Have you noticed a white dust on your humidifier? Have a habit of using tap water in your device? If not properly maintained, your humidifier can have a pesky case of limescale or mineral buildup! Keep reading for tips to descale your humidifier and tips to prevent buildup from forming.
Preventing Buildup Like a Boss
We highly recommend choosing water with a lower mineral content compared to tap water. Don’t get us wrong, tap water can be great in a pinch! However, if you want to avoid mineral buildup as much as possible, it’s not the best option. Distilled water is the absolute best way to keep your device running smoothly while eliminating the dreadful “humidifier dust.” For an added boost of protection for evaporative humidifiers, try adding Bacteriostat to prevent bacteria, mold, and algae!
Replacing Your Cartridges and Wicks
Upkeep is essential for the lasting power of your humidifier. If your unit includes demineralization cartridges or a wick, be sure to replace them every 30 to 90 days! However, the replacement frequency depends on several variables, such as your water quality and water hardness. Wick replacement instructions vary by model, but changing a wick is simple. You’ll find the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you’ve lost your manual, you can view and download another copy here on our site. If you prefer video instructions, visit our YouTube channel, Aircare by Essick Air!
Descaling an Ultrasonic Humidifier
Empty the water from the tank and base of your humidifier. Remove the demineralization cartridge (if you’re using one).
Fill the tank a little more than half-full with water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Pour a little of this vinegar-water mixture into the base.
Put the water cap back on, shake the tank gently, then let it sit for 20 minutes.
With the mixture in the base, use a soft cloth to clean the inside of the base. Gently scrub the oscillator (the dark ring in the basin). Let it sit for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, empty the water tank and base. Dampen a sponge with white vinegar and wipe down the base, tank, tank nozzle, and cap. Rinse everything thoroughly.
Wipe everything dry and replace the demineralization cartridge, if needed. Then reassemble your unit.
Descaling an Evaporative Humidifier
Evaporative humidifiers are just as easy to clean, but they do have a few more steps since they included a wick.
Disassemble your humidifier, removing the top, fan assembly, bottles, and the wick. Throw your wick away if it is time to replace it. Otherwise, put it in a sink while you finish cleaning your unit.
Pour out any remaining water from the cabinet and water tanks.
Fill the cabinet half-full with water and add about 1 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Fill the water bottles half-full with water and add about 1 cup of white vinegar to each. Put the caps back on, shake the bottles gently, then let them sit for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, empty the cabinet and bottles.
Dampen a sponge with white vinegar, wipe down the cabinet interior and bottles, then rinse everything thoroughly.
Wipe everything dry and replace the wick, if needed. Then reassemble your humidifier.
