TSD Cleaning Articles

How to clean a humidifier

A humidifier is used to moisten the air making it easier to breathe, especially during winter. However, the moisture that is produce while providing relief from too dry air can also encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and dust mites. Therefore keeping a humidifier clean is important for your health. A dirty humidifier is especially harmful to asthmatics and others with respiratory problems.

It is recommended that you clean a humidifier at least every two to three days for best results. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction if available, if not the steps below if followed can help you to safely clean your humidifier.

Tools needed:

· Hydrogen peroxide (you can also use a mild disinfectant, vinegar or chlorine bleach)

· Distilled water

· Brush or other implement that can work like to lift out lime scale from the tank

Cleaning the humidifier

· Unplug the humidifier to avoid any accidental shocks

· Mix the hydrogen peroxide with water (use three parts peroxide to water) and clean the inside of the humidifier. This will remove any kind of buildup from the water as well as kill any molds and bacteria that may be growing inside.

[If using bleach use a mixture of ten parts water to one part bleach. Soak the sections of the humidifier that comes in contact with water in the bleach solution for a couple of minutes.]

Be extra careful when brushing inside the humidifier so as to avoid scratching the material.

· Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. This is necessary to get rid of any residual chemicals used to clean the humidifier.

· Refill with distilled water, which will help prevent calcium buildup. Scales that results from using tap water is a prime breeding ground for microbes, which you do not want to inhale.

· Replace the filters as often as recommended by the humidifier manufacturer to get the best from your humidifier. Most filters need to be changed every two to three months.

In addition to cleaning the humidifier every two to three days, it is important to change the water in the humidifier every day. By changing the water daily, you are ensuring that the air you breathe remain clean. Before replacing the water, wash inside the tank with warm soap water and rinse. Also, each time the humidifier is turned-off you will need to empty the water from the tank and dry the equipment properly.

Never store a humidifier without cleaning it first. After removing the humidifier from storage clean all parts thoroughly before using. Failure to do so can be dangerous as you will be releasing microbes and dust into the air you are breathing.

One of the commitments of any humidifier user is to find the time to maintain and clean the equipment at least twice per week. Also, try to keep the area in which the humidifier is kept dry and clean as well to minimize the spread of allergens. For best results, maintain humidity at recommended levels.