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Robert asked: How do I clean a humidifier filter. My humidifier filter has a bunch of lime build up. Is there a home remedy to clean this filter? It looks like it is made out of some kind of paper.
Filters are constructed out of a variety of materials. If the filter is made of paper, you will need to dispose of it and purchase a new one. The paper will be ruined in the cleaning process. If the filter is made of a plastic or other water-resistant material, you can clean it and remove the lime with the method below.
You Will Need:
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- Towels
- Bucket
- Soft cloth
Steps to Clean the Filter:
- Unplug the humidifier.
- Remove the tank. These generally sit on top of the filter.
- Set the tank on a towel, in a tub or in the sink. Sometimes they continue to drip water.
- Carefully lift out the filter.
- Place it in the sink or tub. If neither of these are available, place it in a bucket filled with cool water.
- As you are rinsing, look for any damaged or moldy areas. Mold may be green, pink or black. Mineral deposits may also be present.
- If there is mold present, fill the sink or bucket with one part bleach and six parts water.
- Place the filter in the water mixture and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
- Remove the filter from the water and rinse it completely with cool water.
- If mineral deposits are present, fill the sink or bucket with one part vinegar and two parts water.
- Soak the filter in the vinegar and water for 20 minutes.
- Rinse completely with cool water.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe out the basin where the filter sits. Use the bleach or vinegar to treat any problem areas found there.
- Place the filter back into the holder while it is still damp.
- Fill the tank and return it to the top of the filter.
- Run the humidifier as normal.
Additional Tips and Advice
- If your filter is not made of plastic or cannot withstand chemicals, skip the vinegar and bleach soakings. Simply rinse and soak the filter in clean water to clean it.
- Check your owner’s manual for cleaning guidelines and suggestions. If it differs from the instructions here, follow those provided by the manufacturer or your specific model.
- To avoid lime build up in the future (and keep away bacteria and fungi), fill the humidifier with distilled or demineralized water. Regular tap water contains minerals that leave a build-up which can feed bacteria growth.
- Many filters are designed to be tossed and replaced. If yours has passed its prime, don’t hesitate to purchase a new one.
- To sanitize the inside of your humidifier, wipe it down with hydrogen peroxide (3%). Allow it to air dry completely before use.
You can clean paper filters too. One gallon of water and 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and soak for 12-24 hours. Rinse and let dry. I have two paper filters that I alternate and so far have done this half a dozen times and the paper filters are still holding up.
So glad to see your info about paper type filters. I have a large Kenmore floor humidifier that utilizes a cellulose filter. According to all the cleaning gurus, the only thing I can do is throw it out when it becomes dirty. This is not a practical or reasonable option due to the cost.
It’s dangerous to clean with bleach then with vinegar; it creates a toxic fume that causes damage to the mouth, throat and esophagus. I would choose one or the other, preferably vinegar since bleach is really, really, really bad for you, but NEVER both.
I cleaned my humidifier filter by immersing them in pure white vinegar, and let them soak while using a new filter. I used a aluminum foil pan. I let the filter soak for 10 days or so. The combination of what was in filter and vinegar over time caused the foil pan to leak. I have done it twice, with a new foil pan each time. Any thoughts?
Anon., re: bleach & vinegar
Don’t go scare-mongering with the bleach & vinegar issue. Yes, mixing *undiluted* bleach and vinegar is bad chemistry, BUT:
#1. Read the instructions. It clearly says “Remove the filter from the water [and bleach MIX] and RINSE IT COMPLETELY with cool water.”
#2. This is a dilute bleach solution, as is the vinegar SOLUTION. As *weak solutions*, even if they were mixed together, they’d not likely produce much of a reaction.
That said, more emphasis on the rinsing would be appropriate.
Thank you so much! I have a humidifier and no longer am able to buy the filters. Amazon sells them, but they are more than twice of what I paid for the humidifier; so thank you very much.
I’m glad you were their with the good advice. I had been just washing with fresh water and now since I followed your directions the humidifier works much better and fills the room with moisture once again. Thanks, John H.