How to Clean Out a Humidifier

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Approved

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When it’s operating correctly, a humidifier will moisten the air inside your house and make it easier to breathe. However, a device with a dirty filter or chamber can pump dangerous bacteria into the air instead.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Thankfully, you can clean out a humidifier at home using common supplies like vinegar.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Performing a Basic Cleaning

1
Rinse the filter. Unplug the humidifier first, then remove the filter. Hold it under the faucet and rinse it with cold water to wash away any impurities. Set it on a clean towel to dry while you clean the remaining parts.
- Don't use a cleaning solution to clean the filter. Chemicals can permanently damage the filter so that it will no longer work properly.
- You may have a model of humidifier that requires you to change the filter every now and then. If this is the case, check the manufacturer's instructions and change the filter as often as is recommended.
2
Wash the water tank. Remove the tank from the humidifier and pour out the old water. Fill the tank with 3 cups of vinegar, swish it around so that it covers the bottom and sides of the tank, and let it sit for at least 1 hour. The vinegar acts as a natural cleanser that loosens buildup from the bottom of the water tank. Rinse the tank thoroughly when you're finished.^{[2]
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- If necessary, use a scrub brush to scrub away some of the grime at the bottom of the water tank.
- Using another type of cleaner could have negative consequences since the liquid from the water tank gets pumped into the air. Stick with vinegar to make sure you're creating a safe environment for your family.
- If the water tank does not have access for a brush, put in a few tablespoons of rice with the vinegar and cold water to make a loose slurry. Close the tank and agitate vigorously for a minute or so and then let stand for a while. Repeat until the grime has been dislodged. Rinse thoroughly to make sure all the grains are washed out.
Use a sponge dampened with vinegar and water to wipe the remaining parts of the humidifier. This prevents dust and other debris from entering the water tank and inhibits the growth of mold or bacteria.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Disinfecting the Humidifier

1
Use a bleach and water solution.^{[3]
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Research source} Pour a gallon of water and a teaspoon of bleach into the water tank. Let the solution sit in the tank for an hour to completely sanitize the inside of the tank. Pour out the solution and rinse with clean, cold water.
- Be sure the tank has been thoroughly rinsed before you replace it on the humidifier frame.
- Don't let the bleach sit in the humidifier for more than an hour, or it could damage the machine.
- Don’t mix bleach and vinegar, or peroxide and vinegar since they could create harmful byproducts.
^{[4]
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Research source} Pour a few cups of peroxide into the water tank. Swish it around so that it covers the bottom and sides of the tank. Allow the peroxide to sit in the tank for an hour, then pour it out and rinse the tank with cold water.
3
Do a deep clean with vinegar. Fill the water tank with a cup of vinegar and a gallon of water. Plug it in outside and let the humidifier run for an hour. After an hour, pour out the remaining liquid from the tank, rinse it with clean water, then fill it with clean water and run the humidifier for another hour. Rinse out the tank one more time before using.
- Don't run the humidifier indoors when you're using vinegar in the water tank. It will make your home smell like vinegar.
- Add a few drops essential oil to your humidifier if there is any lingering vinegar smell after your deep clean.
- Don't use bleach or any other chemical to do a deep clean through the working part of the humidifier. Turning the humidifier on and running chemicals through the system could cause permanent damage.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Bacterial Growth

Leaving water to sit in the water tank for long periods of time causes mineral deposits to collect on the bottom and sides. The longer you leave the water sitting there, the more deposits will collect and the harder they'll be to remove. Change your water every day or every other day to avoid bacterial growth.^{[5]
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^{[6]
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Research source} When the humidifier is in heavy use during the winter or when a family member has a cold, clean it every three days with a simple vinegar or hydrogen peroxide rinse. Do a deep clean every two weeks or so.
3
Replace the humidifier when necessary. Old humidifiers that have gotten a lot of use may start to break down over time. The worn-out parts will be more prone to hosting bacterial growth.^{[7]
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Mayo Clinic
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Go to source}
- If you've had your humidifier for more than a five years or so, you might want to consider replacing it.
- If you aren't ready to replace your older humidifier, make sure to clean it with bleach or peroxide every few weeks.
If the humidifier is causing the area around it to become damp, turn it down. Surrounding the humidifier with dampness can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold.
When it's time to put the machine away after the winter, clean it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dry before putting it away.^{[8]
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Research source} When you take it out again next year, clean it again before using.

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Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I let the filter dry out until the next time I use my humidifier if I don't use it every day?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Yes, letting the filter dry out will be beneficial, as it will allow it to fully air out and be rid of any bacterial growth.

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How do you remove calcium out of a humidifier?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Cleaning the humidifier with vinegar will help remove the calcium and other water deposits.

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Question

How do I clean water from a spilled humidifier from upholstery?

Community Answer

The water shouldn't affect the upholstery or cause damage/discoloration to your furniture, so you should just be able to towel dry the spot.

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Tips

Use distilled water to prevent hard water buildup and bacterial growth.^{[9]
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If you're trying to stay away from harsh cleaning chemicals, use vinegar to break up the water solids.

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Depending on water contents, other cleaning solutions may be used.

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