Cleaning & Caring For Your Humidifier

If you use a humidifier in your home or business, knowing how to clean a humidifier properly will go a long way in helping you breathe easier.  A poorly tended humidifier can emit contaminants that can cause inflammation in the lungs. Diligent cleaning will also increase the overall functionality and lifespan of your humidifier. Read on for some helpful hints in humidifier maintenance!

Clean your humidifier daily

Daily emptying of your humidifier’s water tank, as well as wiping it down with a clean cloth, will help ensure that harmful materials don’t build up and eventually affect your health. A clean humidifier is a properly functioning humidifier!

Filter checks

Not all humidifiers have filters, but if yours does, ensure that you replace it with a filter that has been treated to prevent the build-up of harmful contaminants, such as algae and mold which can contribute to your allergy symptoms.

Descaling your humidifier

Minerals can build up in your humidifier over time. Use undiluted white vinegar and a cleaning cloth to get rid of these. To skip descaling, use distilled water instead of tap water, as the latter can contain unwanted pollutants.

Sanitize it!

Many humidifiers come with sanitization instructions. However, if yours doesn’t, you can accomplish this by filling the tank (while it’s still on the base) with white vinegar and letting it stand for 20 minutes. After that, you can rinse it out with fresh water.

Humidity Monitoring

It is recommended by the EPA that you keep a humidity level of less than 50%. Higher levels than that provide a window for bacteria to grow within your humidifier.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional!

If you find yourself needing assistance with your humidifier or any other HVAC needs, we here at Dean’s Professional Plumbing, Heating and Air are glad to be of service. We proudly serve the St. Paul, North Metro, and Minneapolis areas. Give us a call! 763-515-4852