How to clean humidifier? As lot of us in cold climate are using heat to heat our houses and run in to the problem of the dry air and then we use humidifiers. Humidifiers need special care as they may become source of airborne microorganism. Below is recommendation by the CPSC.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Portable Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the onset of cold weather, many consumers are turning up the heat and turning on the humidifier. It's a good time to review the importance of keeping your humidifier clean. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, microorganisms can grow in the humidifier's tank and possibly become airborne. These microorganisms have the potential to cause respiratory problems, so the prudent thing to do is always keep the humidifier clean.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recommend that consumers always clean new portable humidifiers before the first use, and regularly thereafter.
All humidifiers perform an important function -- adding moisture to dry, indoor air -- and several types of portable models are available to do the job.
Portable humidifiers include all types except furnace- mounted varieties and range in size from small, table-top units to floor consoles. Units designed for single room use include steam vaporizers, cool mist impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers. Two other types -- warm mist humidifiers and evaporative and wicking humidifiers -- come in a smaller size for single rooms or larger size for multiple rooms.
Some units may require special maintenance steps so carefully follow the manufacturer's cleaning directions. In general, these are the "basics."
For portable humidifiers with capacities under five gallons:
- Clean Daily
- Empty leftover water, wipe all surfaces dry with a soft towel, and refill with clean water.
- Sanitize Every Seven Days
- Empty leftover water and fill with a weak bleach solution (one teaspoon bleach per gallon of water). Let the solution "soak" for 20 minutes, swishing it around the sides every few minutes. Rinse with water until you can no longer smell bleach. Remove any scale or mineral deposits using a soft brush or towel and a vinegar solution (half vinegar, half water).
For portable humidifiers with capacities of five gallons or more:
- Sanitize Every Two Weeks
- Follow the sanitizing instructions above and refer to the manufacturers' directions for additional information.
- Besides frequent cleaning, manufacturers recommend these maintenance and safety tips for good humidifier performance.
- At the start of the humidifier season, clean the humidifier first before operating it.
- Disconnect the appliance whenever cleaning or filling.
- Always use clean water for cleaning and filling. (Although most humidifiers use tap water, distilled water is recommended by some.)
- Position the humidifier where air circulates freely, preferably near a return air register.
- Don't over-humidify. A sign of too much humidity is moisture on walls or windows.
- Sanitize and thoroughly dry the appliance before storing it away for next season.
Have safe winter.
ProTec Humidifier Tank Cleaning Cartridge :Model PC-1. Your humidifier stays cleaner, longer. Simply drop in tank for fresh, clean mist; Works in all humidifiers; Keeps cleaning for 3 days; Safe and non-toxic. Concentrated antimicrobial cartridge. Continuous protection against slimy build-up in humidifier. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge features a patented antimicrobial Aquastat, to continually inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold in the cartridge as well as help prevent the buildup of slime in your humidifier. In addition the Protec Cartridge provides peace of mind that the mist is fresh and clean. Safe, non-toxic the Protec Cartridge uses the same antimicrobial that has been used for years in the food and drinking water industry to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The Protec Cleaning Cartridge is antimicrobially treated to help prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and odor-causing bacteria on the cartridge.
Humidiclean, 32 OZ, Extra Strength Humidifier Cleaner, Dissolves Calcium Scale, Lime & Rust, Helps Control Odor, Prolongs The Life Of Ultrasonic, Vaporizer, Evaporative Console & Table Type Humidifiers.
We need to maintain proper humidity level in the house. If the humidity is too low then we have dry skin. Low humidity causes dry nose, skin and throat. It also creates static electricity which is pretty annoying. It effects wood and dry wall. On the other hand high humidity can cause mold and rot. It will cause the wall paper and the paint to peel off the walls.
There are different kind of humidifiers available in the market.
Cold weather is here in our zone. Lot of time is being spent inside in heated house. Most of the houses have forced air HVAC. As furnace heats up the air to warm the house it gets dry as it can hold more moisture. Dry air can cause lot of problems to the human body and also to the things in the house.
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