How To Freshen A Cool Mist Humidifier

How to Freshen a Cool Mist Humidifier. Cool-mist humidifiers are very popular, especially in the dry winter months. Humidifiers need more cleaning than just replenishing the water supply to have a fresh, cool mist blow into your home. Use the following tips to learn how to freshen your cool-mist humidifier, so that you can smell and sense the difference.

Step 1

Follow the directions for cleaning your cool-mist humidifier provided by the manufacturer. This will give you a good, basic cleaning. Look up the manufacturer online for a copy of the instructions for cleaning if you have lost your original directions or owner's manual.

Step 2

Change the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Once you've looked at a used filter, you will understand why it needs to be changed and kept fresh.

Step 3

Rinse the water tank each day that you are using the cool-mist humidifier. At least once a week, add about a cup of white vinegar to the water tank, fill it with water, and let sit for at least an hour. Rinse the water tank thoroughly before refilling with fresh water to run through the cool-mist humidifier.

Step 4

Clean the base unit of the cool-mist humidifier thoroughly at least once a week when using on a daily basis. Pour any excess water off the unplugged unit. Wipe the base off with a cleaning cloth using white vinegar or chlorine bleach to scrub any mineral deposits, grime or mold that may have built up on the base area. For stubborn mineral deposits or mold, pour a mixture of diluted bleach in the base area that holds water. Let this sit for a while, pour off the bleach, rinse off and wipe down. You can also use white vinegar for this cleaning if you prefer not to use the bleach. Use a cotton swab for hard-to-reach corners and crevices.

Step 5

Add a cap full of humidifier treatment to your water tank several times a week to help keep the cool-mist humidifier clean and smelling fresh. The humidifier treatment will also help to reduce the growth of mold and bacteria that forms in the damp areas of the humidifier base and tank.

Step 6

Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the water tank each time you fill the tank. The lemon juice running through the cool-mist humidifier releases a fresh citrus smell throughout your home. The acid in the lemon juice will cut down on the growth of bacteria, mold and allergens in the air. In addition, the lemon juice aids in keeping the base unit of the cool-mist humidifier much fresher in between cleanings.