How to Clean a Warm Mist Humidifier

Warm-mist humidifiers can create a more comfortable environment by releasing moisture into your home’s air. Because humidifiers contain water reservoirs, they do need to be washed regularly. By performing routine cleaning and minimizing the risks of warm-mist humidifier use, you can enjoy your humidifier in a healthy way for years to come.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Humidifier’s Removable Parts

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Before cleaning your humidifier, be sure to unplug it from the wall.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} If it’s been running, let the humidifier cool down until it is completely cool to the touch.
Gently remove any detachable parts of your humidifier for cleaning, so you can better access the water reservoir inside. It may be helpful to consult your owner’s manual, which usually has directions on how to take your unit apart for cleaning.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Fill your sink with household white vinegar, and place the detachable parts of your humidifier in to soak. Let them sit for 30 minutes.^{[3]XResearch source}
Using a regular kitchen sponge, wipe all the components with the vinegar in the sink. Focus on any areas of mineral or mildew build up, rinsing and wringing the sponge as necessary.^{[4]XResearch source}
Using distilled water, rinse the parts after soaking to remove all traces of the vinegar. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Set these aside.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Inside Your Humidifier

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Dump out any residual misting water from the humidifier, shaking if necessary to remove as much as possible. Set the humidifier down on its base as if you were going to use it.
Pour household white vinegar into the water reservoir of the humidifier, filling to within a half inch (1.5 cm) of the top. Let the vinegar sit in the humidifier for 30 minutes to kill any bacteria and loosen scum.^{[5]XExpert SourceVictor Belavus
Air Conditioning SpecialistExpert Interview. 6 May 2020.}
Use a toothbrush or baby-bottle brush to scrub any gray or brown areas of mineral staining or mildew.^{[6]XResearch source} Be sure to focus your attention on any crevices where water pools as the humidifier’s tank empties with use.
Dump the vinegar out of the humidifier into the sink. Fill the reservoir with distilled water and dump out two times to rinse the vinegar completely. Let the humidifier air-dry.
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Reassemble the humidifier. Using your owner’s manual, reassemble the humidifier with its clean component parts. The humidifier is now ready for use.
- Clean your humidifier every three days for optimal functioning.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Minimizing Risks of Warm-Mist Humidifiers

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Empty your humidifier’s tank between uses. It can seem convenient to fill your humidifier full of water and run it on and off until all the water is gone. To minimize the growth of bacteria and mold however, it’s really best to dump out your humidifier between uses so stagnant water is not sitting inside the machine for long periods of time.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Only use distilled water in your humidifier, as its lower mineral content will lead to less buildup inside your machine.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Refill the machine with clean water each time you’d like to use it.
Excess humidity can cause mold to grow on upholstered surfaces, such as curtains or carpets.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Run your humidifier on a heat-safe surface away from any fabric.
Warm mist humidifiers can release mist of varying heats, from lukewarm to hot. To protect your child from possible steam burns, use only cold-mist humidifiers in children’s rooms. Supervise your child whenever they are around your warm-mist humidifier.