How to clean the humidifier from scale and mold at home: the best ways + cleaning instructions

With the purchase of a humidifier, the microclimate in the room changes: the air becomes fresher, wetter, and if the device has the function of a cleaner, then it is clean. Many users notice that an improved atmosphere has a positive effect on their health: immunity is becoming stronger, and various viral and colds are less common.

But the acquisition of a new household appliance entails new responsibilities. We have to devote some time to a useful device - to remove scale and rusty deposits, to get rid of mold.

We will analyze in detail how to clean the humidifier so that it does not lose its functions and does not fail prematurely. At the same time, we will introduce you to safe cleaning and maintenance products that will not harm residents or the appliance.

Reasons for pollution of a household humidifier

Of course, the use of a humidifier has a number of pros and cons. One of the last - the need to regularly engage in its maintenance. But, before undertaking the cleaning of devices, we will find out where and for what reasons pollution appears on the outside and inside.

Dirt from the outside of the case and on the outside of the water tank appears from dust. The less you clean, the faster the humidifier gets dirty.

Regular cleaning of the premises is the key to cleanliness and a healthy microclimate. Together with clean air you get well-groomed household appliances, furniture and home textiles

If plastic parts nevertheless got dirty on the outside, you just need to wipe them with a cloth moistened with soapy water. You can not use abrasives that instantly spoil the appearance of the device, destroy the gloss and leave small scratches.

In the humidifier, almost all parts except the control panel, power supply and fan are in contact with water. to take a closer look device and types of humidifiersPlease click on the link.

It is more difficult to cope with dirt on the inner walls, small plastic parts or in the tank. And in any case, they will appear, because tap water, even filtered, contains a large number of various impurities.

The causes of stains, deposits and plaque remain rust and lime known to all housewives.

In addition to them, water contains:

• manganese;
• magnesium;
• sulfides;
• fluorides;
• chlorides;
• various organic compounds.

These and other compounds are constantly deposited on plastic. And if you do not clean the humidifier in time, then harmful microorganisms will appear on the internal surfaces, or even grow mold.

Along with water droplets, germs, bacteria and mold particles will spread throughout the room, which could negatively affect the health of residents

You need to begin to fight harmful microflora from the very first days of the appearance of a humidifier in the house, conducting preventive measures. If you miss the moment, then the evaporator, the water tank, all internal surfaces will be covered with an unpleasant rusty, yellowish or whitish coating.

But do not be alarmed - there are several proven means of getting rid of this dirt.

Safe and Effective Review

We will look at popular solutions that you can always find at home or buy in a supermarket. All of them are safe if you follow the dosage or follow the instructions. But during any work with chemical aggressive or simply unknown substances, do not forget to use gloves, and with a strong smell do not be too lazy to wear a mask.

Remedy # 1 - Citric Acid

Citric acid is part of many household cleaners, but is also effective as a normal solution.

Food citric acid sachets are sold at grocery stores. Their low cost is not comparable with the enormous benefits that ordinary lemon solution brings.

A food product, unlike a chemical reagent, is harmless, therefore, special protective equipment can be omitted.

Citric acid is used in various ways:

• wipe contaminated areas with a cloth;
• applied to the brush and clean out inaccessible places;
• pour in the solution and leave for a while.

If you want to know how to properly clean the humidifier from mineral scale, remember the recipe for the preparation of the “magic remedy”. It is simple: dissolve 2-3 tbsp in 1 liter of water. tablespoons of acid powder. You can try a more concentrated solution - it will not be worse.

The most effective filling inside containers.

The solution fills both the water tank, if a plaque appears in it, and the inside of the case - for example, a vaporizing chamber at an ultrasonic device

The solution is left for 30-40 minutes, drained, and the softened salts are removed with a cloth or brush. Then rinse and wipe dry.

Citric acid is safe and effective against various deposits, therefore, it is part of the cleaning products officially approved by manufacturers of climatic equipment.

Remedy # 2 - baking soda

Soda, which housewives often use to bake or care for kitchen utensils, is also suitable for cleaning the humidifier. It is as safe as citric acid, but, in contrast to it, refers to alkaline products.

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is a substance that is always on the market. Among other things, it has a disinfecting effect, which can also be useful when cleaning household appliances

Rubbing plastic parts with dry powder is not recommended. As a result of this aggressive approach, the surface will lose its smoothness and deposits will “grow” even more.It is necessary to make a saturated solution - about 1 tbsp. spoon on a glass of water - and rub it with contaminated areas.

After cleaning, all parts must be washed with clean water, right under the tap or in the shower. It is better to wipe external surfaces dry so that there are no stains.

If you notice the first signs of mold, cover the affected areas with soda and leave for a while. Alkali inhibits the reproduction of the fungus, and also acts as an active antiseptic.

Remedy # 3 - a weak solution of vinegar

Acetic acid acts on the principle of citric acid - softens deposits, makes them more malleable when cleaning. But it is not recommended to use a concentrated solution, even table vinegar is recommended to be diluted with water.

The fact is that any acid can act on polymers in its own way. Microcracks may appear that will contribute to rapid contamination. Therefore, before you start using vinegar, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions - they usually list substances and solutions that can not be used to clean or disinfect devices.

Table vinegar, like soda or citric acid, is sold at the grocery store. Although it is a liquid, not a powder, it requires additional dilution with water.

Typically, table vinegar is combined with water in a 1: 1 ratio, but if you use acid or essence, the percentage of water will be much larger.

After wiping with a solution, all parts must be thoroughly washed. Unlike soda, vinegar has a strong, stable odor, and if you make too concentrated a solution, this “aroma” will be present in your apartment for a long time.

Means # 4 - special detergents

Grandma’s products are good, but today in the market you can find many more effective and equally safe special detergents.

Consider one of them - a universal tool for the bathroom of the popular Faberlic brand, which includes a whole complex of various acids.

Detergent is sold in containers of 0.5 l and is suitable for cleaning any surface: tile, ceramic, plastic, acrylic, sanitary ware, enameled and chrome-plated products

The solution copes equally well with red rust deposits and hard-to-remove calcareous deposits.

To eliminate unpleasant consequences, it is recommended that you first process a small area of ​​plastic and look at the result. If the structure of the material remains the same, and the dirt begins to lag behind - you can use it.

Procedure:

• Apply to contaminated areas.
• Leave on for 2-3 minutes.
• Sponge or brush.
• Wash off with water.

If the coating is strong, you can increase the exposure time to 5 minutes, but no more. The procedure can be repeated several times until the sediment is completely destroyed.

If you decide to choose something from household chemicals, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations. Better if the product can clean the dishes - then it is really safe.

What solutions can not be used?

Wanting to achieve perfect cleanliness, users rub devices with various compositions, which are harmful not only for plastic, but also for the health of the owners themselves. So that they do not accidentally get poisoned by harmful fumes, especially responsible manufacturers in the instructions place a long list of substances that are strictly forbidden to be used. The list of permitted funds, by the way, is much shorter.

Among the banned are usually listed the following:

• chlorine and any chlorine-containing solutions;
• aggressive concentrated acids;
• alcohol and alcohol-containing solutions;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• compositions with essential oils;
• petrol;
• kerosene;
• acetone and other solvents;
• toilet cleaners, etc.

Even light acid products approved for use cannot be left for long, as they can ruin the structure of the material and significantly reduce the life of the device.

Universal care instructions

The humidifier constantly needs preventative cleaning, even if it is new and has not yet had time to “overgrow” with a thick layer of plaque. Usually this is a rinse of all parts with either clean water or a special solution. But whatever your humidifier is, you can apply the same instructions for regular care to it.

Step-by-step instruction:

If the manufacturer has not left precise instructions for cleaning the filter, then it is washed with clean water to avoid damage.

If you decide to clean the filter of your home air humidifier more seriously, proceed as follows:

• Turn off the machine.
• Carefully disconnect and remove the filter.
• Rinse under running water.
• If contamination remains - soak in a solution of citric acid.
• Carefully walk with a soft brush to all critical places.
• Rinse off any remaining residue with water.
• Dry and install in the workplace.

It is better to study the filter characteristics in advance by looking at the instructions. Some models have replaceable cartridges - they need to be replaced on time. But there are also replaceable parts that you can clean several times yourself, and then buy new ones.

Prevention and maintenance rules

It is important not only to use the humidifier correctly, but also to take care of it regularly. After all, it is easier to prevent the occurrence of a problem than to deal with it later, therefore we recommend paying attention to the humidifier as often as possible.

If you do not use the device constantly, but periodically, it requires no less maintenance than a regularly used humidifier: you must ensure that mold does not start and mineral deposits do not occur

We present you a few simple rules that you should try to follow:

• the filter is cleaned once a week, all removable parts and the tank - once every 7-10 days;
• Before sanitary measures, the device must be disconnected from the power supply;
• electronic parts, cord, plug, fan must not be filled with water;
• if during cleaning the case, fan, etc. are damaged, the device must not be turned on - repairs are necessary;
• Only use products recommended by the manufacturer for cleaning.

Not everyone can use distilled or purchased purified water for pouring.

But you can make the tap much cleaner by installing filtration system - then your equipment will last longer, and your own health will improve markedly.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Excellent cleaning effect from Faberlic detergent:

Recommendations on leaving the manufacturer CRANE:

How to quickly and easily rinse the filter:

Caring for household appliances is the responsibility of each user. Particular attention is required to devices that are in constant contact with water. If you spend a few minutes on a humidifier every week, he will thank you with a long, healthy job that will bring the whole family an unconditional benefit.

And what means do you use to clean your air humidifier from pollution? Maybe you have special secrets for effective cleaning? Tell others about them - the feedback block is located below. Also here you can ask questions to our experts or participate in the discussion of a question that interests you.