Many people use humidifiers to help relieve dry nose, lips, throat or skin, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Humidifiers may also help prevent the effects of winter heating, such as static electricity, cracks in paint and peeling wallpaper. Properly sanitizing your humidifier can keep micro-organisms that grow in the tanks of humidifiers from dispersing in your home. Breathing the mist produced by a dirty humidifier may lead to lung problems and serious infections, according to the UAB Health System website.
Daily Sanitizing
Step 1
Empty the water from the humidifier's tank and base.
Step 2
Wipe all wet surfaces with a clean, dry towel or cloth to remove any scale or moisture.
Step 3
Refill the holding tank with water and put the humidifier back together. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the use of distilled or demineralized water in all humidifiers to minimize the buildup of scale and decrease the distribution of dust and particles into the air.
Weekly Sanitizing
Step 1
Drain all the water from the humidifier.
Step 2
Remove scale, film or mineral buildup from the sides of the tank and base using a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. The Mayo Clinic advises using hydrogen peroxide every three days when possible. Certain manufacturers recommend using chlorine bleach or other disinfectant.
Step 3
Rinse tank and base thoroughly. If you use chlorine bleach or other disinfectant continue rinsing until you eliminate the smell of the sanitizer. Failing to rinse the tank fully can cause the humidifier to disperse the harmful chemicals and you to inhale them.
Sanitizing for Storage
Step 1
Remove all water from the humidifier.
Step 2
Sanitize the humidifier as you would if you were doing a weekly cleaning.
Step 3
Dry all humidifier parts.
Step 4
Discard used filters or wicks.
Tips and Warnings
- Always unplug the humidifier before starting any cleaning or sanitizing practice. Change filters or wicks as recommended by your humidifier's manufacturer. Follow specific manufacturer guidelines when cleaning your humidifier, whenever possible.
- Keep humidity levels within your home or office below 50 percent. Higher humidity levels encourage micro-organism growth, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If humidity levels rise above this level lower the humidistat on your humidifier or use it less frequently. Monitor all absorbent materials around the humidifier, such as carpeting, tablecloths or drapes for dampness and limit use of your humidifier if dampness occurs. The Environmental Protection Agency advises that dangerous mold may begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of a material becoming damp.
Things You'll Need
- Clean, dry towel or cloth
- Distilled or demineralized water
- 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution
References
- United States Environmental Protection Agency:Use and Care of Home Humidifiers
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Mold Resources
- UAB Medicine: Humidifiers
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission:Dirty Humidifiers May Cause Health Problems
- Mayo Clinic: Humidifiers - Moisture In The Air Eases Skin, Breathing Symptoms
