04 Feb 2025 How to clean a humidifier and prevent it from growing mold
You should be cleaning your humidifier every month at least, according to experts we spoke with. Otherwise, it can grow mold and present health risks.
See the full article on NBC News
A good humidifier provides a range of health benefits, such as more moisturized skin, help fighting off allergens and even defense against dry lips and mouth, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you use the appliance often, then knowing how to clean your humidifier and making sure it stays in good shape is especially important for your health. Cleaning the humidifier regularly will ensure that it doesn’t grow mold and present health risks in the future.
To find the best way to clean a humidifier and some tips for shopping for one, I spoke with cleaning experts for their guidance and product recommendations.
Why do humidifiers need to be cleaned?
Since the inside of a humidifier contains stagnant water of varying temperatures and little ventilation, it’s susceptible to growing residue. “The biggest issues with humidifiers are the build-up of a slimy film in the reservoir, potential bacteria and mold growth, and mineral build-up,” says Melissa Maker, author and founder of cleaning site Clean My Space. “All of which can be pumped into the air you breathe.” Additionally, how you clean your humidifier may depend on the type, such as ultrasonic, steam, evaporative or impeller, which we explain more in our roundup of the best humidifiers.
Plus, it’s important to clean your humidifier so that you can actually benefit from using it, says Delah Gomasi, founder of Maid For You. “One of the things that hinders its performance is scale (mineral deposit) buildup which clogs pretty much everything from the misting plate and water reservoir to the filter and crevices within the machine,” he says. “Simply put, when scale buildup prevents misting, there is no humidification taking place.”
How to clean a humidifier
- Unplug the humidifier and let it sit for a few minutes if it’s warm to the touch.
- Pour out any water sitting in the tank and use a paper towel to wipe away any visible “slime” or residue.
- Remove all detachable parts, such as the water tank. If you’re cleaning an evaporative humidifier, this includes the filter inside.
- Soak a paper towel in warm soapy water and wring out the excess water. Wipe the inside of the water tank clean. Alternatively, use a sprayable dish soap, such as Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, to lightly coat the inside of the tank. Use a moist paper towel to wipe it clean.
- Add equal parts white vinegar and water to the tank and let it sit for 30 minutes. This will help get rid of any odors or remaining residue. Pour out the mixture.
- Rinse the tank, let it dry completely and then add clean water when you’re ready to use it again.