It seems like we are always cleaning up something around our homes. And while you might be tempted to skip a day of dishwashing (we’ve all done it), you should never skip cleaning your humidifier.
Regular cleaning is really important because a dirty humidifier can harbor mildew, mold, and, over time, stop working properly. If you have a cool mist humidifier that uses a wicking filter, cleaning is even more important since wicks can get clogged up with gunk and stop wicking.
Most humidifiers come with cleaning instructions (we include them in the owner’s manual), so if you don’t have an AIRCARE model, you should try to locate the cleaning directions specific to your unit. But, if you can’t, here are some general instructions that should help keep your cool mist humidifier spick and span.
Cleaning 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.
Evaporative humidifiers are just as easy to clean, but they do have a few more steps since they included a wick.
Cleaning an Evaporative Humidifier
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.
Regular cleaning is the best way to ensure the longevity of your humidifier, and that the humidity in your home is healthy and germ-free. Our YouTube channel has lots of videos that show you how to clean your humidifier – check it out here. You can also find the owner’s manuals for all of our units on our website.
As always, we are here to help if you need assistance with cleaning or have any questions about your humidifier. Our awesome Customer Care Team is available via phone, email, or chat.
