How to Use Vinegar to Clean Humidifier Pads

Using a humidifier helps ease problems often caused by dry air such as flaky dry skin, cracked lips and even dry sinuses. Humidifiers and humidifier pads need routine maintenance and cleaning to work efficiently. The humidifier pad is most at risk for a buildup of bacteria, mold and mineral deposits. Using a simple solution of white distilled vinegar and warm water will help your humidifier work properly and prevent it from becoming a health hazard (see Reference 1).

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Basin or bucket
• Rag or sponge

Instructions

1. Mix together equal parts of white distilled vinegar and warm water. Pour this mixture into a basin or bucket.

2. Unplug the humidifier and drain any excess water.

3. Remove the humidifier pad

4. Immerse the humidifier pad in the white distilled vinegar and warm-water mixture

5. Soak the humidifier pad for about one hour

6. Remove the humidifier pad from the mixture and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

7. Squeeze the remaining water from the humidifier pad and allow to air-dry before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Use distilled water when running the humidifier to reduce the chance of mineral buildup.

• If humidifier pads are too dirty to properly clean, check the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.

• Clean the inside of the humidifier by wiping it with a clean rag. If there are any debris inside the humidifier, use the vinegar and warm-water solution on the rag to clean more vigorously.

• Some humidifier pads should not be cleaned, only replaced. Read the manufacturer's instructions regarding this before you attempt to clean the pads.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Humidifiers

Resources

• VersatileVinegar.org: The Vinegar Institute