Many people suffer from headaches, allergies, or breathing problems because of a lack of moisture in the air. To that end, humidifiers can be a convenient and easy fix.
Dyson humidifiers in particular are some of the best of the best, and add moisture into the air to fight off the effects of a dry climate. To keep your home comfortable, though, it is vital to regularly clean your Dyson humidifier to ensure it stays in proper working condition. The consequences of a dirty humidifier are much worse than a dry climate and can be harmful to you and your family’s health.
Here, we’ve rounded up the most effective ways to clean your Dyson humidifier to ensure the air in your home is clean and you can breathe comfortably.
Consequences of Dirty Humidifiers
Cleaning your humidifier is for more than just maintenance — it is to ensure your health is protected from pollutants and harmful substances that can be sent into the air.
A neglected Dyson humidifier can end up spraying harmful pollutants into your home’s air making you more uncomfortable and in danger than you were before.
These are the most common consequences of a dirty Dyson humidifier:
Mold
Mold and mildew thrive in wet places, so a humidifier is a high-risk spot for mold to grow. You may regularly change the water tank or even clean it, but because of how humidifiers disperse water into the air, other parts often become wet.
These are the parts you can’t see from the outside and the perfect place for mold to grow, so you need to get in there and clean it every once in a while.
Dirt and Debris
Small particles of dirt and debris can reach the inner working of the Dyson humidifier causing it not to work anymore. It may take you some time to even notice the humidity levels have decreased, but all the while your lungs are suffering from the dry air.
Odors
If your humidifier isn’t cleaned regularly, it can begin to smell musty. As it sprays water, it will also spray this odor into your home. To avoid this, make sure you keep the entire humidifier clean.
On the other hand, you can add things to your humidifier water to produce nice smells, but first, know that it has to be clean.
How to Clean a Dyson Humidifier
Follow these seven steps to a pristine Dyson humidifier so you can get back to breathing well.
Remove the Water Tank
The first step to cleaning your Dyson humidifier is to remove the water tank. Empty all of the water out of the tank and leave it upside down for now. Take a clean cloth or paper towels to wipe up any excess water from where the tank was removed.
Remove the Chimney
The chimney of the humidifier is very simple to remove. All you need to do is turn the chimney at a 90-degree angle and it will unlock so you can lift it up. Wipe down the chimney if it has dust or dirt on it.
Next, remove the seal that lays under the chimney. There will be tabs you can squeeze together to make the seal pop off.
Remove Excess Water
Humidifiers use a lot of water and this water tends to get everywhere. Anywhere you see water in or around the humidifier, clean it up. This water has likely been sitting in the unit for a while and could already have bacteria growing in it.
If your unit is particularly wet, you may want to just tip it over the sink and let it drain out completely. If it has this much water, you may be overfilling the tank.
Create Cleaning Solution
Citric acid, bleach and white vinegar are all effective substances in cleaning a humidifier. You can mix water with about one cup of white vinegar to create a cleaning solution, or you can do the same with citric acid.
To make a cleaning solution with bleach, use a capful or two of bleach for every gallon of water. It needs to be diluted or it can be dangerous to handle.
Keep whichever solution you make in a small bowl, bucket or spray bottle.
Clean Thoroughly
Using the cleaning solution you have made, clean the humidifier from top to bottom. This means taking a cloth soaked in the solution and wiping every inch of the humidifier you can reach.
A good idea is to fill up your water tank with the citric acid solution and let it sit while you clean the rest of the appliance. This will work to kill any existing bacteria.
If you have a spray bottle spray into the nooks and crannies of the humidifier to kill any bacteria lurking inside. Take your time on this step as you want to ensure the unit is thoroughly cleaned.
Rinse Out
Once you feel the humidifier has been wiped down sufficiently, use a damp towel to remove any cleaning solution that may be on it. You should place the water tank in a large sink and fill it up, then dump it out, over and over until you think the solution is completely gone.
If you leave some solution behind it may cause the humidifier to spray an unpleasant, chemical smell so make sure your rinse and wipe everything as thoroughly as possible.
Dry and Reassemble
The best way to dry your clean humidifier parts is by air drying. But if you don’t have the time, or the patience, to do so, you can use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towels to dry all of the pieces. The dryer everything is when you put it back together, the less chance there is of mold and mildew forming.
Once everything is dry, you can assemble the appliance in the opposite order you took it apart. Fill the water tank with clean, distilled water and replace it into its slot. And now you have a squeaky clean humidifier ready to add moisture to your home.
Bottom Line
The importance of keeping your Dyson humidifier cannot be overstated. A dirty humidifier can harm your health and comfort in your own home, making the humidifier a nuisance rather than an asset.
Follow this simple guide to keeping your Dyson air purifier squeaky clean so you can enjoy the benefits they offer. Whether you use the humidifier for health reasons or simply enjoy a humid environment, keeping it clean is essential in keeping your air clean.
FAQs
How Often Should I Clean My Dyson Humidifier?
It is recommended you clean your Dyson humidifier once a week. This ensures no bacteria can grow and your home can stay fresh and humid. If you neglect to clean your humidifier for more than 3 weeks, it may begin to cause problems.
Do I Need to Clean My Dehumidifier?
Yes! Just like your humidifier, your dehumidifier needs to be cleaned regularly to stop mold, mineral deposits, and other substances from building up and contaminating your air. Even though dehumidifiers don’t disperse moisture, they can still put harmful substances into your air if you don’t keep it properly cleaned.
How Often Should I Change the Water?
At least once a day. Leaving the water tank sitting, especially if the humidifier is off, is the perfect environment for mold to grow. This means when you do turn it on, it’ll start spraying mold spores into the air you breathe.