If you have a humidifier, when wast he last time you cleaned it? Most people probably wouldn’t think of the humidifier as a harbor for germs, but it really is. Think about it…warmth and moisture: two of germs’s favorite things! Not to mention, it can fall victim to mold and mildew. Yuck! Generally speaking, while your humidifier is in use, you should empty and refill the water tank every day. Using filtered water can also help keep mineral deposits at bay. But still, during regular use times, it’s important to give your humidifier a good weekly cleaning. Here are some helpful cleaning tips.
1. Clean the Filter
After unplugging your humidifier, remove the filter if yours is equipped with one. Rinse the filter well in cool water, but don’t use cleaning products on it — they could actually damage your equipment. After rinsing, set the filter on a clean towel and let any excess water drain out. This is one of those cleaning hacks a lot of people miss when cleaning their humidifier.
2. Clean the Tank
Next, disconnect your water tank from the electric components. Give it a hot water rinse, then use paper towels to dry it. Also check out the base — as well as you can without taking it apart, which could be dangerous. Look for mineral deposits, mildew, or mold. With a soft scrub brush or old toothbrush, use some white vinegar to scrub away anything suspicious. In short, make sure your entire humidifier is clean and free of build-up or yucky growth.
3. Disinfect
Before putting your humidifier back together, you need to disinfect it. This will keep bacteria, viruses, and mold from getting into the air when you use it again. Disinfect it with either bleach or hydrogen peroxide. First, fill your water tank and add just one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide or bleach per gallon. Believe it or not, this is enough for disinfecting. Swish the solution around in the tank to mix, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes to do its job. Pour it out and re-fill your humidifier as usual, and you’ll be able to use it without fear of germs.
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