During the winter months, the dry air indoors can lead to dry skin and often sinus issues. Using a humidifier may be the solution. 

However, keeping it clean is vitally important as a humidifier can become a breeding ground for mould and microbes. You may find that you are breathing in bacteria because the humidifier is not clean.

Read the instructions

You should follow the manufactures instructions as this will tell you how often the humidifier should be cleaned. It is a good idea to keep the manual at hand until you are familiar with the cleaning process.

However, if you do not have the instruction manual there are some basic steps to clean a humidifier.

Note: if the filter is made of wick, then it should never be washed because this will damage the paper-like material and remove the antimicrobial coating. Rather, replace the filter with a new one.

How frequently should it be cleaned?

Most manufacturers will say that you should clean the humidifier at least once a week. Turn it off completely and clean it. If anyone has respiratory issues, then it may be done more frequently.

No matter what type of humidifier, it is important that it should be cleaned and maintained regularly. This is because stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria, which will be spewed back into the air if it is not cleaned.

How to clean it

Assemble the following:

• Distilled white vinegar or liquid chlorine bleach

• A small brush. A toothbrush or small dish brush will work well

Note: never mix vinegar and bleach as this will create a toxic gas. Choose one or the other ingredient, not both together.

• Unplug and empty the humidifier, then disassemble it completely.

• Pour one to two cups of undiluted vinegar into the water tank and swish it around the interior.

• Place the vinegar-filled tank on the base, or, if you can, pour it directly onto the base.

• Allow the vinegar to drain into the reservoir so that any mineral buildup is loosened. Leave for 20 minutes.

• Empty the vinegar from the base and tank and using a small brush or toothbrush, scrub the crevices.

• Release the valve on the bottom of the tank or manually press the release button so that the vinegar flows through it and out. 

Final thoughts

While a humidifier can help to keep the air in a room moist, it is important that it be kept clean so that it will do the job efficiently and without making the air quality worse by introducing bacteria into the room. 

Tags:

1

Go Back to Previous Page

Live in care jobs