It's a good idea to have a humidifier around during the winter months when the air is cold and dry.With frequent use, mold and mineral deposits can build up on the internal components of the appliance, potentially returning harmful substances to the air.If you rely on a humidifier to keep your living space comfortable, you should get in the habit of cleaning and sanitizing the filters.If you find yourself with a bad mold problem, you can use fresh water, some bleach or some other solution.
Step 1: Plug your humidifier back in.
Before you disassemble your humidifier unit, make sure it is disconnected from the wall outlet.You will be handling a lot of wet parts, so this will help prevent accidents.You can choose a water-resistant surface for your work area.It's best to have a countertop near the sink.Before doing any cleaning or maintenance on your humidifier, read your user manual carefully.
Step 2: The water tank needs to be emptied.
You can usually open the top compartment of the humidifier to get to the tank.The water tanks will leave the base.Put the old water out of the tank.It's a good idea to put the water tank in the sink or on a folded towel if it keeps draining after you've emptied it.You can rinse and clean the tank at the same time.
Step 3: The dirty filter needs to be taken out.
Most of the time the air filters are located inside the motor housing.Remove the outer shell of the unit.You can see what level of cleaning is required by looking over the filter.There are filters that can be clean.If there is mold or an excessive amount of mineral build up, you may need to use a bleach-based cleaning solution.The disposable paper filters can be thrown away.They should be changed at least three times a year.
Step 4: The filter needs to be washed with water.
Dust or dirt can be found under the stream.Don't apply too much pressure to the mesh if you lightly brush away stuck-on debris.Remove the excess water from the filter once it looks clean.You shouldn't use fresh water to rinse your filter.
Step 5: The filter should be allowed to dry completely.
Air drying is the safest option for drying a clean filter.Attempting to speed the drying process along using a hair dryer may cause permanent damage.Check back in 1-2 hours after setting the filter on the absorbent towel.The mold needs water.If you want to prevent mold from returning, you should reload your humidifier with clean water and a dry filter.You can use the humidifier again once the filter is dry.
Step 6: Warm water is needed to fill a sink or bucket.
To submerge the filter, run enough water.Warm or hot water is best for deep-cleaning tasks.Before removing the filter, make sure the humidifier is unplugged.
Step 7: The distilled white vinegar should be put in a container.
For every two parts of water, add one part vinegar.By hand, mix the water and vinegar.The solution will be effective for cleaning and sterilizing filters.Making it a safe alternative is the fact that it is acidic.The filters should be thrown away or treated with bleach.A mixture of water and citric acid can be used to clean your filter.
Step 8: The filter should be soaked in the solution for at least 30 minutes.
The filter should be submerged and left to sit.The small mold spots will be dissolved with the help of the vinegar.You can either leave the filter for an hour or more, but you should let it soak for at least a half hour.Don't use cleaning solutions on a humidifier.Synthetic materials can be degraded by these.
Step 9: Clean water can be run through the filters.
Remove the filter from the solution and rinse it under the faucet after it's had a chance to soak.You should try to wash away as much gunk as you can.Set the filter aside to dry and give it a shake.Make sure to smell the filter after you rinse it.Do not wring the filters.
Step 10: Put water in a container.
Take a couple gallons of water and put it in a sink or bucket.Since you will be cleaning with bleach, you need a higher concentration of water.Make sure your work area is not damaged by spilled bleach.It will be necessary to use bleach to clean the humidifier filters.The release of bleach fumes can be caused by steam.
Step 11: It's a good idea to add a splash of bleach.
You will only need a small amount of bleach for every gallon of water.The bleach can be used as an effective cleaning agent without being harmful.Too much bleach can end up in a plastic filter.Always wear gloves and work in aventilated area when handling bleach.It is possible to equip a respirator and eye protection.The bleach solution should be avoided if you have bare skin.
Step 12: The filters should be soaked in the bleach for 10 minutes.
Make sure the dirty filter is submerged in the solution.No scrubbing is needed because of the potent cleaning and sterilizing properties of bleach.The humidifier filter will look new after a short soak.If there are any mineral deposits left after the initial soak, mix up a fresh batches of solution and soak the filter for another 10 minutes.
Step 13: The filter needs to be washed and dried.
Remove the filter from the bleach solution and rinse it under water.To aim the stream from every angle, turn the filter slowly.It will come out free of both mold and bleach.Remove the filter and put it back in the humidifier.You can rinse the filter through a sinkful of clean water.If you don't wash your bleach away, it could be released into the air when you operate your humidifier again.