How to Clean Your Humidifier Naturally to Avoid Breathing in Airborne Contaminants

Before we dive into the cleaning methods, it’s important to understand why it’s essential to regularly clean your humidifier. Without proper maintenance, the following issues can arise:

Mold and Bacteria: Stagnant water in your humidifier can quickly become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Mineral Deposits: Hard water can leave mineral deposits inside your humidifier, leading to reduced efficiency and potential clogs.
Airborne Contaminants: If the humidifier isn’t cleaned regularly, the water it disperses into the air could contain harmful particles like bacteria, fungi, or mold spores.

I can tell you from personal experience that I experienced airborne contaminants. When I was first married, we were using a humidifier. I never remember my parents cleaning it (I’m sure they did!). Unfortunately, I didn’t know how important cleaning it was, and it started to form mold in the humidifier. The very next day we both came down with fevers and no other symptoms. It happened one more time until we realized what was causing it! We needed to clean the humidifier. Now I have a pretty strict routine with cleaning it and I encourage you to do it too!

What You’ll Need for Natural Cleaning

You don’t need harsh chemical cleaners to clean your humidifier—simple, natural ingredients will do the trick! Here’s what you’ll need:

White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant that can kill germs, mold, and bacteria, as well as dissolve mineral buildup.
Baking Soda: A gentle abrasive that can help scrub away dirt and grime.
Water: Preferably distilled or filtered water to prevent mineral buildup, but regular tap water will work as long as it’s regularly cleaned.
Soft Cloth or Sponge: For wiping and scrubbing surfaces.
Toothbrush: To scrub any small, hard-to-reach areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Naturally Clean Your Humidifier

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Humidifier

Safety first! Before cleaning, always ensure that the humidifier is turned off and unplugged to avoid any accidents.

2. Empty the Water Tank

Empty out any remaining water from the tank. If you have leftover water, discard it rather than storing it for later use. Storing water can promote bacteria growth, especially if the humidifier has been off for a while.

3. Clean the Water Tank with Vinegar

Fill the water tank with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. White vinegar is an excellent natural disinfectant and can help dissolve any mineral deposits or mold inside the tank.

Pour the vinegar-water solution into the tank and swish it around gently.
Let the solution sit for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down the mineral deposits and kill any bacteria or mold.
After the soaking time, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the tank. Be sure to scrub any corners, edges, or other hard-to-reach areas.

4. Clean the Base and Other Components

Most humidifiers have a base that also needs cleaning, as this is where water can accumulate and form mineral buildup. Use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in the vinegar solution to clean the base.

If there are any small parts like filters or removable components, soak them in a separate container filled with vinegar solution for 15-30 minutes. Scrub them gently with a toothbrush to remove any stubborn buildup.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After you’ve scrubbed all the surfaces with the vinegar solution, it’s time to rinse everything thoroughly with clean water. You want to make sure that all vinegar and residue are completely washed away to avoid any lingering smell or taste.

Fill the tank with clean water and swish it around to rinse out the vinegar.
You may want to repeat the rinsing process a few times to ensure all vinegar is removed.

6. Dealing with Mineral Deposits?

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildup can be a persistent problem. To tackle this, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the tank, along with a little water. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive and can help loosen stubborn mineral deposits.

Use a soft sponge or toothbrush to gently scrub the areas with mineral buildup.
Once the deposits are gone, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

7. Disinfect with Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional)

If you’re looking for an extra layer of disinfecting power, you can use hydrogen peroxide. It’s a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria and mold. Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (about a tablespoon) to the tank with some water and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

Swish it around, then rinse the tank thoroughly afterward.

8. Dry Everything Completely

Once you’ve finished cleaning and rinsing, it’s important to let all parts of your humidifier dry completely before reassembling. Use a clean towel or cloth to dry any components, and let the parts air-dry completely before putting them back together. This helps prevent mold from forming.

9. Regular Maintenance

To keep your humidifier in optimal condition, perform this cleaning routine once a week or as needed, depending on how frequently you use it. If your humidifier is used heavily or the water in your area is particularly hard, you might need to clean it more often.

Bonus Tips for Humidifier Care

Use Distilled Water: If you have access to distilled water, consider using it in your humidifier. It contains fewer minerals than tap water, which reduces mineral buildup and the need for frequent cleaning. It is a pain to purchase on a weekly basis, but I find it much easier to keep the humidifier clean.
Dry Out Your Humidifier Regularly: I usually have the humidifiers going when we sleep. In the morning, I will take everything apart and let it air dry. Then at nights, they’re ready to use again.
Change Filters Regularly: Many humidifiers have filters that need to be replaced every few months. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement and do so regularly to maintain efficiency.
Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling your humidifier can lead to excess water sitting in the tank, which can breed bacteria or mold. Stick to the recommended water levels for your model.

Here’s the difference between a used (2 months) & new filter.

My Pick for a Humidifier

There are a lot of humidifiers claiming to be easy clean, and yet there can still be negative reviews. For a personal preference, I choose top-fill humidifiers. They’re so much easier to work with because I’m not as worried about spilling. Simply open the lid and pour the water in.

When I started out on this journey, I couldn’t stomach spending $200+ for something I wasn’t sure would stay clean. Now I’m no expert, but the mechanics of it seem the same no matter how much you spend. Obviously at some point you’re paying for how much water it can hold, but outside of that I’m not sure the differences. Basically, I just found one on Amazon that was top fill. Also, to make life easier on yourself, you can choose a filter-less humidifier. I unfortunately didn’t do that, but filters are super cheap

Here’s my humidifer

Here’s my replacement filters

Here’s an option that is top-fill & filter-less

Conclusion

Cleaning your humidifier naturally is easy and effective. By using simple ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, you can keep your humidifier in top shape without resorting to harsh chemicals. Regular cleaning not only helps maintain its performance but also ensures that the air in your home remains healthy and free from mold and bacteria. With just a little effort, your humidifier can continue to provide the moisture and comfort you need while keeping your indoor air clean and safe.

Happy cleaning!

How to Clean Your Humidifier Naturally to Avoid Breathing in Airborne Contaminants