What to Put in the Water to Keep Lime Out of My Humidifier

Humidifiers put moisture back into the air.

If you have a home humidifier in order to put more moisture in your air, you will need to maintain it properly in order to prevent this little machine from becoming a health hazard. Many people purchase humidifiers in order to ease problems associated with dryness. However, without a thorough and regular cleaning, deposits such as lime can build up.

Safety First

Unplug the humidifier from your power source. Pour out all the water in the humidifier tank and wipe the wet surfaces of the machine with a clean cloth.

Scrub the Tank

Before pouring water into the tank, you need to clean it. Clean a humidifier about every three days, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Remove scales, film and deposits -- such as lime -- with a scrubber brush and tap water which you can stream into the tank from the faucet. Disinfect the tank with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner or a solution of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide.

Empty the Tank

Pour out the water and cleaner from the tank and into your sink. Stream water into the empty tank and pour it out several times to wash away all the chemical residue. Wipe the tank down with a clean cloth until it is dry.

Fill the Tank

Pour distilled water directly into the tank. This is the best and most effective way of keeping lime deposits from forming in your humidifier. You can buy distilled water by the jug or bottle. Look for the "distilled" label, as not all bottle water is distilled. A second best option is to use water that you have deionized with a deionizing rod or purified through a reverse osmosis system that hooks up to your water system.

References

• EPA: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers