How to Clean a Humidifier

Updated on July 25, 2008
B.H. asks from Chesapeake, VA
13 answers

Hi there!
My little one has sinus infection after sinus infection, and is getting it all fixed Monday, but I really like using a humidifier in his room every night anyway. How on earth do I clean this thing? I don't want to use any kind of detergent, can anyone help?
Thanks so much!

1 mom found this helpful

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C.S.

answers from Richmond on

We use a humidifier all winter. Here is the key-- let it DRY OUT completely. You do not have to wash it. I just rinse it, but it has to be DRY before you use it again. Otherwise, it spits out into the air all the germs from the old water.

Yes, this means I have to change its position about once a day to get all parts of it dry.

Gotta do what you gotta do for those babies.

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R.T.

answers from Dover on

The one I have says to use vinegar but I am not sure how well it works because I make my husband clean it since I do not like the smell of vinegar.

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N.R.

answers from Richmond on

Check out www.saferforyourhome.com ALL of their products are toxin free and have been for 23yrs. I use the Sol-u-Mel to clean ours. Then I spray it all over with the Sol-U-Guard which is a toxin free disinfectant that even kills HEP & HIV too. That dries for 10 minustes then we are good to go again.

Did you know that sometimes our little ones, as well as adults, can have chemical sensitivity? The chemicals that are in the products that we are using to clean our homes, our bodies and even our clothes can cause all kids of upper respritory (and other medical) problems. Even those they call "green."

Check out www.nih.gov and search for the products you may use in your home. For example: Dow Scrubbing Bubbles contains propane! How come the Dow employees are taught this when working there but we as the consumers are never told? And we wonder why it burns our nose and eyes. What other damage has it done to us and our families?

Sorry if I sound harsh. This is my passion. We help other families just like ours shop for safer, healthier prodcuts that we use every single day.

If when you see the website you decide that it just makes sense to try shopping this way for safer, healthier products, all I ask is that you please allow me 45mins of your time to share it with you online by phone. I promise not to sell you anything. LOL

I loved reading about your family! Don't you just love the wonderful sounds of kiddy-choas at home?! LOL Some days we say we could have been The Dugger Family with 17 kids had we started having them a little sooner. LOL!

Oh, you said you are working on your masters in special education? Which ones are you interested in working with? Our oldest son has many "learning differences" as we call them. Just curious.

I wish you the best!

Take Care,
N. :) SAHM homeschooling 3 boys 12, 7 & 2 yrs old. Married for almost 15 yrs to Mr. Wonderful. How about the cost of groceries now days? Check out www.angelfoodministries.com Lots of good food for less money and open to everyone in 36 states. Email me if you have questions at ____@____.com

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R.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi B.,

I've been through all of the humidifiers, vaporizers, steam mist products and nothing helped me nor my son with sinus infections. Get rid of that humidifier. All it does is collects dust. As long as you have a humidifier or vaporizer (something with water mist shooting in the air)you will constantly have sinus infections, allergies, etc. The steam keeps dust in the room. Try a air purifier. No steam, no dust - breathe easier - hope this helps

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a really cool humidifier and it's tough to clean too. First....read the manual that it came with . Usually there are cleaning directions with it. Mine says to wash with vinegar. So I get a a plastic bowl and fill it with hot water, and then add one cup vinegar. I just get a sponge or washcloth and wipe it down really good. Then I rinse it with hot water and let it dry. I honestly don't know why the directions don't call for soap but I don't want to chance it. Hope I helped.

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C.D.

answers from Norfolk on

Soak it in hot water and vinegar(1/4 cup vinegar to 1 gal h2o) for 20 minutes, rinse with hot water and let it air dry.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, B., Sol-U-Mel, by Melaleuca, kills mold, mildew & its' spores. No caustic chemicals; totally safe for you, kids, pets, and the environment. :) N. B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I use white vinegar to clean ours.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I used an antibacterial soap and water.

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L.L.

answers from Dover on

The instructions on my humidifier say to use bleach mixed with lots of water. I pour a little bleach into the tank and fill it with water, then let it sit for 20 minutes or so. Rinse the tank out really well when you're finished. I use vinegar on the base because it can't be rinsed out because of the electrical cord and motor. I just completely wipe it down with water and vinegar.

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P.K.

answers from Norfolk on

I like what others say, I'd add if you want wipe down with alcohol then rinse with hot water. Dry in the sun!

I am huge on giving probitics found in yogurt, if your kids have been on antibotics to keep their bodies in a healthy balance.
Plus it has it's own antibotic properties and will keep infection away. That's what's it done for my son. He drinks DanActive everyday and hasn't been sick in 2 years!
God is Good!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I rinse mine in hot water every other day and then wash it with soap and water at least once a week when I'm using it regularly.

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H.L.

answers from Washington DC on

My humidifier suggests I clean mine with vinegar and water.
Hope this helps. H. :)

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