How to Clean an Ultrasonic Humidifier

Humidifiers are of great help to people living in dry, cold regions. They add the much-needed humidity in a room. In the absence of moisture, your home can become dry, cracks may develop in paint and wallpaper may start peeling off. Besides, the occupants in house may also suffer from medical conditions such as dry, itchy nose, irritable throat, dry eyes etc. A humidifier can prevent these problems by releasing moisture in the air. You can control the amount of moisture entering your room through a humidifier. However, cleaning an ultrasonic humidifier is a must to keep it in best working condition as well as to alleviate problems due to dirty moisture dispensing from a humidifier.

Ultrasonic Humidifier Cleaning Instructions

An ultrasonic humidifier is a cool mist humidifier consisting of a metal diaphragm which vibrates with a programmed frequency to convert water into minute water droplets. These little droplets are released in the air in the form of cool mist. Humidifier comprises a reservoir tank, in which you fill water, an ultrasonic unit and a nebulizer which dispenses the cold mist. Ultrasonic humidifiers work very quietly which is a plus point of its kind. However, if the moisture in a room exceeds normal limit, it may lead to microbial growth such as dust mites, mold, mildew etc. Besides, if the water in reservoir is not clean, then bacteria from the mist may get dispersed throughout the house. Also, there is an added risk of spraying minerals, from the hard water, all over the house. Minerals may form a whitish layer on everything inside a house. Hence, it is a must that you clean your device on a regular basis to keep it in great working condition. For that, refer to the steps given below.

Dismantle the Unit
Disconnect the power of humidifier by unplugging it. Dismantle its various components such as reservoir, tank, nebulizer etc.

Clean the Reservoir
If the water in the reservoir has not been changed for quite some days, you may notice a thin, slimy film on the inside surface of the reservoir. This is an indication that there is a bacterial growth present in the reservoir. Take the reservoir to the sink and empty it. Take some undiluted white vinegar and pour it in reservoir. Swish the interiors of the reservoir with vinegar and let it sit for 20 minutes. You may also use chlorine bleach for this purpose.

Clean the Tank
The tank of the ultrasound humidifier also needs to be cleaned in a similar way. After you are done with concentrated vinegar, pour diluted vinegar in it and allow it to sit for half an hour. Take a soft brush and scrub the film on the surface of reservoir and tank. You can also use a toothbrush if there are any stains or scales due to hard water. Rinse it with warm tap water. Repeat the procedure if required.

Clean the Nebulizer
Soak the nebulizer in a solution of vinegar and water or water and chlorine bleach. After half an hour, scrub the nebulizer with soft brush and clean it.

Fill the Tank
Now that your humidifier is clean, fill it with clean, cold water. You can use distilled water for this purpose as it is purest. If that is not possible, you can use filtered water, so that there are no mineral or bacterial impurities in it. Assemble the various components of the humidifier and take it to its location. Reconnect the power supply.

To always keep your ultrasonic humidifier clean, do not allow water to remain stagnant for long. Replace it with clean water everyday. Follow the above method of cleaning at least once a week.