Tools and Materials

Tools

Toothbrush or Small, Soft Cleaning Brush

Materials

White Vinegar
Bleach
Distilled Water

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

How to Clean a Humidifier

Cleaning a humidifier isn't difficult or time-intensive, but it's extremely important. A humidifier is designed to improve a home's air quality but if it's not cleaned regularly, it can actually make the air quality worse. To avoid mold and bacterial growth, follow these simple steps to clean your humidifier at least once a week.

Instructions

The base and tank of a tabletop cool mist humidifier.

There are a few cleaning agents you can use to clean the base and tank of a humidifier including white vinegar or soap and warm water.

If using vinegar, use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water. Pour the mixture into the base and tank and allow it to soak for 20 minutes or so. Then, take a soft toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub any parts that have caked-on residue.

Caution

Check your humidifier's care manual to ensure all removable parts are safe to soak in water.

Dilute one teaspoon of bleach with one gallon of cold water. Mix thoroughly and fill the humidifier’s base and tank halfway with the mixture. Set a timer for 20 minutes to allow the mixture to disinfect the parts. Afterwards, pour out the mixture and rinse the base and tank several times until there is no detectable bleach odor.

Caution

When using bleach, it's recommended to use cleaning gloves to avoid skin contact.

Humidifier Maintenance Tips

A woman working on a laptop next to a humidifier.

Humidifiers can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to maintenance. It’s typically recommended by manufacturers to clean a humidifier at least once a week.

When it’s not being used, keep the base and tank dry. Empty the base and tank of water after each use and always rinse it with hot water before adding new water. It’s typically recommended to use fresh water for each use. Some manufacturers recommend using distilled water only. Avoiding tap water may help prevent mineral deposit buildup and decrease the chance of bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Humidifier

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about cleaning a humidifier.

What is the best way to clean a humidifier?

There are several ways to clean a humidifier including with bleach, water and soap, and hydrogen peroxide. If you’re worried about bacteria growth, the best way to clean a humidifier is with a disinfectant like bleach.

Can I use lemon to clean a humidifier?

It depends on the manufacturer of the humidifier. Always check the user manual to ensure it’s safe and recommended to do so. Lemon is highly acidic and may cause damage to parts of your humidifier including the wick and/or filter.

Do you clean a humidifier with soap?

Some choose to clean their humidifier with soap diluted with water. However, because of its ability to kill bacteria, white vinegar is typically recommended over soap and water for cleaning a humidifier.

How to clean a humidifier with vinegar?

Choose white vinegar for cleaning a humidifier. Also, use a 1:1 ratio with water.

Choosing the Best Humidifier For Your Home

There are many types of humidifiers on the market including tabletop, console, tower and whole-house options. There are also various humidification methods to choose from such as cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic and more. To read about humidifier types so you can choose the best one for your needs, check out our humidifier buying guide.

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Cleaning

How To Clean a Humidifier