying to avoid.
