*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
You need to clean your humidifier every day. Drain the water tank, rinse and allow the appliance to dry before refilling it. Once a week, you need to carry out a more serious cleaning – remove scale and disinfect the device. This will help prevent the growth of algae, bacteria and mucus.
Descaling the humidifier
To descale your humidifier:
Turn off the humidifier, remove the water tank and drain the water into the sink. Without installing the tank back, turn on the device for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the absorbent filter to dry. Then turn off the humidifier and unplug it from the mains.
Remove the absorbent filter. This is the part of the appliance that contains moisture. When dry air passes through the filter, it is humidified and steam is produced. In some humidifiers, this filter is made in the form of a cylinder, while in others it is flat. In any case, it resembles a sponge. In some models of humidifiers, you need to disassemble the housing to remove the filter. Take it out carefully so as not to tear it. The filter also needs to be descaled (read more about this in the next part of the article).
Take out the water tray. This is the part of the device into which the liquid flows from the reservoir.
Fill a tray halfway with white vinegar and let sit for 20 minutes. Dip a sponge into the pan and use it to wipe the parts that are not immersed in the acid. Protect your hands with rubber gloves while working. Do not use soap, detergents or abrasives. When you collect and turn on the device, they will be sprayed, and you can inhale them.
Drain the vinegar down the sink and rinse the tray thoroughly with water. Wipe the tray with a towel and leave to dry.
Clean the water tank. Pour two liters of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar into the tank. Close the lid tightly. Shake the tank so that the liquid mixes and coats the walls. Leave the reservoir for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid and dry the inside with a towel. Leave the tank to dry.
Preventive cleaning of the air humidifier from scale takes about an hour – but thanks to it, the device will last as long as possible, and there will be no harmful substances in the fumes.
How to descale an absorbent filter
With frequent use of the humidifier, mineral deposits and mold can build up on its components. During operation of the device, these hazardous substances may be released into the air. If you want a humidifier to keep your room comfortable, cleaning the absorbent filter regularly will be a very healthy habit.
Rinse the filter in cool water. Rotate the “sponge” under the jet to remove dust and dirt. Gently brush off stubborn debris with a brush or fingers
Prepare a solution of water and white vinegar in a bucket or basin. For one serving of vinegar, use two servings of water. Such a solution will be effective in cleaning and disinfecting the filter, and will not discolour the filter too much. Vinegar contains natural acids, making it a safe alternative to chemicals. Instead of vinegar, you can also use citric acid. A heavily soiled filter can be treated with bleach (dilute a teaspoon in a bucket of water) or thrown away.
Soak the filter in the solution for 30-45 minutes. Immerse the filter and let it get wet. Over time, the vinegar will begin to work and separate small pieces of scale and other debris.
Remove the filter from the solution and rinse it thoroughly under the faucet. Clean it from exfoliated pieces of scale. Shake the filter and leave to dry. Smell the filter to make sure you’ve rinsed out all the vinegar. Do not wring out the absorbent filter.
If your humidifier is equipped with disposable filters, simply discard the used “sponge” and replace it with a new one. This procedure must be performed at least 1 time in 3 months.
Useful Tips
When cleaning your humidifier, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Besides:
When removing the humidifier at the end of the season, clean and sanitize all parts. Discard the absorbent filter. Store the humidifier by removing the tank.
If you are using disposable filters, consider replacing them with reusable ones. They are durable, easy to clean, and will save you money in the end.
To prolong the life of your humidifier, make it a habit to change the water in it daily and clean it every few weeks.
Using purified or distilled water will prevent limescale build-up, which is usually caused by hard tap water.
The outside of the appliance can be disinfected with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Just wipe the case with this solution, and then remove excess liquid with a dry cloth.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.