Steps To Take Before You Put Your Humidifier Away In Storage For The Season

Once the weather warms up and the air starts regaining more humidity, you'll eventually notice that you no longer need to keep your trusty humidifier out. However, you shouldn't just unplug the machine and toss it back into a dark hallway closet. By storing a humidifier that still has mineral buildup or droplets of water inside, you're inviting mold and bacteria to grow inside it during its off-season. Instead, to keep your family healthy and ensure your device lasts for years to come, you need to properly clean your humidifier and thoroughly dry each component before the season ends.

Health-wise, not cleaning and drying your humidifier causes potentially dangerous issues. A dirty, damp humidifier could release mold spores, allergens, and bacteria into the air you breathe, causing a variety of health effects, such as flu-like symptoms. And as for your humidifier's health, not cleaning any water mineral buildup can stop it from working normally. The buildup can clog up the pathways, and eventually, no mist will be able to come out. Regular maintenance now will save you from a difficult scrubbing job later or even having to find a new, affordable humidifier to help with next winter's dry air.

To clean your machine, empty any remaining water from the tank. Fill the tank with a one-to-one mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and water, and let it sit for roughly 30 minutes. While the tank soaks, use a soft-bristled brush dipped in vinegar to scrub any small crevices. Afterward, rinse everything thoroughly. Then you're ready to begin the next stage, which is equally important: drying the humidifier off.

There are a few more steps you'll need to take to make sure your humidifier is prepped for storage. It's essential to make sure it's bone dry; even a little moisture trapped inside a humidifier's sealed tank can lead to a swampy mess over time. After you finish the cleaning process, take every piece apart and wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Then, lay each part down on another dry towel and let it fully air dry. Check the small corners and the bottom of the base to make sure no puddles are hiding out. Optionally, you can do a pass to disinfect it with a handy home essential, hydrogen peroxide, or even diluted bleach. If your humidifier uses a disposable filter or a wick, throw it away now; storing a used one can also cause issues, so we recommend just starting fresh next year.

Once every piece has dried, put the humidifier back together loosely. You'll want to store it somewhere where air can still easily circulate, like in the original box or on top of a wooden pallet. Place this in a cool, dry spot like the upper shelf in a closet or pantry. You can also tape a new replacement filter to the side of the tank so you can hit the ground running the moment the air turns crisp again. Taking some time to properly clean your humidifier helps you enjoy a stress-free transition into the warmer months. And your future self will thank you when that first dry winter breeze arrives, and your humidifier is already clean and ready to use again.