Humidifiers evaporate water to help add moisture to the air. The University of Alabama says such devices are helpful when the air is dry and can soothe your respiratory system and make it easier to breathe, especially if you have a breathing disorder such as bronchitis. Vicks manufactures the V5100NS humidifier. To keep it running smoothly, the company recommends cleaning it on a daily and weekly basis.
Daily
Step 1
Twist the power knob on the side of the humidifier to point toward "OFF," then unplug it from its power outlet.
Step 2
Lift the humidifier's water tank away from the base. Pour out any water inside, emptying it into a sink, bathtub or toilet.
Step 3
Rinse the tank with lukewarm water.
Step 4
Wipe the inside and outside of the water tank with a clean, moist towel or cloth, then place it back inside its base. If you're storing the humidifier for several days, Vicks recommends wiping it dry before replacing it into the base.
Weekly
Step 1
Turn off and unplug the humidifier.
Step 2
Lift the water tank away from the humidifier's base and empty it of its contents.
Step 3
Fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon of water and 1/2 tsp. of standard household bleach. Fill the humidifier's tank halfway with the bleach-and-water solution to sterilize the tank. Vicks suggests letting it stand for 20 minutes.
Step 4
Pour the bleach-and-water mixture out of the tank and rinse it repeatedly in running, lukewarm water until the tank no longer smells like bleach.
Step 5
Inspect the inside of the tank. If you notice a white dust or crystals, you have a buildup of water minerals. Mix 1/2 ounce of white vinegar with 1/2 ounce of water. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution and scrub the inside of the tank before rinsing it with fresh water. The vinegar will dissolve the minerals.
Things You'll Need
- Clean, moist towel
- Dry towel
- Bucket
- Bleach
- Sponge
- White vinegar
