How to Clean Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers are important to keep clean. Because the water does not boil, bacteria are not killed. Cleaning and disinfecting on a regular basis is important for maintaining a humidifier's performance. Bacteria can multiply in sitting water and re-enter the air if maintenance is not performed. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your air fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Dry cloth or paper towel
• Undiluted white vinegar

Instructions

Daily Maintenance

1. Unplug unit from the wall.

2. Remove the tank, fan housing and filter from the base of the unit and empty the water from the tank and base.

3. Wipe and dry with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, taking care not to damage the filter.

4. Replace the tank, fan housing and filter. You are now ready to use your humidifier.

Weekly Maintenance

1. Remove the tank from the base and empty the water from both the tank and the base.

2. Plug in the machine and turn it to the ON position until the filter is dry.

3. Turn the machine off and unplug from wall.

4. Remove the tank, fan housing, and the filter.

5. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Wipe with a soft, clean cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar and rinse with clean warm water.

6. Fill the base with water to begin disinfecting.

7. Add 1/3 tsp. of bleach to the base and allow to sit for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all surfaces are coated.

8. Empty base and rinse with water until bleach is gone. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

9. Wipe the exterior surface of the fan housing with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use water. Replace the filter into the base.

End of Season Maintenance

1. Remove the tank from the base. Empty the water from the tank and the base.

2. Plug in the machine and turn it to the ON position until the filter is dry. Turn the machine off and unplug from wall.

3. Remove the tank and the fan housing. Remove the filter from the base.

4. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Wipe base with a soft, clean cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar. Do not use soap or other cleaners.

5. Rinse with clean warm water and remove the fill cap before storing.

6. Store the humidifier in a cool dry place once it has dried completely and replace with a new filter for the next season.