Why and how to clean a humidifier?
A humidifier might be a lifesaver when it comes to your overall health. Moisturizing your home’s dry air can help alleviate symptoms of dry skin and eczema, in addition to preventing bloody noses and cracked lips. One in four people only cleans their humidifier once every two months, according to Consumer Reports surveys, which found that 59% of people who use a humidifier don’t clean it every day. Many of the people around don’t want to invest their time in cleaning it.
The best humidifiers, according to experts, should be cleaned on a regular basis, not just at the end of winter. An explanation for this can be found in the humidifier’s workings. According to John McKeon” by its nature, there is water going through a humidifier.” In order to raise the humidity level in the area, turn on the humidity humidifier and let it run until it’s full.
It’s virtually always possible for bacteria and mold to develop in stagnant water. There is a risk of bringing infected water into your home when the water is not changed regularly, he explains. The humidifier should have a disinfectant operation to remove any mold before it gets into the room, but you should also clean it on a regular basis to prevent mold or other particles from building up. Fortunately, taking care of a humidifier is simple, and you probably already have all the supplies you need. When done, be sure to take a showerhead.
What is the best way to clean a humidifier?
Gather the following items before you begin cleaning:
- Disinfectant. Bleach, vinegar, or a hydrogen peroxide solution might all fall under this category.
- Gloves and goggles. Dr. McKeon emphasizes the need of wearing gloves and goggles while handling chemicals.
- Following these procedures will ensure that your humidifier is clean and ready for use.
- Drain the tank. To prevent leakage, remove the humidifier of any remaining fluid before cleaning and using again. You may also store your humidifier for the season this way.
- Double-check your filters.Remove filters before cleaning. Replace any worn-out or clogged filters as soon as possible. Before putting your humidifier away for the winter, be sure to dispose of any filters or cartridges. Next winter, you’ll want to start again.
- Make sure the unit is clean.Make careful to use a disinfectant specified by the manufacturer and use gloves and goggles when cleaning the tank with a tiny brush.
- Wash out the unit “If you use a weak bleach solution, vinegar, or any other chemicals suggested by the manufacturer, make sure you rinse the tank several times after cleaning so that these chemicals are not spread into the air when you switch on the humidifier,” said by Dr. McKeon .
- Leave it for drying especially if you’re going to store it, be sure to completely dry it out after washing. It’s up to you whether you use a towel or let it to dry naturally.
- Fill the container with water.Your device is ready to go after it is thoroughly cleaned and dried. Fill the container with water as per the instructions.
Sanitize the water. According to Dr. McKeon, a sanitizing humidifier is the best option. Followed by an additional sanitizing cycle. “This means that the water is sanitized in the machine before it is released into the air, using UV or other technology, which will deactivate any mold or bacteria in the water,” he added.
How to sterilize a humidifier
As explained by air quality specialists and worldwide mold expert Michael Rubino, disinfecting your humidifier requires the same instruments but is more time-consuming. Disassembling the machine and cleaning it with vinegar are the two procedures needed to complete this activity.
1. Disassemble the machine.
The simplest and first step is to disconnect the humidifier and take apart all of its components. “From there, taking it apart usually just involves popping out the tank, emptying the water, sliding out the filter, and removing the extra parts, like the housing tray,” Rubino explains. An instruction manual is beneficial in this circumstance since it contains the instructions of the manufacturer on how to remove each part.
2. Use white vinegar to soak and cycle
Vinegar is a descale, as anybody who has cleaned a coffee maker will attest, and it aids in the removal of surface particles. Mold and bacterial development are both inhibited, as Rubino points out. “Killing mold isn’t the complete answer, because some particles remain on the surfaces,” he claims. “You need something to discourage mold growth, strip particles away from the surface, and actively eliminate mineral buildup. The buildup is what mold spores eat and use for survival and continued growth.”
This is how you do it:
- Make sure the tank is filled with enough vinegar to cover the space that water normally occupies.
- The vinegar should be swung about a little to ensure that it reaches all of the surfaces, and then let to rest for approximately 30 minutes.
- 3. Place the tank on the base and let the vinegar to flow into the reservoir after three hours of soaking (if applicable). Allow at least a further 30 minutes before trying removal.
- Thoroughly rinse the dish to ensure that all vinegar is gone.
While you are completing these steps, immerse the remaining stripped components in solution for half an hour
Scrub the whole inside.
Why is it necessary to thoroughly clean all of the humidifier’s components? “These can have dirt, mineral, or water buildup, which is an excellent place for mold to grow,” Rubino claims. “Mold spores and bacteria could have also made their way inside the machine.” Rinse them as follows:
- Clean the humidifier’s microscopic components with a soft-bristled brush dipped in white vinegar. “A spare toothbrush is an easy option to use,” he notes. Wash with water to remove any remaining dirt. To dry the components and surfaces, use a microfiber cloth.The next step is to use a brush to clean any nooks and crannies, then wipe them down and let them to dry well before moving on to the next step.
Use a brush to gently wipe the soaked portions to eliminate any remaining residue. Wash them well and dry them off with a microfiber towel before hanging them to dry.
4. Clean the outside
The exterior might become equally as nasty as the interior. “Use EPA-approved cleaning products like Benefit Decon 30 to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny of the outside,” Rubino suggests.
These surfaces should be cleaned three times using a microfiber cloth. “Three times might seem like overkill, but mold spores aren’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to exposure,” he said. “Many mold species can also create microscopic toxins, called mycotoxins, that they release into the air and can stick to any surfaces they come in contact with.”
How frequently should it be cleaned?
You should clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which may be found in the owner’s handbook. A filthy interior or exterior will prompt a thorough cleaning. It’s also a good idea to clean the tank before putting it away for a period of time, Dr. McKeon advises, As a result, it will be dry when you’re ready to use it again.
Can it make you ill?
Your health might be put at risk if you don’t clean your humidifier on a regular basis. According to the Mayo Clinic, dirty humidifier reservoirs and filters may produce germs and mold, which can be particularly harmful to those with asthma and allergies. However, even individuals who have no health difficulties may suffer from flu-like symptoms or even lung infections if they use a filthy humidifier and inhale contaminated mist or steam.
Moldy air, on the other hand, maybe harmful to your health even if it is wet. “Mold loves warm, moist environments, which is exactly what a humidifier creates,” Rubino added. “Once mold starts to grow inside the machine, it’s not just moist air that will be pumped into a home. Moldy, wet air will begin circulating throughout the house.”
When should it be replaced?
Dr. McKeon believes your humidifier should last a long time if you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines. However, there are a few instances when purchasing a new one makes sense.
- Broken machine the most apparent reason to get a new humidifier is if your current one is broken.
- Size. When it comes to humidifiers, size counts. Dr. McKeon stresses the importance of selecting a humidifier based on the size of the space in which you plan to utilize it. To see whether your unit is enough for the room in which it is installed, just read the handbook.
- It is not a certified product.It may be useful to choose a humidifier that has been tested to combat some of the difficulties outlined above. “The Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification standard for humidifiers tests that a humidifier can increase and maintain humidity in a room,” says Dr. McKeon. “The humidifier is also run in a sealed chamber with a contaminated water source to check that the sanitization function can remove any contamination before it reaches the breathing zone.”
How to maintain it properly
A well-maintained humidifier ensures that the air in your house is clean and fresh. “Making sure your humidifier runs properly will avoid any maintenance issues that may cause malfunctioning,” says Rubino. Here are a few more recommendations for keeping your humidifier in top shape:
As required, clean the filters. As instructed in the instruction manual, Rubino highlights the significance of cleaning the filter on a regular basis. “Checking the manufacturer’s recommendations is incredibly important because they’ll typically suggest a certain cleaning protocol. Not following their suggestions could damage the filter and make it ineffective,” he says. When it comes to humidifier filters, most may be washed with running water and a light brush. “If there’s mold, it’s best to replace the filter to completely ensure the mold growth will not return and continue,” he added. “This cleaning process should typically be completed once a week.”
Air filters should be replaced as required. When it comes to keeping the humidifier working correctly, replacing the filter is a must
Distilled water is the best. Avoid tap water whenever possible, since it often has a high concentration of minerals… “Not only will you avoid having minerals dispersed into the air along with water molecules, but you’ll also help prevent mineral buildup in the machine,” Rubino says. “Lower mineral buildup means fewer food sources for mold, which discourages growth.”
Replace the water panel or the pad: Your humidifier’s pad or water panel may need to be replaced. claims Rubino. “The manufacturer’s instructions will have a list of directions and timelines to follow,” he claims.