Cleaning and maintaining your humidifier is an important task that ensures that the humidifier is functioning properly without releasing any harmful bacteria into the air. While vinegar is a popular cleaning solution for humidifiers, it is not the only option available.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how to clean humidifier without vinegar, instead opting for viable alternatives like liquid chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. We’ll also add some tips for you on how to keep your humidifier in good working condition.
Why Should You Regularly Clean Your Humidifier?
There are various reasons why you should clean your humidifier regularly. First and most important is that if you don’t clean the humidifier regularly, bacteria and mold can grow inside and it can enter into the air via the humidifier, which can be harmful.
Apart from that, you should regularly clean your humidifier as it can improve the overall life of your humidifier and also increases its performance.
Over a period of time, minerals and deposits can build up inside the humidifier, which reduces its performance. That’s why you should regularly clean the humidifier.
Also Read: How To Thoroughly Clean The Dehumidifier Coils?
How to Clean Humidifier Without Vinegar? (Complete Guide)
There are various ways you can use to clean your humidifier without vinegar. For instance, you can use liquid chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean your humidifier. Below is the complete guide on how to clean a humidifier with chlorine bleach and hydrogen peroxide.
Use Liquid Chlorine Bleach to Clean Humidifier
Liquid chlorine is a popular chemical that is made by a mixture of water and chlorine gas. Liquid chlorine is also known as Sodium Hypochlorite. This solution works as a disinfectant and is generally used in the laundry industry to remove bacteria and stains from clothes.
Liquid chlorine is one of the best alternatives to vinegar for cleaning your humidifier. Here is how you can use Liquid Chlorine Bleach to clean your humidifier:
Step 1: First of all, turn off the humidifier and unplug the unit.
Step 2: Now, you need to drain the water out of the tank. If your humidifier has a detachable tank, the cleaning for you will be a little easier.
Step 3: After draining the water from the tank, you have to add a teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach and mix it with one gallon of water. Make sure not to use more than the recommended quantity.
Step 4: You have to mix the solution well and pour it into the humidifier tank. We recommend that you wear gloves and a mask for your safety.
Step 5: You can use something to stir the solution in the tank well so the solution can reach all corners of the tank and kill bacteria.
Step 6: After stirring, leave the solution in the tank for about 20 minutes.
Step 7: Next, you have to use a scrubber to scrub the tank’s interior. Make sure to remove dust, debris, dirt, mold, and bacteria buildup.
Step 8: After that, you have to drain the tank from the solution and rinse the tank unit with clean water. Now, let the tank completely dry from the outside as well as the inside.
Step 9: You can use a soft cloth to wipe the tank from the inside as well as the outside.
Step 10: Fill the tank with water and reconnect it with the humidifier.
So, this is how you can clean your humidifier using liquid chlorine bleach. If you cannot find liquid chlorine bleach in the offline market, we recommend buying it from Amazon. Here are some of the best Liquid Chlorine Bleach solutions you can buy online.
Also Read: What Does Mold In Humidifier Look Like?
Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Humidifier
Hydrogen peroxide is another great alternative for cleaning humidifiers. It is a chemical that is mildly antiseptic, and it is known for its capability of treating minor cuts, burns, and irritation.
Apart from that, Hydrogen Peroxide is known to kill bacteria and mold. To clean your humidifier with Hydrogen Peroxide, you can mix one cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 cups of water.
Step 1: Unplug the humidifier from the power outlet.
Step 2: Detach the tank from the humidifier unit.
Step 3: Drain the water from the tank.
Step 4: Mix 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 4 cups of water.
Step 5: Pour the solution into the tank and mix it well.
Step 6: Leave it for 20 minutes and then drain the tank.
Step 7: Rinse the tank thoroughly with water. Let it dry, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth.
Step 8: Fill the tank and reconnect it with the humidifier.
Other Ways to Clean a Humidifier Without Vinegar:
- Water and Baking Soda
- Lemon oil or Lemon Juice
- White Vinegar
- Commercial humidifier cleaning solution
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are some tips for maintaining a humidifier?
First of all, you should clean the humidifier regularly as it will prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Refill the water tank every day with fresh water. Use distilled water instead of tap water. Follow the user manual instructions. And replace the filter on a regular basis.
Can I Use Water and Soap to Clean the humidifier?
Yes, you can clean the humidifier with water and soap. However, do not use soap to clean the filter. Other areas can be cleaned with soap and water.
Can I use lemon juice or baking soda to clean my humidifier instead of vinegar?
Yes, you can clean your humidifier using lemon juice or baking soda instead of vinegar. Lemon juice and baking soda are both natural and safe to use, and they can assist in the removal of mineral deposits and other impurities from your humidifier.
Conclusion
Cleaning your humidifier regularly is important, doesn’t matter whether you clean it with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or any other cleaning solution.
While using any chemical like Liquid Chlorine Bleach for cleaning, ensure to protect yourself by wearing gloves and a mask. If you are still having any questions regarding humidifier cleaning, do let us know in the comments section below.
