Humidifiers are very useful in treating respiratory diseases and dry skin, and help babies sleep better. Humidifiers that are not cleaned properly can spread bacteria in the environment, so it is important to use an appropriate technique to clean them often. Read on to learn how to clean and disinfect them and prevent bacteria from growing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Basic Techniques
Step 1. Rinse the filter
First disconnect the humidifier from the power supply and then remove the filter. Keep it under the tap and clean it with cold water to wash away impurities. Let it dry on a clean towel.
- Do not use detergents to clean the filter. Chemical agents can release residues that are harmful to its operation.
- Periodic filter replacement may be required; if the model you purchased provides it, follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace it as indicated on the package.
Step 2. Wash the water tank
Remove it from the rest of the humidifier and empty the water contained. Fill it with three cups of vinegar, shake it to distribute it well, and leave it to rest for about an hour. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and removes accumulations of dirt present in the tank. Rinse the tank.
- If necessary, use a brush to remove dirt from the bottom of the tank.
- Using another type of detergent can have negative implications, since the residues could be sprayed into the air. Use vinegar to make sure you maintain a healthy environment for your family.
Step 3. Clean the frame
Use a sponge soaked in water and vinegar to clean the remaining parts of the humidifier. This action prevents dust and other dirt from entering the tank, creating a habitat suitable for the proliferation of bacteria.
Method 2 of 3: Disinfect the humidifier
Step 1. Use a bleach and water solution
Pour a spoonful of bleach and three liters of water into the tank. Let it rest for an hour so that the disinfectant action is complete. Empty the tank and rinse it with cold, clean water.
- Make sure you have rinsed the tank well before putting the humidifier motor back on.
- Do not leave the bleach in the humidifier for more than an hour, it can damage it.
Step 2. Use hydrogen peroxide
Pour a few cups into the tank. Shake it to spread it well. Let it rest for an hour and then throw it away. Rinse with cold water.
Step 3. Do a deep cleansing with vinegar
Fill the tank with three liters of water and a cup of vinegar. Connect the humidifier to electricity and let it run for an hour. After this time, throw the liquid left in the tank, replace it with clean water and turn it back on for another hour. Rinse the tank one more time before using it normally.
- Do not operate the humidifier indoors when using vinegar. You'll make the house stink.
- Do not use bleach or other chemical agents to clean the mechanical / electrical parts of the humidifier. You can cause permanent damage.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Bacteria Overgrowth
Step 1. Change the water often
Leaving it in the tank for long periods causes minerals to deposit on the bottom and walls. The longer you leave the water to stagnate, the more deposits that are difficult to remove will form.
Step 2. Clean the humidifier every three days
When you use the humidifier a lot (in winter or when someone has a cold), you have to clean it every three days with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Do a deep cleansing every two weeks.
Step 3. Change the humidifier if necessary
Old humidifiers with many years of use behind them begin to deteriorate and damaged pieces are more likely to harbor bacteria.
- If your humidifier is more than five years old, consider buying a new one.
- If you can't afford it, be sure to clean it with bleach or hydrogen peroxide every 2 to 3 weeks.
Step 4. Keep the area around the humidifier dry
If the area gets wet, turn off the humidifier. Bacteria and mold could form.
Step 5. When not in use, store it properly
Clean it and make sure it is completely dry before putting it away. When you take it back for the next season, clean it even before use.
Advice
- If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, use vinegar to remove deposits.
- Depending on the type of dirt, you can evaluate other types of cleaners.
