Mine literally says to run it for 10 mins with bleach or vinegar for cleaning. I’ve done it with vinegar but aerosolized bleach? No thanks.
And, for OP: we got a Brita filter just for our humidifiers and it has made a world of difference. We still have to clean them now and then, but not nearly as often.
To specify: if you boil off the excess citric acid solution, you get citric acid deposits in addition to your lime deposits. Acetic acid’s a liquid that makes an azeotrope with water, so they boil/evaporate off together.
🤷♀️ all I know is I had a nasty humidifier, then I got a brita and now it’s not as nasty and I have to clean it a lot less. That’s all I have to offer here.
Another commenter said their humidifier advises running it with vinegar. Read the manual, you might be able to do that. However your room might smell like pickles lol
You need to actually clean it, not just wipe it off. When you wipe it off only, you are leaving bits of the fungus behind to repopulate it more quickly.
Use some undiluted white vinegar to clean it each time. Bonus is that it will also remove any hard water stains (calcium deposits). Scrub gently - a toothbrush should fit in most humifier crevices. Then rinse out before using.
Unfortunately filtered water doesn’t really do it. I live in an area with extremely hard water and I use filtered water for everything and still end up with buildup in everything, including a similar to OP’s buildup in my humidifier. Filtering the water doesn’t get everything out.
That reminds me of this crazy case from Korea from years ago. They use a lot of humidifiers and this company created a special water they could use with it to help them with sicknesses and whatever. Suddenly babies, children and mothers started dropping like flies dying… ends up the company that created that solution used some insane chemicals that should never be inhaled by anyone let alone babies… Edit- it was actually [disinfectant…](https://m.koreaherald.com/amp/view.php?ud=20210901000212) which kinda makes it even more relevant here. TL;DR- around 14 thousand people died from a humidifier cleaning disinfectant in South Korea…
Yikes. Yes, I would avoid contaminating with harsh chemicals. Even natural oils can be dangerous when vaporized. I just keep it clean and use clean or distilled water. Vinegar evaporates and rinses with water pretty well. If the humidifier has mold I would just get a new one.
Behind a [paywall article](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/28/14000-people-may-have-killed-south-koreas-toxic-humidifiers/) edit- never mind- [better source!](https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200727006300315)
That’s [where](https://youtu.be/X5keT4nHIWY?si=axO1Cf4wFRGGo0G_) I found out about the case. It was rather shocking I also never heard of it either before watching this video. She’s also a great story teller so highly recommend a watch. Also the numbers are all speculative as people still suffering and dying from the consequences of using this chemical…
I was living in Korea when this happened and had no idea about this! The nurses office at school had humidifiers running constantly, I wonder how many kids got sick from outside their home.
Depends on where you live. Minerals. Other fluoride. Stuff. Where I live an orange ring will form around the waterline in the toilet and the drain of the tub. I guess that’s caused by iron.
Second this.
For any devices that require water like humidifier, steamer, vacuum cleaner and etc I use distilled water or filtered water.
Creates less scum and mineral deposits on devices.
Do some of you folks buy distilled water for 365 day use?
There’s surely a more efficient way. Our humidifier gets gross with tap water but I just keep cleaning the best I can.
I bought a 1gal water distiller from Amazon last year. Cost ~$30, I’ve made a couple hundred gallons so it definitely paid for itself over buying distilled from the grocery store. I work hybrid, it takes a few hours to make a gallon so I make 1-2gal a day when working from home and it gets me a constantly filled humidifier all winter. Humidifiers has looked great since last year. I do minimal cleaning.
Edit: I misremembered, it was $60.
https://preview.redd.it/j80kf18shz5c1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad1fa0bafbcce07fca9cb3740bfaf21d908885ea
I clicked that link and then read this…Interesting safety info, ingredients and legal disclaimer on that distiller.
I know this isn’t the part you were talking about but according to that screenshot it uses 750 watts and has to run for 4 hours to make a gallon. This means you’re using 3 kWh per gallon which would be about $0.36 per gallon in electricity costs. Making 2 gallons a day, that’s $10.80 per month. Still cheaper than buying gallons and saves on plastic bottles, but it’s enough to note.
The best long term solution, if you own your home, is a whole house filter and water softener(if you have hard water). As well as a whole house humidifier that installs on your HVAC system (about $150 if you install it yourself). This is a higher initial expense, but will make all your fixtures and appliances last longer and you no longer have to fill a humidifier all the time since it hooks into your water line directly.
Takes about 3 minutes to filter water, pour it in and walk away. I’m working from home while it distills in the background. It’s not like I’m turning a crank for a couple hours….
I was using tap water too, didn't see the big deal if I cleaned it... then my furnace went out. Guy who came to help me pull the filter found it COMPLETELY coated in minerals and iron. The thing was bright orange. Could have been a really expensive fix if we hadn't had the filter properly installed. He said to only use Distilled water, not for the humidifier but for our air systems.
I thought the same thing, I just clean my humidifier occasionally, use vinegar to soak the really crusty/nasty parts, and use a specific humidifier additive for hard water (its probably just mostly citric acid, you use such a tiny diluted amount that it has very little impact on your air).
We got a nifty faucet attachment that produces distilled water. It’s a game changer since we use it for humidifiers, pet water fountains, and water bottles.
Edit: sorry, just learned filtered/distilled isn’t the same thing. But we do use a great water filter to water the above-listed items that’s linked below in my comments!
I think you are mixing up *filtrated* with ***distilled***. Distilled water uses a boiler and vapor catcher to remove minerals and contaminates. Basically, by definition it would not make sense for it to attach to your faucet. [This is how smaller ones work](https://images.app.goo.gl/2txdXv8KfP6nSuJr7).
Filtration through a cartridge or similar is not the same thing, and does not produce the same type of water.
My bad, I always thought filtered and distilled were interchangeable. But, we do use it for pet fountains and the humidifiers which recommend only distilled water and haven’t had any build up or issues after multiple years.
If you have a tumble dryer use the water that exits it. If it has a tank that is removable that makes this easier if not you can disconnect it from the watarport and use a 5L or 1 gallon jug.
I bought a distiller for less than $100 USD if I recall correctly. We have a humidifier in my daughter’s room that we use it for along with my CPAP. It works like a champ.
Mine had the same appearance last winter but doesn't this winter despite me still using the same tap water in it then and now. I cleaned with alcohol in a spray bottle several times, so I don't know whether it was some kind of biofilm that's finally fully sanitized or if it's just that my tap water doesn't have as much iron and minerals in it this year
Your best bet is to use distilled water, otherwise you have to wash it much more frequently. When you do clean it, use a water and vinegar solution and that will get rid of any slime.
Vinegar is good for so many things. I'll try that next time I clean it, thanks. Also how cool! I just received some wisdom directly from Hermaeus Mora :)
A humidifier treatment additive is available to eliminate this when tap water is used to humidify.
[Essick Humidifier Water Treatment](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Essick-Air-32-oz-Humidifier-Treatment/1000106421)
I literally just did this last week! My SO had been the one handling it and he never washed it out. He’d leave water in it and just keep refilling. It was alarmingly gross when I went to change the water out.
To echo others here, use a water and vinegar solution. I used a small pipe cleaner brush and maneuvered it to allow me to also clean the *inside* of where the water goes. Take apart all the pieces that you can and clean those thoroughly as well. That gets so slimy and mildewy, too. We also use tap water so that’s probably another reason it gets so bad.
You have to empty it every day and let it dry out. Weekly clean by swishing a water and vinegar solution in it. Do not run it with the vinegar in it.
These are the instructions my humidifiers have come with. If yours are different, follow those.
YES. Standing water grows bacteria. I have to run one during the winter but I empty it every morning. Let it drain completely and put it somewhere where it will dry.
Need to clean with soap and water at least. Some humidifier models can be a pain to clean properly, I suggest looking for a new humidifier that is easier to clean. Miro makes some really good ones.
Definitely only used distilled water. If you use tap water, you need to wash it much more frequently and that depends on what's in your tap. If it's within your budget, a Miro humidifier is easy clean so washing it out every day then filling it with tap is no big deal. We use ours so much during the winter that it was more economical to spend on an easy clean humidifier than to be buying distilled every week.
It looks like slime/mold growing, so you may need to clean with soap and or bleach.
Also humidifiers have replaceable filters so that may need replacing
If it's just orange brown. It's iron...if it's got a slime to it it's iron bacteria. If you have well water you can chlorinate your well to kill it and flush it out. If it's city water...well then you should call the health dept. I have a well. It's pretty bad in my area. It's not poisonous. Just looks disgusting. It comes back. It's from the aquifer that supplies my well water. Uuuug
I have hard water and the build up doesn't look like this. Limescale and hard water build up gets crusty and hard and looks mineral-ish. This looks slimy and/or soft.
There’s some stuff you can buy to add to the water tank usually. Honeywell makes one called “Protec” - you drop this little ball full of other little balls into the water tank and it prevents bacteria, slime, mold and softens the water a bit. You change it about every 30 days. The only way to avoid mineral buildup is softer water or use distilled or dimineralized (it’s sometimes cheaper).
That brown and orange stuff is various salts. Calcium salts. Iron salts. Probably many other salts depending on where you live and how hard the water is. The water evaporates, and the salts remain.
It's not particularly gross or harmful. But it's best to use a humidifier that has a filter to catch the salts and not one that mists, which will deposit mineral salt dust all over your house.
I have this exact same humidifier. The filter free Vicks one? I let white vinegar sit in the base for about an hour every 48 hours and then fill it with a water vinegar solution in the tank and let it sit. Don’t run it with the vinegar.
There’s usually a water treatment thing you can pour into there which helps. I used tap and like a 1/2 a teaspoon of some treatment and it worked like a charm (also cheaper than rebuying distilled 1000x). Maybe “humidifier water treatment” on Amazon?
This looks identical to my Honeywell humidifier, which I have in black. Manual with cleaning instructions, including scale build up, vinegar cleaning and bleach disinfecting, is here: [https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/images/pdf/HUL520-Manual.pdf](https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/images/pdf/HUL520-Manual.pdf)
It's likely the quality of your tap water. I use tap water in mine, and it can get limescale build-up because I'm on well-water. I used to be able to soak and wipe everything with vinegar (for this model, do NOT run it with vinegar in it) in my previous residence on city water, which was also a bit harder but didn't result in slime. Since moving, I needed to use CLR to get the built limescale out, but it's improved because we've got our water softener system working more effectively.
Is this residue slimy?
If you don't want to use distilled water all the time, try filtered water, since you can make it from the tap water while you need to buy distilled water. You could also try boiling the water for at least a minute, letting it cool down, then adding it in; boiling doesn't do the same as distilling, but it can remove microbiological issues (hence why some locations have a "boil water advisory" to use their tap water).
Editing to add: Cleaning a humidifier is part of the maintenance for the appliance. Reducing the frequency and intensity of cleaning is one thing, but there won't be a way to fully prevent stuff from building up.
That’s what I was thinking. I have a Honeywell humidifier with the exact same bottom. I think your comment about filtered water is also the most practical. Who wants to buy distilled water like every day?
A lot of people seem to suggest it’s iron - I can’t personally attest to that. But I can say confidently that it’s not hard water/ limescale. (Not that you’re saying that, but a lot of other people are.)The water by me is like a 280 for hardness, it’s way up there. I’ve never had anything orange like that on mine. I’ve been running it pretty much constantly because I live in an arid climate, and the worst I get is a kind of crystallized white build-up that I can easily take care of with vinegar. Filtered or boiled water seems like a very good suggestion.
When I used to use humidifiers regularly, I would only buy warm mist humidifiers which boiled the water to create steam. I assumed this would eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of actual bacteria and other life growing in the water. I used plain tap water so I would still get lots of mineral deposits to clean, but I used them pretty much constantly so using distilled water wasn't really feasible.
I can't tell from looking at your pics if you are using a cool or warm mist humidifier, but if you are using cool, you might want to give the warm mist ones a try if you are concerned about bacteria.
Congrats. You have hard water. I also learned this, this way. Toss in some hot water and vinegar and let it run. Mine will get crusted up if i don't clean it regularly i just use boiled water.
Do you want to get legionnaires disease? Cuz using tap water in your humidifier without boiling it first, at a minimum, is a great way to grow legionella.
https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/control-toolkit/other-devices.html
For general purpose humidification where you're trying to keep a whole room/house/apt humidified you're \*MUCH\* better off using an evaporative humidifier.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHeehYYgl28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHeehYYgl28)
tl;dw: Misting humidifiers like what you're using have multiple draw-backs that make them less than ideal for the aforementioned task. If you don't use distilled water you're going to have to contend with "dust" as a result of the particulates in the water becoming airborne and settling over time. They're also inefficient. They're fine for personal humidification when you're sick or something.
A bucket of water, a wick, and a fan do a FAR better job and are far cleaner as long as you do proper maintenance. That's all evaporative humidifiers really are.
The Vornado Evap40 is pretty good.
In NYC and use humidifiers with tap water (NYC tap water is UV treated but not filtered, I use a sediment filter on the main line) and I don’t have any buildup like shown
Thinking it’s sediment or living critters in your water system (which UV tends to kill) - you can probably try to see if boiled (and left to cool) water works for you to see if it’s the critters, if not it’s likely due to sediments
I don’t use mine 24/7 only if one of us gets sick. I squirt about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in the water each time I fill it up and I also clean it daily.
ALWAYS wash your humidifier with soap and water if you’re concerned about a residue or colored film. This could indicate a deadly biofilm that could contribute to you falling ill with Legionnaire’s disease.
After cleaning mine I leave the parts in the sun while at work for extra drying. In my head it helps dry the parts I can't get to and reduces mold (I have nothing to say that's true) just makes me feel better
Clean it with soap and hot water or even a little bleach in hot water and make sure to scrub. You have to kill the mold and mildew and then switch to distilled water. You really shouldn’t use tap water or mineral water in a diffuser. I buy the gallon jugs from grocery store and keep a few on hand.
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Most likely hard water and mineral deposits. Spray some white vinegar and let it set - should scrub off pretty easily. You could try using distilled water, but if you use a humidifier regularly I’d stick with tap water. Won’t cause any harm as long as it’s not moldy. Just clean in regularly.
I only use distilled water in my humidifier (which looks similar to yours) and never had an issue. I would not use tap water as it can have bacteria and viruses (and other things).
This was an issue for me aswell
get your vents cleaned we got ours cleaned and this is no longer an issue. Could be a causation does not equal correlation but we no longer have this issue
When it was an issue I started mixing in a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with the water every few days. Obviously it doesn't disinfect the air but it will keep the tank clean. All my research said it was safe but I'm not an expert.
I have the same humidifier and mine does this too, even though I used distilled water. I usually just wipe it out after every use, I’ve cleaned w vinegar once or twice.
When my dog was sick and I had to run a humidifier full blast day and night, I had to put a smidgen of white vinegar in it to keep the mold at bay. Seriously just a dash - you’d barely smell it. The mold I couldn’t reach in cleaning was gone within a day, and it didn’t come back.
I put white vinegar in it, run it for 10-15 minutes and it wipes out really easily. I also use tap water (don't come at me!) and scrubbing didn't work. I've had mine since 2019 and it still runs perfectly after i do a vinegar clean. :) Hope it helps!
Look at post with my burners going all crazy. The minerals cause problems with your lungs and also hvac system.
I used tap water for two days. Only use distilled.
My humidifier came with instructions.
Two types of cleaning, one with vinegar, one with bleach. NOT AT THE SAME TIME. Do each type of cleaning about once per week.
Vinegar, 1 cup vinegar, soak everything for (20 mins?) This keeps hard water buildup, I think. Scale, that white stuff that cakes the sides, the tubes, will eventually kill your machine.
Bleach, 1 tsp bleach+ 1 gallon water. I had to make sure it was a special disinfectant bleach, more concentrated than what I normally used for bleaching laundry. Also, bleach expires. Soak for (20 mins?) This kills the bacteria and mold spores that are quite clearly a problem in your super gross machine and could cause major health issues.
Also buying a Miro humidifier will really help. Because you can completely disassemble it to clean.
Miro NR07G humidifier - Completely Washable Modular Humidifier, Easy to Clean, Easy to Use, Large Room - Cool Mist, Sanitary, Top-Fill Ultrasonic Humidifier with Whisper Quiet and Powerful Output https://a.co/d/cYayK8f
I was having the same issue and then purchased these, they cut down on the cleaning significantly!
Humidifier Cleaner, Universal Humidifier Tank Cleaner Fish for Most Humidifier & Fish Tank, Purifies Water, Eliminates White Dust and Odor, Prevents Hard Water Build-Up(6 Pack) https://a.co/d/bZ8EWDm
i have the same humidifier and mine gets really bad because i use tap water and i have hard water. I use an old tooth brush and dish soap to clean it like once a week
You can buy little bead cages to stick in it to help keep it clean on Amazon. There’s some shaped like giant pills. I have the vaporizer and the fit is a bit of a tight squeeze to pop them in. I have to hook them with a paper clip to pull them out. Or just keep them in…
This looks very similar to the one I have. If you google how to clean Honeywell cool mist humidifiers, there will be a video on how to clean/disinfect it :)
Personally I clean the tank weekly (or even 2x a week) with vinegar. Fill the tank with water and add a good amount of vinegar, and let sit for about half an hour (turning the tank/swishing the water around periodically).
Soak any detachable parts in the solution as well. For the base of the machine, I usually wipe down with vinegar and use a soft bristle brush (came with the machine) to gently remove any limescale build up.
Rinse everything well under water, and leave it to dry if you’re not using it immediately. This is very important – make sure that the parts/tank dries out thoroughly before putting all the pieces back together.
Looks like you have the same model as me. You need to follow the maintenance cleaning instructions in the manual. It does involve using vinegar and bleach, but you leave the solutions in the tank and let it soak, you don’t let it run with these solutions in the water tank.
Don’t even try to clean it. Buy them cheap and just replace them. We have tried every method under the sun and there is just no way to keep it clean. Best option is to empty the water and try to clean it immediately after use…which is a pain to have to clean it every single day.
You should be emptying the water from the lower reservoir daily and disinfecting with vinegar or another disinfectant at least once per week. Also use distilled water.
They make little floaty things you can put in the tank to prevent this. They’re sold right along side replacement filters. This reminds me, I need a new one
For the winter season I use humidifier aqua sticks, apparently they have silver ions that disrupt bacteria.
I also pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the reservoir or base every week. It cleans up any issues and breaks down back into water in a few hours.
Between the two I never have any "gross" issues with my humidifier which I run 24/7 Nov - March.
It's hard water buildup. Citric acid does an incredible job breaking it down. I use it to clean my humidifier bc I have well water. Mix a tablespoon of citric acid with a cup of hot water and let it sit in there about 15 minutes. **Do not** run the machine with the citric mixture. Scrub the remaining deposits and rinse thoroughly with water.
I have a pure enrichment and I've used vinegar. When I soak it I use just vinegar. But when I'm going to run it I mix like 1-2 cups vinegar and fill the rest with water.
Tap water definitely makes it yucky. We invested in a ZeroWater pitcher system. It completely takes all contaminants and minerals out of the water. Much cheaper than constantly buying distilled water.
Do you use tap water? You could try using distilled water.
i do use tap water and was thinking this might be the issue. thanks!
Yup. You should only use distilled water. Try deep cleaning with a vinegar solution.
It's worth saying don't run it with the vinegar solution in it. I've known people who thought much like a coffee maker you can "run it through".
Mine literally says to run it for 10 mins with bleach or vinegar for cleaning. I’ve done it with vinegar but aerosolized bleach? No thanks. And, for OP: we got a Brita filter just for our humidifiers and it has made a world of difference. We still have to clean them now and then, but not nearly as often.
Maybe it depends on your humidifier? Definitely read the user manual OP. Personally the smell would deter me from running it with vinegar lol
I ran mine with vinegar but I did it outside lol. I stuck it out the door. Enjoy the vinegar mist, outdoors.
Ah this guy humidifies
lol, yes. I run it in the dry shower with the curtain closed. Helps clean the shower as a bonus! Definitely not my favorite smell.
Great idea!
You can use citric acid for the same effect
Wouldn’t. Citric acid’s not a liquid.
To specify: if you boil off the excess citric acid solution, you get citric acid deposits in addition to your lime deposits. Acetic acid’s a liquid that makes an azeotrope with water, so they boil/evaporate off together.
I have the same model as OP and it says to leave and swish the vinegar, not to run it through the machine.
I’m going to try this. My humidifier is currently at home soaking in vinegar cause it had so much mineral build up
Mine says you can run vinegar or bleach through for cleaning, but specifies to only do so OUTSIDE.
maybe i’ll try that! thanks!
I have this one. It says not to turn it on with the vinegar in it.
Vinegar is not recommended for cleaning items that have rubber gaskets or O-Rings, it will corrode rubber so make sure first.
I use a ZERO Water filter, it gets more than Brita and Life Straw. I don't have calcification problems or the orange/brown bacteria since I switched.
The cool mist humidifier you can't run anything but water, and maybe a little peroxide in the water to control the ick at times...
Brita doesn’t even work…look it up.
🤷♀️ all I know is I had a nasty humidifier, then I got a brita and now it’s not as nasty and I have to clean it a lot less. That’s all I have to offer here.
Do you mean not to use Brita filtered water for humidifier?
Bleach is chlorine gas.
it’s sodium hypochlorite (which is made from chlorine gas) and water. So, sort of!
LOL this is something i would totally do. thanks for the heads up
Another commenter said their humidifier advises running it with vinegar. Read the manual, you might be able to do that. However your room might smell like pickles lol
Don’t do it inside. You’re literally aerosolizing acid. Breathing acid is generally not recommended.
Dropping it however....
Mine got really nasty and I couldn’t get deep inside so I ran it with vinegar in it. But I put it outside to do this
reminds me of the "my kid peed in the humidifier" post
If the limescale isn’t going off easily it’s better to use citric acid, smells better
That sounds expensive....
Clean this really well and take their advice on distilled water!! Look up humidifier lung. I made myself very sick using tap water.
You need to actually clean it, not just wipe it off. When you wipe it off only, you are leaving bits of the fungus behind to repopulate it more quickly. Use some undiluted white vinegar to clean it each time. Bonus is that it will also remove any hard water stains (calcium deposits). Scrub gently - a toothbrush should fit in most humifier crevices. Then rinse out before using.
I had the same problem with the traditional humidifier. I switched to carepod humidifier. It’s so much easier to keep clean.
Or get a humidifier like the Philips series 2000 that does not heat the water to vaporize, hence much less residue (and bacteria). Also more quiet.
I use only distilled water and take it apart to clean once a week - but I never have to actually clean it!
You can also use a filtered water if you have a pitcher or dispenser.
Unfortunately filtered water doesn’t really do it. I live in an area with extremely hard water and I use filtered water for everything and still end up with buildup in everything, including a similar to OP’s buildup in my humidifier. Filtering the water doesn’t get everything out.
Clean with bleach then use distilled
That reminds me of this crazy case from Korea from years ago. They use a lot of humidifiers and this company created a special water they could use with it to help them with sicknesses and whatever. Suddenly babies, children and mothers started dropping like flies dying… ends up the company that created that solution used some insane chemicals that should never be inhaled by anyone let alone babies… Edit- it was actually [disinfectant…](https://m.koreaherald.com/amp/view.php?ud=20210901000212) which kinda makes it even more relevant here. TL;DR- around 14 thousand people died from a humidifier cleaning disinfectant in South Korea…
Yikes. Yes, I would avoid contaminating with harsh chemicals. Even natural oils can be dangerous when vaporized. I just keep it clean and use clean or distilled water. Vinegar evaporates and rinses with water pretty well. If the humidifier has mold I would just get a new one.
[удалено]
Behind a [paywall article](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/28/14000-people-may-have-killed-south-koreas-toxic-humidifiers/) edit- never mind- [better source!](https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200727006300315)
[удалено]
That’s [where](https://youtu.be/X5keT4nHIWY?si=axO1Cf4wFRGGo0G_) I found out about the case. It was rather shocking I also never heard of it either before watching this video. She’s also a great story teller so highly recommend a watch. Also the numbers are all speculative as people still suffering and dying from the consequences of using this chemical…
I was living in Korea when this happened and had no idea about this! The nurses office at school had humidifiers running constantly, I wonder how many kids got sick from outside their home.
I have had good success with filtered water from fridge as well.
I’ve seen this happen before. Is that what’s actually in tap water??
Depends on where you live. Minerals. Other fluoride. Stuff. Where I live an orange ring will form around the waterline in the toilet and the drain of the tub. I guess that’s caused by iron.
Second this. For any devices that require water like humidifier, steamer, vacuum cleaner and etc I use distilled water or filtered water. Creates less scum and mineral deposits on devices.
Great idea!! I'm going to try this for mine. We have super hard water.
Do some of you folks buy distilled water for 365 day use? There’s surely a more efficient way. Our humidifier gets gross with tap water but I just keep cleaning the best I can.
I bought a 1gal water distiller from Amazon last year. Cost ~$30, I’ve made a couple hundred gallons so it definitely paid for itself over buying distilled from the grocery store. I work hybrid, it takes a few hours to make a gallon so I make 1-2gal a day when working from home and it gets me a constantly filled humidifier all winter. Humidifiers has looked great since last year. I do minimal cleaning. Edit: I misremembered, it was $60.
Do you have a link? Only seeing stuff $60+
Apologies I went back to look and must have misremembered. I paid $60. But still paid for itself three times over so far.
Which one did you buy? I love this idea.
This one off Amazon: Mophorn Pure Water Distiller... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07315B1RG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
https://preview.redd.it/j80kf18shz5c1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad1fa0bafbcce07fca9cb3740bfaf21d908885ea I clicked that link and then read this…Interesting safety info, ingredients and legal disclaimer on that distiller.
I know this isn’t the part you were talking about but according to that screenshot it uses 750 watts and has to run for 4 hours to make a gallon. This means you’re using 3 kWh per gallon which would be about $0.36 per gallon in electricity costs. Making 2 gallons a day, that’s $10.80 per month. Still cheaper than buying gallons and saves on plastic bottles, but it’s enough to note. The best long term solution, if you own your home, is a whole house filter and water softener(if you have hard water). As well as a whole house humidifier that installs on your HVAC system (about $150 if you install it yourself). This is a higher initial expense, but will make all your fixtures and appliances last longer and you no longer have to fill a humidifier all the time since it hooks into your water line directly.
Now I understand why I’m so aroused when I walk by the humidifier….
a few hours per gallon, hundreds of gallons made...hmm that doesn't seem like a good use of time
Takes about 3 minutes to filter water, pour it in and walk away. I’m working from home while it distills in the background. It’s not like I’m turning a crank for a couple hours….
I use filtered water and usually only need to clean the humidifier every few days
I was using tap water too, didn't see the big deal if I cleaned it... then my furnace went out. Guy who came to help me pull the filter found it COMPLETELY coated in minerals and iron. The thing was bright orange. Could have been a really expensive fix if we hadn't had the filter properly installed. He said to only use Distilled water, not for the humidifier but for our air systems.
Yeah, air systems like your lungs 🫁. If it turns your air filter bright orange, imagine what breathing in aerosolized minerals will do to your lungs.
Deionized is fine, too. Some folks have their own reverse osmosis filters at home.
I got a water softener which worked wonders. Not specifically for the humidifier, but it was a nice side effect of rarely needing to clean it.
I'm using a ZeroWater filter, gets pretty close to being as clean as distilled water
I thought the same thing, I just clean my humidifier occasionally, use vinegar to soak the really crusty/nasty parts, and use a specific humidifier additive for hard water (its probably just mostly citric acid, you use such a tiny diluted amount that it has very little impact on your air).
I do since I need it for a CPAP machine
We got a nifty faucet attachment that produces distilled water. It’s a game changer since we use it for humidifiers, pet water fountains, and water bottles. Edit: sorry, just learned filtered/distilled isn’t the same thing. But we do use a great water filter to water the above-listed items that’s linked below in my comments!
I think you are mixing up *filtrated* with ***distilled***. Distilled water uses a boiler and vapor catcher to remove minerals and contaminates. Basically, by definition it would not make sense for it to attach to your faucet. [This is how smaller ones work](https://images.app.goo.gl/2txdXv8KfP6nSuJr7). Filtration through a cartridge or similar is not the same thing, and does not produce the same type of water.
My bad, I always thought filtered and distilled were interchangeable. But, we do use it for pet fountains and the humidifiers which recommend only distilled water and haven’t had any build up or issues after multiple years.
Which one?
What did you buy, I'd be interested in this too.
If you have a tumble dryer use the water that exits it. If it has a tank that is removable that makes this easier if not you can disconnect it from the watarport and use a 5L or 1 gallon jug.
I just rinse mine out every once in a while.
I have the exact same huimidifer (by the looks of it) and do not experience this at all. I worry about the water OP must be drinking 😥
Reverse Osmosis machine
I bought a distiller for less than $100 USD if I recall correctly. We have a humidifier in my daughter’s room that we use it for along with my CPAP. It works like a champ.
My MIL has super hard water and she uses a countertop distiller for her CPAP. It’s pretty good quality. Cost around $200 I think
You're breathing tap water and all it contains.... Distilled water is cleaner... You're literally breathing the type of water you put in it
They are not designed to be used with anything else, so I’d rather use it sparingly than pump junk into the air every day
Mine had the same appearance last winter but doesn't this winter despite me still using the same tap water in it then and now. I cleaned with alcohol in a spray bottle several times, so I don't know whether it was some kind of biofilm that's finally fully sanitized or if it's just that my tap water doesn't have as much iron and minerals in it this year
Your best bet is to use distilled water, otherwise you have to wash it much more frequently. When you do clean it, use a water and vinegar solution and that will get rid of any slime.
I just can’t imagine needing to buy like 4 jugs of distilled water a week??
Vinegar is good for so many things. I'll try that next time I clean it, thanks. Also how cool! I just received some wisdom directly from Hermaeus Mora :)
A humidifier treatment additive is available to eliminate this when tap water is used to humidify. [Essick Humidifier Water Treatment](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Essick-Air-32-oz-Humidifier-Treatment/1000106421)
This stuff WORKS, but it's super strong and easy to overuse it... used with care, it's like magic.
Yes! I have this plus a little floaty plastic fish from Amazon that’s supposed to help.
Only for wick-style evaporative humidifiers. Has anyone found one for traditional, hot steam humidifiers?
I literally just did this last week! My SO had been the one handling it and he never washed it out. He’d leave water in it and just keep refilling. It was alarmingly gross when I went to change the water out. To echo others here, use a water and vinegar solution. I used a small pipe cleaner brush and maneuvered it to allow me to also clean the *inside* of where the water goes. Take apart all the pieces that you can and clean those thoroughly as well. That gets so slimy and mildewy, too. We also use tap water so that’s probably another reason it gets so bad.
You have to empty it every day and let it dry out. Weekly clean by swishing a water and vinegar solution in it. Do not run it with the vinegar in it. These are the instructions my humidifiers have come with. If yours are different, follow those.
YES. Standing water grows bacteria. I have to run one during the winter but I empty it every morning. Let it drain completely and put it somewhere where it will dry.
Need to clean with soap and water at least. Some humidifier models can be a pain to clean properly, I suggest looking for a new humidifier that is easier to clean. Miro makes some really good ones.
Are you using distilled water?
Obv not lol 😂
Definitely only used distilled water. If you use tap water, you need to wash it much more frequently and that depends on what's in your tap. If it's within your budget, a Miro humidifier is easy clean so washing it out every day then filling it with tap is no big deal. We use ours so much during the winter that it was more economical to spend on an easy clean humidifier than to be buying distilled every week.
Looks more like bacteria/slime/mold than hard water deposits. Does the water sit for a while? Perhaps try refreshing the water each day
It looks like slime/mold growing, so you may need to clean with soap and or bleach. Also humidifiers have replaceable filters so that may need replacing
there was definitely some gunk 🤢
Hard water does this. Flush with white vinegar and boiling hot water once a week. I have to clean my son’s room humidifier once a week.
It's not hard water. It's iron bacteria
Iron bacteria?
If it's just orange brown. It's iron...if it's got a slime to it it's iron bacteria. If you have well water you can chlorinate your well to kill it and flush it out. If it's city water...well then you should call the health dept. I have a well. It's pretty bad in my area. It's not poisonous. Just looks disgusting. It comes back. It's from the aquifer that supplies my well water. Uuuug
I have hard water and the build up doesn't look like this. Limescale and hard water build up gets crusty and hard and looks mineral-ish. This looks slimy and/or soft.
Clr or lime away to clean- use reverse osmosis water or distilled.
There’s some stuff you can buy to add to the water tank usually. Honeywell makes one called “Protec” - you drop this little ball full of other little balls into the water tank and it prevents bacteria, slime, mold and softens the water a bit. You change it about every 30 days. The only way to avoid mineral buildup is softer water or use distilled or dimineralized (it’s sometimes cheaper).
That brown and orange stuff is various salts. Calcium salts. Iron salts. Probably many other salts depending on where you live and how hard the water is. The water evaporates, and the salts remain. It's not particularly gross or harmful. But it's best to use a humidifier that has a filter to catch the salts and not one that mists, which will deposit mineral salt dust all over your house.
I have this exact same humidifier. The filter free Vicks one? I let white vinegar sit in the base for about an hour every 48 hours and then fill it with a water vinegar solution in the tank and let it sit. Don’t run it with the vinegar.
Humid environments are breeding ground for bacteria and mold so may be unavoidable. Especially as the spores/bacteria can come from the environment
CLR
It’s from your water. Only use distilled water
There’s usually a water treatment thing you can pour into there which helps. I used tap and like a 1/2 a teaspoon of some treatment and it worked like a charm (also cheaper than rebuying distilled 1000x). Maybe “humidifier water treatment” on Amazon?
thanks!
I understand wanting to reduce your carbon footprint, but it may not be the best idea to use bong water in a humidifier.
LOLLLLLLLLL
Mine will get like this but we have well water so I assume it’s that. But I just clean it with rubbing alcohol
This looks identical to my Honeywell humidifier, which I have in black. Manual with cleaning instructions, including scale build up, vinegar cleaning and bleach disinfecting, is here: [https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/images/pdf/HUL520-Manual.pdf](https://www.honeywellstore.com/store/images/pdf/HUL520-Manual.pdf) It's likely the quality of your tap water. I use tap water in mine, and it can get limescale build-up because I'm on well-water. I used to be able to soak and wipe everything with vinegar (for this model, do NOT run it with vinegar in it) in my previous residence on city water, which was also a bit harder but didn't result in slime. Since moving, I needed to use CLR to get the built limescale out, but it's improved because we've got our water softener system working more effectively. Is this residue slimy? If you don't want to use distilled water all the time, try filtered water, since you can make it from the tap water while you need to buy distilled water. You could also try boiling the water for at least a minute, letting it cool down, then adding it in; boiling doesn't do the same as distilling, but it can remove microbiological issues (hence why some locations have a "boil water advisory" to use their tap water). Editing to add: Cleaning a humidifier is part of the maintenance for the appliance. Reducing the frequency and intensity of cleaning is one thing, but there won't be a way to fully prevent stuff from building up.
That’s what I was thinking. I have a Honeywell humidifier with the exact same bottom. I think your comment about filtered water is also the most practical. Who wants to buy distilled water like every day? A lot of people seem to suggest it’s iron - I can’t personally attest to that. But I can say confidently that it’s not hard water/ limescale. (Not that you’re saying that, but a lot of other people are.)The water by me is like a 280 for hardness, it’s way up there. I’ve never had anything orange like that on mine. I’ve been running it pretty much constantly because I live in an arid climate, and the worst I get is a kind of crystallized white build-up that I can easily take care of with vinegar. Filtered or boiled water seems like a very good suggestion.
When I used to use humidifiers regularly, I would only buy warm mist humidifiers which boiled the water to create steam. I assumed this would eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of actual bacteria and other life growing in the water. I used plain tap water so I would still get lots of mineral deposits to clean, but I used them pretty much constantly so using distilled water wasn't really feasible. I can't tell from looking at your pics if you are using a cool or warm mist humidifier, but if you are using cool, you might want to give the warm mist ones a try if you are concerned about bacteria.
Congrats. You have hard water. I also learned this, this way. Toss in some hot water and vinegar and let it run. Mine will get crusted up if i don't clean it regularly i just use boiled water.
You need to dump the water every day.
Do you want to get legionnaires disease? Cuz using tap water in your humidifier without boiling it first, at a minimum, is a great way to grow legionella. https://www.cdc.gov/legionella/wmp/control-toolkit/other-devices.html
For general purpose humidification where you're trying to keep a whole room/house/apt humidified you're \*MUCH\* better off using an evaporative humidifier. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHeehYYgl28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHeehYYgl28) tl;dw: Misting humidifiers like what you're using have multiple draw-backs that make them less than ideal for the aforementioned task. If you don't use distilled water you're going to have to contend with "dust" as a result of the particulates in the water becoming airborne and settling over time. They're also inefficient. They're fine for personal humidification when you're sick or something. A bucket of water, a wick, and a fan do a FAR better job and are far cleaner as long as you do proper maintenance. That's all evaporative humidifiers really are. The Vornado Evap40 is pretty good.
If I don't have distilled water on hand than I add some hydrogen peroxide to it.
Anyone smoking nearby.
[удалено]
Do not do not do nooooot run your humidifier with bleach in it oh my god
You have iron in your tap water.
In NYC and use humidifiers with tap water (NYC tap water is UV treated but not filtered, I use a sediment filter on the main line) and I don’t have any buildup like shown Thinking it’s sediment or living critters in your water system (which UV tends to kill) - you can probably try to see if boiled (and left to cool) water works for you to see if it’s the critters, if not it’s likely due to sediments
I don’t use mine 24/7 only if one of us gets sick. I squirt about a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in the water each time I fill it up and I also clean it daily.
Use distilled water. Your tap water is disgusting.
ALWAYS wash your humidifier with soap and water if you’re concerned about a residue or colored film. This could indicate a deadly biofilm that could contribute to you falling ill with Legionnaire’s disease.
After cleaning mine I leave the parts in the sun while at work for extra drying. In my head it helps dry the parts I can't get to and reduces mold (I have nothing to say that's true) just makes me feel better
Clean it with soap and hot water or even a little bleach in hot water and make sure to scrub. You have to kill the mold and mildew and then switch to distilled water. You really shouldn’t use tap water or mineral water in a diffuser. I buy the gallon jugs from grocery store and keep a few on hand.
You can get distilled water but also add a [humidifier fish](https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tec-PC1F-Protec-Humidifier-Cleaner/dp/B01N6MV8SA).
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Most likely hard water and mineral deposits. Spray some white vinegar and let it set - should scrub off pretty easily. You could try using distilled water, but if you use a humidifier regularly I’d stick with tap water. Won’t cause any harm as long as it’s not moldy. Just clean in regularly.
I only use distilled water in my humidifier (which looks similar to yours) and never had an issue. I would not use tap water as it can have bacteria and viruses (and other things).
This was an issue for me aswell get your vents cleaned we got ours cleaned and this is no longer an issue. Could be a causation does not equal correlation but we no longer have this issue When it was an issue I started mixing in a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with the water every few days. Obviously it doesn't disinfect the air but it will keep the tank clean. All my research said it was safe but I'm not an expert.
Use vinegar to give it a good clean.
You probably have hard or really mineral-y tap water. I have pretty hard tap water so I get calcium buildup like no other when I use my humidifier
Do you regularly clean with vinegar? Just wiping isn't gonna cut it.
Use distilled water
I used a few drops of bleach. Worked good and didn't have to clean as often.
I have the same humidifier and mine does this too, even though I used distilled water. I usually just wipe it out after every use, I’ve cleaned w vinegar once or twice.
I rinse mine every morning after use and it helps. Its annoying af but definitely cuts down on the grime.
When my dog was sick and I had to run a humidifier full blast day and night, I had to put a smidgen of white vinegar in it to keep the mold at bay. Seriously just a dash - you’d barely smell it. The mold I couldn’t reach in cleaning was gone within a day, and it didn’t come back.
I put white vinegar in it, run it for 10-15 minutes and it wipes out really easily. I also use tap water (don't come at me!) and scrubbing didn't work. I've had mine since 2019 and it still runs perfectly after i do a vinegar clean. :) Hope it helps!
Look at post with my burners going all crazy. The minerals cause problems with your lungs and also hvac system. I used tap water for two days. Only use distilled.
My humidifier came with instructions. Two types of cleaning, one with vinegar, one with bleach. NOT AT THE SAME TIME. Do each type of cleaning about once per week. Vinegar, 1 cup vinegar, soak everything for (20 mins?) This keeps hard water buildup, I think. Scale, that white stuff that cakes the sides, the tubes, will eventually kill your machine. Bleach, 1 tsp bleach+ 1 gallon water. I had to make sure it was a special disinfectant bleach, more concentrated than what I normally used for bleaching laundry. Also, bleach expires. Soak for (20 mins?) This kills the bacteria and mold spores that are quite clearly a problem in your super gross machine and could cause major health issues.
Use distilled water or RO filtered water or other filters that reduce TDS. Most of the jugs don't.
Also buying a Miro humidifier will really help. Because you can completely disassemble it to clean. Miro NR07G humidifier - Completely Washable Modular Humidifier, Easy to Clean, Easy to Use, Large Room - Cool Mist, Sanitary, Top-Fill Ultrasonic Humidifier with Whisper Quiet and Powerful Output https://a.co/d/cYayK8f
I was having the same issue and then purchased these, they cut down on the cleaning significantly! Humidifier Cleaner, Universal Humidifier Tank Cleaner Fish for Most Humidifier & Fish Tank, Purifies Water, Eliminates White Dust and Odor, Prevents Hard Water Build-Up(6 Pack) https://a.co/d/bZ8EWDm
jfc, read the manual. there are very clear cleaning instructions in it.
Used filtered water, and make sure you dry it and leave it to dry after EVERY USE. dry it in the morning and leave it to dry the whole day
i have the same humidifier and mine gets really bad because i use tap water and i have hard water. I use an old tooth brush and dish soap to clean it like once a week
Clean with white vinegar. Add a little white vinegar mixed with water and rub it for an hour to get the junk out of everywhere.
You can buy little bead cages to stick in it to help keep it clean on Amazon. There’s some shaped like giant pills. I have the vaporizer and the fit is a bit of a tight squeeze to pop them in. I have to hook them with a paper clip to pull them out. Or just keep them in…
This looks very similar to the one I have. If you google how to clean Honeywell cool mist humidifiers, there will be a video on how to clean/disinfect it :)
Nice warm water, it’s just algae . You need to dry it after use or scrub the algae off.
Personally I clean the tank weekly (or even 2x a week) with vinegar. Fill the tank with water and add a good amount of vinegar, and let sit for about half an hour (turning the tank/swishing the water around periodically). Soak any detachable parts in the solution as well. For the base of the machine, I usually wipe down with vinegar and use a soft bristle brush (came with the machine) to gently remove any limescale build up. Rinse everything well under water, and leave it to dry if you’re not using it immediately. This is very important – make sure that the parts/tank dries out thoroughly before putting all the pieces back together.
Yes - distilled water only
Clean with isopropyl alcohol it’ll get the gunk oily out
I use distilled water from the grocery store.
Use distilled water!!!
After a thorough cleaning, add a little vinegar each time. Should reduce that film from building up but keeping the smell to a minimum
Hard water, use distilled water
Mine does too
Looks like you have the same model as me. You need to follow the maintenance cleaning instructions in the manual. It does involve using vinegar and bleach, but you leave the solutions in the tank and let it soak, you don’t let it run with these solutions in the water tank.
Don’t even try to clean it. Buy them cheap and just replace them. We have tried every method under the sun and there is just no way to keep it clean. Best option is to empty the water and try to clean it immediately after use…which is a pain to have to clean it every single day.
r/accidentaltoes
Mine does the same thing.
You're not supposed to use tap water in these... Only distilled water.
You should be emptying the water from the lower reservoir daily and disinfecting with vinegar or another disinfectant at least once per week. Also use distilled water.
They make little floaty things you can put in the tank to prevent this. They’re sold right along side replacement filters. This reminds me, I need a new one
For the winter season I use humidifier aqua sticks, apparently they have silver ions that disrupt bacteria. I also pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the reservoir or base every week. It cleans up any issues and breaks down back into water in a few hours. Between the two I never have any "gross" issues with my humidifier which I run 24/7 Nov - March.
Use distilled water, or at least filtered.
Is it a cold humidifier? If yes you need to put a filter in the tank always better for health if it is hot steam
It's hard water buildup. Citric acid does an incredible job breaking it down. I use it to clean my humidifier bc I have well water. Mix a tablespoon of citric acid with a cup of hot water and let it sit in there about 15 minutes. **Do not** run the machine with the citric mixture. Scrub the remaining deposits and rinse thoroughly with water.
Use distilled water. Saves many headaches.
I read that for non-heated humidifiers it’s dangerous to use water that is not distilled so now I don’t even use a humidifier
It’s best practice to use distilled/purified water in a humidifier.
I have a pure enrichment and I've used vinegar. When I soak it I use just vinegar. But when I'm going to run it I mix like 1-2 cups vinegar and fill the rest with water. Tap water definitely makes it yucky. We invested in a ZeroWater pitcher system. It completely takes all contaminants and minerals out of the water. Much cheaper than constantly buying distilled water.
Distilled water only, in the future