How to Sanitize a Cool Mist Humidifier

Parents love cool mist humidifiers, sometimes called vaporizers, to use in their baby or child's room because of the instant mist and no danger from burns, unlike warm humidifiers. However, all humidifiers—particularly cool-mist humidifiers—require regular sanitizing to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends sanitizing a cool-mist humidifier regularly during use and a seasonal cleaning prior to storage to minimize potential health and indoor air-quality issues.

Things You'll Need

• Nonscratch scrubber
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Sponge
• White vinegar
• Water
• Distilled water
• Replacement filter

Instructions

Regular Cleaning

1. Unplug the cool mist humidifier, then take it to a sink and empty out any remaining water. Clean the tank inside and out, and the humidifier’s inside surfaces using a nonscratch scrubber and the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner or disinfectant.

2. Clean the tank and surfaces with hydrogen peroxide and a clean sponge if you do not know the manufacturer's recommended cleaner.

3. Remove any white scale or mineral buildup with a scrubber or soak the tank in a white vinegar and water solution for 20 to 30 minutes to remove scale.

4. Rinse the cool-mist humidifier tank several times with regular water and dry well. Refill the humidifier tank with distilled water before the next use.

Seasonal Cleaning

1. Empty and clean the humidifier tank and all surfaces as usual. Scrub any mineral deposits off the tank interior and exterior and any humidifier surfaces.

2. Remove the cover for the humidifier’s filter, if there is one, then remove the filter. Clean and dry the filter, if it is not old and very dirty, or just replace it with a new filter.

3. Put the cover back on and wipe the exterior surface of the humidifier with a recommended cleaner or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the tank well and dry thoroughly, using a hair dryer to remove any residual moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Use distilled water instead of tap water to prevent releasing minerals in the air or building mineral deposits called scale.

• Change the water in the humidifier daily, using distilled water, and store empty.

References

• U.S. EPA: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers
• Aerias Air Quality Science Resource Center: Preventing Humidifier Problems
• "The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide...;" Heather MacLean, Hollie Schultz; 2008