Knowing how to clean a humidifier is important. If you don’t maintain it, it can breed bacteria and mold that could collect in the misting area and be released into your air. If your baby and you get sick, it’s more than likely from the water in your humidifier. So here are some simple steps to cleaning your best humidifier for baby.
Steps to clean a humidifier
Step 1:
Remove any water from the humidifier. If you have a removable tank, you can do this by draining it or letting it run until it stops producing mist (if there is no removable reservoir).
Step 2:
Mix some vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Then spray down the inside of your humidifier. Let it set for about five minutes, then wipe it out with a cloth. This is the best way to remove any slime, mold, or bacteria that may have been growing in your humidifier. Some people even prefer using bleach solution if their unit is white – but make sure not to mix bleach and ammonia together – as they create toxic fumes! If you used bleach, make sure to follow up with step 3.
Step 3:
Let the unit dry completely before refilling it. I recommend leaving it out overnight, if possible.
Step 4:
Fill the humidifier with cool water only. No disinfectants or essential oils are necessary for weekly cleaning. You can do this by filling it all the way up to the top, then emptying it after it’s full. This way, there’s no room for mold or bacteria to grow. Note: You should use distilled water (available at any local grocery store) instead of tap water because tap water has chemicals that can clog your humidifier and make it hard for the unit to release steam. This can lead to bacteria and mold forming, which ultimately leads to you getting sick.
Step 5:
Once it’s full, add a capful of white vinegar into the unit (if it has a removable tank). Run the humidifier for fifteen minutes without plugging in the unit. Then unplug and let it sit so the vinegar can evaporate, which prevents any white dust from forming on your furniture. Then plug it back in and enjoy the air.
Note: It is recommended to clean a humidifier once a month. But you should do it more often if your unit is in a small room or has been used frequently. If you notice black slime developing, then clean the unit right away. If you don’t, then your humidifier could get clogged and not work very well. To know more, keep reading the Pro baby guide.
Recommendation
In order to keep your humidifier clean and in good working condition, it is recommended that you drain, rinse and refill the unit with fresh water daily. This should be done after each use.
After each week of using the humidifier, please follow these steps:
- Remove any water from the unit by draining or letting it run until it stops producing mist.
- Clean the unit by filling a sink or bowl with a mild solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid. Then swish the solution around inside the tank and empty it into the sink or bowl. Do not scrub the plastic with a scouring pad, as this may scratch and weaken the surface area, making it susceptible to corrosion.
- Rinse with clear warm water several times until the dishwashing solution is gone and all of the soap suds are removed from inside the tank. You can also use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any soap residue that may be inside the tank.
- Wipe out hard-to-reach areas with a cloth, but do not use a scouring pad.
- Let the unit air dry for at least an hour before refilling it with water if your model does not have a removable tank. If you have a removable tank, let the excess water drain from the unit and refill as stated in step 4.
Knowing how to clean a humidifier can help you prevent spreading bacteria and mold, which helps keep your family safe. By following these steps once every week or whenever needed, you will help maintain the beauty of your humidifier for years to come. You will also ensure that it works all season properly long.
