How to Clean Your Humidifier for Healthier Air Quality

1. Take the humidifier apart

   Unplug the humidifier and empty the tank. Then, remove the water tank, filter, and other detachable parts to disassemble the humidifier.

2. Make your cleaning solution and add it to the tank

   Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, says Melissa Maker of Clean My Space. "Add it to the water tank up to the maximum fill line." You can also use a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil and a cup of water, says Maker, but "be aware that you may smell tea tree oil when you run your humidifier over the next few uses." If this fragrance isn't for you, skip it.

   Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to "break down mineral deposits and kill bacteria," says Leasure.

3. Clean the exterior

   While your cleaning mixture is sitting in the tank, break out the scrub brush. "Use the brush or sponge to clean the exterior and interior surfaces of the humidifier, removing any scale or residue," says Leasure.

4. Empty and rinse

   
   Empty the water tank and rinse all parts with clean water.

5. Reassemble your humidifier

   Put the humidifier back together, refill it with distilled water, and plug it in.

How to Deep Clean a Humidifier

You should give your appliance a thorough deep clean every one to two weeks, depending on how much you use it and how hard your water is, says Leasure. "This comprehensive cleaning process ensures optimal performance and air quality from your humidifier," he says.

For a deeper clean, follow the above instructions with these extra steps.

• Disassemble the humidifier completely to access all the parts. "Use the instruction manual it came with for step-by-step instructions, as each machine will differ slightly," says Maker.
• Fill a small container with equal parts water and vinegar. Allow small parts to soak for 30 minutes. While they're soaking, use your soft brush or sponge to scrub all surfaces, and use a toothbrush for harder-to-reach areas, says Leasure. Rinse everything with clean water and reassemble.
  

How to Clean a Humidifier With Bleach

While cleaning with bleach can disinfect a moldy, mildewed humidifier, you should use this process sparingly. "[This] can damage the material and also absorb into it, so that when you use it again, you could be breathing the product in," Maker says.

If you are facing a serious case of buildup, follow the instructions above, trading the vinegar solution for a mix of 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water, says Leasure. "Submerge all removable parts in this solution for 15 to 20 minutes to disinfect and remove any mold or bacteria. After soaking, thoroughly rinse all parts with clean water to remove any bleach residue. Run the humidifier for a short time to ensure there's no residual bleach odor."

Leasure also recommends following the safety precautions on the bleach container and making sure your space is properly ventilated. Bleach should be used only in a diluted solution and never mixed with vinegar. "This method is typically reserved for deep cleaning and should not be used regularly to avoid damage to the humidifier's components," says Leasure.

How Often to Replace the Water in a Humidifier

The easiest way to keep your humidifier consistently clean is to replace the water and wipe the appliance regularly. "Keeping your humidifier clean is crucial because it prevents the growth of mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup, ensuring that the air it disperses remains clean and healthy while also prolonging the appliance's lifespan," says Leasure.

Daily: Empty and Wipe

To keep your humidifier clean, experts recommend emptying the water daily. If you run it overnight, empty it and let it dry during the day; if you run it non-stop, then replace the water regularly at any point. "Pour out the water, wipe down all surfaces, and refill the tank with distilled water," says Leasure. "Be sure to unplug the unit during this process."

Weekly: Scrub the Water Tank

Leasure recommends wiping the water tank more thoroughly every three days. "Empty the tank and scrub it with a brush to remove mineral deposits, scale buildup, or moldy film that has formed," he says. "Wipe all surfaces dry, and refill with distilled water."

Tips for Keeping Your Humidifier Clean

To limit mold regrowth, Sarah Drake, seasonal humidifiers brand manager at Honeywell Humidifiers, recommends putting in an antimicrobial cleaning ball in the tank. "It fits in almost all humidifiers—just drop it in the water tank," she says. Be sure to replace the ball about once a month.

Using distilled water, which contains fewer minerals than tap water, can also cut back on the buildup inside your humidifier, says Leasure. "There's no specific health risk associated with using tap water in a humidifier, but the high mineral content can cause 'white dust' to settle on surfaces in the room," he says. "More importantly, minerals found in tap water increase crusty scale buildup in humidifiers, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria."

Another important part of humidifier maintenance is checking the filter—many models use a disposable one to wick away moisture or absorb minerals. "Replace it when it gets hard and crusty, it starts to give off an odor, or moisture output decreases," says Drake.