How to Clean Humidifier Filters

Humidifiers and humidifier filters help relieve chest and nasal congestion for children and adults who have the cold or flu. Having clean humidifier filters can help a humidifier work more efficiently. While you can get away with cleaning your humidifier once every two to three weeks, you need to clean the humidifier filter at least once a week. Here's how to clean humidifier filters:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• humidifier filter
• cool water
• dry towel
• wet sponge
• bleach or vinegar

1. Unplug the humidifier before you remove the humidifier filter. Since there may be standing water inside the humidifier, you want to reduce your chances of getting shocked or electrocuted.

2. Remove the cover or tank from the humidifier to access the filter. Be careful not to move the humidifier itself - excess water may seap out the bottom or sides.

3. Once you locate the humidifier filter, gently remove it from the base. If the filter is wet, let it drip in the base until you can transfer it to a sink without getting water on the floor.

4. Put the humidifier filter in the sink and rinse it with cool water. If there is pink or green mold growing on it, be sure to rinse that area thoroughly. Never use chemical solutions to clean the filter - chemical solutions will damage it.

5. Fill up the sink with water and soak the humidifier filter for 10 minutes.

6. Drain the sink and rinse the humidifier filter one last time with cool water.

7. Place the humidifier filter on a towel to remove any excess water. Do not wring out or squeeze the filter!

8. Wipe out the inside of the humidifier before you put the filter back in (use a wet sponge with bleach or vinegar). Be sure to pour out any excess water as well. Dry the humidifier with a clean towel.

9. Place the WET humidifier filter back inside the base and plug it back in.

Tips & Warnings

• It is common that humidifier filters remain discolored after cleaning. Don't be alarmed if the humidifier filter has a tinted color to it.
• Throw away and replace humidifier filters once every 2-3 months.
• Empty water from the humidifier when not in use.

Resources

• American Red Cross Cool Mist Humidifier
• Filters for American Red Cross Cool Mist Humidifier
• Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler

[langleycornwell]

on 6/25/2009 Thanks for the instuctions for cleaning humidifier filters. Clear and easy to understand.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 6/20/2009 Thanks for the tips on cleaning a humidifier filter. Very helpful article. 5*

[mommyhen42]

on 6/6/2009 Great information. My current humidifier doesn't have a filter but when I replace it I am pretty sure the new one should have a filter so this is great to know.

[kristara]

on 6/3/2009 Great instructions! So important to keep humidifier filters clean

[elyria]

on 6/2/2009 Excellent instuctions and easy to understand!