How to Clean a Humidifier

Because bacteria loves the mist as much as you do.

If a dry winter climate has your humidifier chugging along full steam ahead, it's important deep clean it regularly. All that water makes these appliances prime places for growing mold and microbes. Let it go long enough and your machine could pump out bacteria along with mist or steam.

To keep your humidifier in tip-top shape, we consulted with Carolyn Forte, Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Labs at the Good Housekeeping Institute, for the basic steps you'll need to take depending on the kind you have.

"It's always best to follow the cleaning directions of your model," she says. "The key, whatever the type, is to clean and maintain it regularly. Stagnant water is a magnet for bacteria growth and you don't want bacteria spewing back into the air, especially if family members suffer with asthma or allergies."

Forte recommends holding onto the owner's manual for specific maintenance instructions (at least until you get the hang of it). If your instruction booklet is long gone, you can contact the manufacturer or consult their website, but here's the basic gist of what you need to do.

What You'll Need

You don't need (and shouldn't use) detergents or abrasive brushes to clean a humidifier. Just gather up the following:

• Pure white vinegar
• Liquid chlorine bleach
• A small, soft brush, like a toothbrush or nylon dish brush

How to Clean Your Humidifier

At least once a week, you'll want to turn off your humidifier and get cleaning, but you can do it more frequently if you or anyone in your family has respiratory problems. Both cool mist and warm steam humidifiers use a similar procedure, but some of the parts may differ. Some brands may also have parts that are dishwasher safe. Check the owner's manual to be sure.

1. Unplug, empty the humidifier, and disassemble it completely.
2. For the base and tank, pour one to two cups of undiluted white vinegar into the water tank and swish it around to completely wet the interior of the tank. (Some brands recommend a mix of white vinegar and water.)
3. Place the vinegar-filled tank on the base and allow the vinegar to drain into the reservoir to loosen mineral build-up. Let stand for 15-20 minutes.
4. Empty the vinegar from the tank and base and use a small brush to scrub crevices and remove any stuck-on mineral deposits.
5. For small parts like the tank cap, wipe with a clean cloth or sponge dipped in full-strength white vinegar.
6. Rinse all the parts thoroughly and air dry.
7. Reassemble.

Note: Don't try to wash the wick filter as it can damage the paper-like material and potentially remove an antimicrobial coating. You're better off replacing the filter with a new one.