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s/o - cleaning the humidifier

SofkaSofka
in D.C. Area Babies

what do you use to clean the filters? we have the kind where the filter does not need to be changed

thanks!

 

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Re: s/o - cleaning the humidifier

  • jess08200jess08200

    A lady I work with suggested White Vinegar and it's been working wonderfully.

    I put in about a teaspoon-tablespoon with the water and let it run while we are gone.

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  • vtkgirl77vtkgirl77

    I've done some reading up on this because DD's pediatrician said to make sure we clean it weekly since mold and bacteria can grow in them and potentially cause an infection. I was not good about this in the past but I'm really making and effort to make it part of my weekend routine.

    From what I've read, it says they should be cleaned weekly. Most sources say to do a mixture of white vinegar and water (about 2 TBS to 0.5-1 galloon) and let it sit for 20 minutes. Consumer reports also recommended that after the vinegar step, that you should do a second step with bleach and water. However, I'm not sure if that's necessary every week or not since some of the humidifier companies didn't mention it.

    So, for the filter I would recommend letting it sit in water and vinegar for 20 minutes and wiping it down. That seems to be the norm.

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  • alliapistoralliapistor member

    If you have hard water (i.e., does white dust accumulate on surfaces when you run the humidifier) - vinegar helps break down the calcium/scale deposits.  Using distilled water eliminates this problem, but it is too pricey for me.  So I use a combination of vinegar and EZ Cal.  I've read mixed info on whether you should run the humidifier with the vinegar in it or just let it soak, so I usually soak.  I also use a vinegar solution to wipe down countertops around the humidifier to get rid of the white dust.

    Bleach would kill any potential mold if that is a concern.  For certain types of humidifiers, they make a drop-in to kill bacteria and mold.  You can also buy a product called Bacteriostat (sold at BB&B) that you can pour in the humidifier to clean and kill bacteria and mold.

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