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Humidifiers

How to Clean Your Humidifier

A woman showing how to clean a Vicks humidifier

Learning how to clean your humidifier is essential to keeping it running effectively. To keep your humidifier running efficiently, clean it regularly. Weekly cleaning is recommended. To properly clean your humidifier we recommend doing the separate processes of Scale Removal and Disinfecting shown below weekly. You’ll have your humidifier descaled and disinfected in no time! Find the best way to keep your humidifier clean based on type and task:

APPROXIMATE CLEANING TIME: 10-15 MINUTES

Humidifier-cleaning supplies you’ll need:

All maintenance should be done in the kitchen or bathroom on a water resistant surface near a faucet.

Warm Mist Humidifier Scale Removal Instructions:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Make sure the unit is off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the water tank, the cooling chamber, and the removable tray.
  3. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar so the heating element is submerged.
  4. Do not submerge the whole base in any liquid.
  5. Let the heating element soak in the vinegar for at least 20 minutes, never turn the unit on while you are cleaning.
  6. If you have a lot of mineral buildup on the heating element you can soak it longer, such as several hours or overnight.
  7. While it is still soaking in the vinegar, take a soft bristled brush and scrub off any minerals on the heating element.
  8. Empty and rinse thoroughly with water.

Warm Mist Humidifier Disinfection Instructions:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Make sure the unit is off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the water tank, cooling chamber, and removable tray.
  3. Mix ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water with ½ teaspoon of bleach. Pour the bleach solution into the Water Tank. Replace Tank Cap and gently swish to coat the entire inside.
  4. Place the Water Tank on the Base. The bleach solution will drain into the Water Tray. Let soak for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the Tank and slowly empty the bleach solution into the sink. Rinse with water until the smell of bleach is gone.
  6. Remove the Mist Chimney by gently sliding the blue, Locking Latch towards the front of the unit and pulling Chimney upwards.
  7. Remove the Heating Element Cover by lifting it from the large round opening, pulling it away from the Chimney, and rinse with water. With a soft, damp paper towel, wipe the Heating Element until the smell of bleach is gone.
  8. Carefully remove the Water Tray by lifting from the Water Tray Tab and the opening in front of the Latch. Empty the bleach solution into the sink. Rinse the Water Tray and Heating Element Cover with water until the smell of bleach is gone. Wipe the Water Tray to dry.

Cool Mist Humidifier Scale Removal Instructions:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

For ultrasonic humidifiers, periodic cleaning of the nebulizer will help it perform at its best. The nebulizer, which is a round disc found in the base of the unit, vibrates at ultrasonic speeds to create mist. Over time, minerals from your water may collect on the nebulizer causing it to slow to a pace that is not sufficient to create mist. At this time, we would recommend cleaning your nebulizer using these steps:

  1. Please make sure the unit is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove and empty the water from the tank. Then, empty the base of the unit into your sink.
  3. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar (just enough to cover the nebulizer) and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. If you see a strong mineral build up, you may want to let it soak longer.
  4. While the nebulizer is soaking in vinegar, take a cotton swab and wipe around the nebulizer to remove the mineral deposits.
  5. Empty the vinegar and rinse the base with water.
  6. Please do not run the unit with the vinegar in it.

Cool Mist Humidifier Disinfection Instructions:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Please make sure the unit is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove and empty the water from the tank. Then, empty the base of the unit into your sink.
  3. Mix ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water with ½ teaspoon of bleach. Pour the bleach solution into the Water Tank. Place the mist nozzle inside to also disinfect
  4. Place the Water Tank on the Base. The bleach solution will drain into the Water Tray. Let it soak for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the Tank and slowly empty the bleach solution into the sink. Rinse with water until the smell of bleach is gone.
  6. Remove the Float Paddle from the Reservoir by lifting on the sides and rinse.
  7. Using a soft cloth wipe the Base, VapoPad Door, Medicine Cup, Chimney, Float Paddle, and Mist Nozzle.
  8. Place the Float Paddle back in the Reservoir. Position it in place.

Disinfecting and descaling your humidifier is essential to prevent mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms from being released into the air.