How do you prevent mold in a humidifier? The answer is regular, proper maintenance. A properly cleaned humidifier will not collect mold or other growths to disperse back into the air. Instead, it will just provide the relieving humidity you’re looking for. Use these humidifier maintenance tips to make sure your humidifier is clean.
Humidifier Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a checklist to help you maintain your humidifier:
- Before you start: Understand what kind of humidifier you have and what it will need. Read through your owner’s manual for instructions. And make sure that your humidifier is off before you start!
- Empty the tank: The old water in the tank needs to be cleaned out. Empty it and pour in a diluted bleach solution about two-thirds of the way. Let it sit, empty it out, and rinse it a few times to remove the bleach.
- Clean the filter: You have to clean the filters carefully. Not all can be cleaned. Others can be submerged in water, with or without soap. Read the instructions carefully and let it dry fully before you put it back.
- Kind of water to use for humidifiers: The water that you use in your humidifier matters. Use water that has been softened, demineralized, or that was distilled. Otherwise, the humidifier will put its minerals into the air, which can undermine your air quality.
- Clean humidifier with vinegar: You can clean your humidifier with vinegar to help remove scale build-up. When you’re supposed to add in the bleach, add in diluted vinegar instead. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the outside: It’s always a good idea to wipe down the outside of your humidifier to pick up dust and other debris and prevent it from getting in your water.
To learn more about humidifiers and how to maintain it, please give our experts a call today as they will be happy to assist you.
How Often to Clean Your Humidifier?
You should clean your humidifier at least once per use and especially regularly before winter arrives so that it is cleanest when it will be working hardest. If you don’t use your humidifier year-round, clean it at least before you start it up and before you put it away.
However, you may have to clean your humidifier more often if it has developed mold or bacteria. If your water is hard, it may need more regular cleaning. Plus, those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, or other conditions may want to clean their humidifier more often as they are more sensitive to air quality issues.
You don’t need to clean it yourself. At Ken Philp Climate Care we can help and maintain your humidifier for you. We have more tips and tricks you can use to keep your specific humidifier running well and we can perform other maintenance tasks to help you get the longest life from it. Reach out to us today.
Sources:
https://www.sylvane.com/tips-for-maintaining-your-humidifier.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-humidifier#cleaning
