How to Delime a Humidifier

Using tap water in humidifiers causes lime buildup.

People enduring physical discomforts due to winter heating may find relief in humidifiers, which infuse moisture into the air. While clean humidifiers are beneficial, dirty humidifiers are potential health hazards. Neglecting to regularly clean humidifier tanks allows limescale, evaporated mineral deposits, to collect on the tanks. Microorganisms may thrive on crusty limescale deposits and release into the mist, possibly causing a variety of health issues. Regularly delime a humidifier using convenient techniques.

Things You'll Need

• 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
• Spray bottle
• Plastic scrub brush
• Towel
• Distilled water

Instructions

1. Unplug the humidifier console unit. Remove the tank from the console, and then pour out all existing water.

2. Add 3-percent hydrogen peroxide to a spray bottle. Douse the humidifier tank’s interior and exterior with the hydrogen peroxide. Fully saturate all crusty limescale buildup.

3. Scrub the tank’s interior and exterior with a plastic scrub brush. Loosen all limescale from the tank.

4. Rinse the humidifier tank’s interior and exterior with fresh tap water. Flush out all hydrogen peroxide.

5. Wipe the tank’s interior and exterior with a towel. Leave no moisture on the tank, as tap water generates limescale.

6. Fill the tank with distilled water. Replace the tank in the console, and plug the unit back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean humidifier units containing nonremoval tanks as directed by the unit’s manufacturer.

• Keep water away from the humidifier console’s electrical cord and the electrical outlet to avoid electrocution.

References

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Dirty Humidifiers May Cause Health Problems
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers