1. Old Humidifier Filters Contain Bacteria, Replace Yours Regularly
A humidifier works by pulling in air from the room and returning it either a cool or warm mist,
depending on your type of humidifier. Humidifier filters remove common air pollutants like dust, dander
and pollen to keep your air cleaner, which is especially important for homes with allergy sufferers. Using
a humidifier filter can also help keep that white dust which plagues many homes and caused by minerals
deposits from forming on your furniture, TV and computer screens.
Once the humidifier pulls air through its system, dust, dander, pollen and other air particles become
trapped in the humidifier filter. Over time, these air particles tend to collect and clog the filter, meaning
your humidifier has to work that much harder to pull in air. A humidifier that is constantly working
harder than it is supposed to might burn out its fan and you will end up giving to replace the whole unit.
Since proper filtration is impossible when the filer is clogged, it could also be returning dirty air and mold
spores into your house. Overtime, breathing dirty air may aggravate allergies and asthma (especially in
children) and could contribute to lung infections
Most cool moisture humidifiers use replaceable wick filters and they need to be changed (on average)
every two months. Most wick filters are coated with a special antimicrobial coating designed to keep
mold from growing on the damp filter, but without regular maintenance mold, mildew, fungi, and
bacteria can thrive in a humidifier, especially in standing water. It’s important to empty your humidifier
on a daily basis to keep bacteria from growing in any standing water. You could also keep your
humidifier running throughout the day, which means the water is constantly moving, giving bacteria no
time to settle and grow.
As a rule of thumb, if you are using your humidifier on a daily basis you should clean it at least once a
week to keep it clean and functional. Here a few humidifier cleaning tips, in addition to replacing the
filter, to help keep bacteria and mold at bay:
Fill the water reservoir 2/3 full of water and add a tablespoon of chlorine bleach. Let it sit for 20
minutes to kill any bacteria that may be lurking in your reservoir (make sure you get into the
corners!). Empty and rinse several times to remove all chlorine residues from the tank.
Add undiluted clear vinegar to the base of the humidifier, again letting it stand for about 20
minutes to remove bacteria. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
Wipe the outside of your unit with a warm water/vinegar cloth.
If you are not using your humidifier for a few days or putting it away for the season, be sure drain off
any water, clean it and dry completely before storing. Even a little moisture left in the humidifier can
become a breeding ground for mold.
About the Author
TotalVac (http://www.totalvac.com) is a leading online retailer of vacuum cleaner parts and supplies.
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