The moisturizing mist from a humidifier helps reduce static electricity in your home and relieve dry sinus passages and other side effects of dry air. Unfortunately, the device can also be a health hazard if not properly cared for. Minerals can accumulate on its components, reducing its effectiveness. Use these tips to maintain your humidifier and prevent mineral buildup.
Change Water Daily
Preventing stagnant water is one of the best ways to keep your unit clean. Mold and bacteria collect and grow in still water. Empty and wipe the water reservoir daily and refill it with fresh water.
Use Distilled Water
Tap water is rich in minerals, which can form deposits of white dust on your humidifier’s elements. This dust can enter your indoor air through the mist created by your humidifier. Fill your unit with distilled or demineralized water to keep the minerals that enter your water tank to a minimum.
Clean Regularly
You should clean your humidifier every few days to remove mineral buildup. Follow this simple and inexpensive procedure:
- Turn off and unplug the humidifier.
- Remove the tank as well as the housing. Remove the wick or filter and place it in a bucket or sink to drain water.
- Drain the humidifier base, wash away the sediment that might have accumulated in it then wipe it with a clean cloth.
- Dry the base using a soft cloth then pour one cup of undiluted white vinegar into it. Allow the solution to stand for 20 minutes.
- Drain the solution then gently scrub the inside surfaces with a soft bristle brush. Resoak the base with vinegar if the mineral residue persists.
- Dip a cloth in white vinegar and use it to wipe the base to get rid of any scale.
- Rinse the humidifier base thoroughly with warm water.
- Lastly, reassemble the parts of your humidifier.
Performing regular maintenance on your humidifier will help keep your unit operating at maximum efficiency and extend its useful life. For more tips on how to take care of your humidifier and prevent mineral buildup, contact Arpi’s Industries, proudly serving the Calgary area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about humidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide.
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