How to Clean a Humidifier With Vinegar to Avoid Bacteria

Say goodbye to germs in the air and your home with a clean humidifier.

Sarah Drake is the seasonal humidifiers brand manager for Honeywell.

Considerations Before You Get Started

Before cleaning your humidifier, check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Each model is unique and may require specific steps or tools.

A humidifier with a large tank opening can be cleaned without needing a ton of brushes or tools.

Here’s how to remove scale from your humidifier for a cleaner unit.

Unplug and turn off the unit.

Always do this before cleaning the humidifier.

Next, disinfect the machine with a small amount of bleach.

Vinegar and bleach should not mix; they can form chlorine gas, which is harmful if inhaled.

Set all parts of the humidifier on a clean towel to air dry.

Be sure the tank, base, nozzle, and other elements are thoroughly dry before replacing them.

Then, reassemble the parts before using your freshly cleaned humidifier.

Sitting water encourages bacteria andmold growtheven within one or two days.

Remove all water and let the humidifier dry when not in use.

This helps keep the water in the tank pure.

Pure water means fresher air.

“The ball reduces up to 99 percent of odor-causing bacteria, unsightly mold, and algae growth.

It contains no harmful chemicals and keeps cleaning for 30 days,” Drake explains.

Try these tips to extend your humidifier’s use.

This can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs.

Mold can be detectedthrough sight and smell.

Or you might catch a musty odor emitting from the unit.

If you breathe in these germs, you could end up with a respiratory infection or viral lung inflammation.

Avoid complications and health issues by cleaning your humidifier regularly.

US Environmental Protection Agency.

(2023, June 27).Use and Care of Home Humidifiers.