Humidifiers are convenient and can help you sleep better at night. But if your humidifier gets dirty, it can be a breeding ground for mold and other allergens that can make you sick.
This article will discuss how to prevent mold from growing on your humidifier.
Content Summary
Clean the reservoir
Clean the reservoir. The first step to preventing mold is to keep your humidifier clean. If you notice any visible mold, remove it with a brush and rinse the vinegar solution. Dry the reservoir before putting it back in place; otherwise, there’s a chance that water will leak out during use (and potentially cause damage).
Clean your filter regularly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, depending on what type of filter you have–this can help prevent bacteria from forming inside that could lead to mold growth over time if left unchecked!
Clean the air conditioning unit
- Clean the air conditioning unit.
- Clean the air conditioning unit filters.
- Clean the air conditioning unit coils.
- Clean the air conditioning unit fan if it has one (many do).
- Clean the housing of your central heating and cooling system, which can harbor mold and mildew if not properly maintained by a professional who knows how to do this work safely and efficiently–and clean all ducts leading from that housing.
Keep humidity levels low
Humidifiers are unnecessary for dry climates and can cause mold growth in a home if misused. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier instead of a humidifier. This will help keep the air around your home as dry as possible, making it less likely for mold to grow on your furniture or walls.
Clean regularly! As with any appliance or device that sits out in the open air (like fans), it’s essential to clean them regularly so they don’t become covered with dust and dirt over time–and therefore more likely to harbor moisture, which could lead to mold growth later down the road if left unattended.
Change your filters often
Change the filter every three months. Filters are inexpensive and easy to replace, so don’t be afraid to change them often, especially if you have a large household or live in a humid climate where frequent use of your humidifier is necessary.
The filter can be cleaned by running it through the dishwasher or soaking it in vinegar or bleach solution for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with hot water (this should be done at least once weekly).
Steps to keep your humidifier mold-free!
Here are some steps to take to ensure that your humidifier stays mold-free:
- Clean the reservoir regularly. You can clean it with vinegar and water or run it through the dishwasher (use hot water). Be sure not to use soap, which can clog up your unit’s filters!
- Clean the air conditioning unit monthly with warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly before turning it back on.
- Keep humidity levels low in your house during winter months by using fans or opening windows instead of turning on your humidifier at night when everyone is sleeping–you’ll save money on energy costs, too!
- If you have children who use inhalers like albuterol or other medications containing steroids (like prednisone), talk with their doctor about whether you should use an evaporative type of cool mist vaporizer instead of one that circulates warm,
What does mold in a humidifier look like?
The appearance of mold in humidifiers may vary depending on your device type. If you have a tabletop unit that uses water to create steam, then the mold will appear as white or grey spots on the walls inside your home, and these can be easily seen when you look for them.
If, however, you have one of those cool mist ultrasonic models that use water droplets instead of steam, then it may not be so easy to see what’s going on inside there, but don’t worry because if it’s working correctly, then there shouldn’t be any mold growing on any internal parts within your humidifier at all!
Conclusions
There you have it! Now that you know how to prevent humidifier mold, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe from harmful pathogens.
If you follow these steps and keep your humidifier clean and maintained, there’s no reason why your family shouldn’t continue enjoying their favorite little gadget for years on end.