How to Clean a Humidifier Filter

PDF download Download Article
Keep your humidifier free of mold and allergens by following these simple steps
PDF download Download Article

A humidifier can be a great thing to have around during the winter months when cold, dry air leads to chapped skin and increased risk of respiratory illness. With frequent use, however, mold and mineral deposits can begin to build up on the internal components of the appliance, potentially reintroducing harmful substances to the air. If you rely on a humidifier to keep your living space comfortable, you should get in the habit of cleaning and sanitizing the removable filter regularly. This can be accomplished with a little fresh water, some vinegar or a few drops of bleach if you find yourself with a particularly bad mold problem.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Rinsing a Reusable Filter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you disassemble your humidifier unit, make sure it’s turned off and disconnected from the wall outlet. You’re going to be handling a lot of wet parts, so this will help you prevent any accidents or damage. [1]
    • Choose a flat, water-resistant surface as your work area. A countertop near the sink is optimal.
    • Always read your user manual carefully before performing any cleaning or maintenance on your humidifier. [2]
  2. You can usually access the tank by opening the top compartment of the humidifier. Most water tanks will lift straight off the base. Drain the old water out of the tank and set it aside. [3]
    • It may be a good idea to lay the water tank in the sink or on a folded towel in case it continues draining after you’ve emptied it.
    • You can clean and rinse the tank separately later if needed.
    Advertisement
  3. Removable air filters can most often be located inside the humidifier’s motor housing. Remove the outer casing of the unit and slide out the old filter. Look over the filter to see what level of cleaning it will require. [4]
    • Filters that are mildly dusty can be rinsed clean. If there’s mold or an excessive amount of mineral buildup present, you may need to use a vinegar or bleach-based cleaning solution instead. [5]
    • Disposable paper filters can simply be thrown away and replaced. These should be changed at least every 3 months. [6]
  4. Rotate the filter under the stream to dislodge any traces of dust or dirt. Lightly brush away stuck-on debris with a soft-bristled brush or fingertip, but be careful not to apply too much pressure to the mesh. Once the filter looks clean, shake off the excess water. [7]
    • You should only ever use fresh water to rinse your humidifier filter.
  5. When it comes to drying a clean filter, air drying is the safest option. Attempting to speed the drying process along using another tool, such as a hair dryer, may cause permanent damage. Set the filter on an absorbent towel and check back in 1-2 hours.
    • Mold needs moisture to thrive. Reloading your humidifier with clean water and a dry filter will prevent mold from returning.
    • Once the filter is dry, you can reassemble and start using the humidifier again.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning a Dirty Filter with Vinegar

PDF download Download Article
  1. Run enough water to completely submerge the filter. For deep-cleaning tasks, warm or hot water will work best. [8]
    • Make sure you unplug and drain the humidifier before removing the filter.
  2. Add one part vinegar for every two parts water. Mix the vinegar and water gently by hand. This solution will be effective for cleaning and disinfecting filters with small amounts of mildew or discoloration. [9]
    • Vinegar is naturally acidic, making it a safe alternative to harsh chemical cleansers. [10]
    • Especially moldy filters should be treated with bleach or thrown away.
    • You can also use a mixture of citric acid and water to clean your filter. [11]
  3. Submerge the filter and leave it to sit. The vinegar will gradually begin working to dissolve small mold spots and other stuck-on residue. [12]
    • You should let the filter soak for at least half an hour, though you can also leave it for an hour or more.
    • Never use formulated cleaning solutions on a humidifier air filter. These can deteriorate synthetic materials.
  4. After the filter has had a chance to soak, remove it from the vinegar solution and rinse it thoroughly under the faucet. Try to wash away as much loose gunk as you can. Give the filter a shake and set it aside to air dry. [13]
    • Smell the filter after rinsing it to make sure you’ve gotten out all of the vinegar.
    • Do not squeeze or wring out damp filters. [14]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sanitizing a Filter Using Bleach

PDF download Download Article
  1. Run a couple gallons of lukewarm water into a sink or bucket. Since you’ll be working with bleach, you’ll need a higher concentration of water than you would when cleaning with vinegar. Make sure there’s nothing in your work area that might be damaged by spilled bleach.
    • Bleach will need to be used to clean humidifier filters with extensive mold or mildewing. [15]
    • Avoid using hot water, as steam can cause the release of bleach fumes. [16]
  2. You’ll only need to use about a teaspoon of bleach for every gallon of water. This will sufficiently dilute the bleach so that it can be used as an effective yet non-harmful cleaning agent. Be careful not to overdo it—too much bleach may eat right through a plastic filter. [17]
    • When handling bleach, always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. If possible, equip a respirator and eye protection. [18]
    • Avoid coming into contact with the bleach solution with bare skin.
  3. Dunk the dirty filter into the solution and make sure it’s fully submerged. Bleach has potent cleaning and sterilizing properties, so no scrubbing is necessary. After a short soak, your humidifier filter will look as good as new. [19]
    • If there’s any mold, mildew or mineral deposits remaining after the initial soak, mix up a fresh batch of solution and soak the filter for another 10 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove the now-clean filter from the bleach solution and rinse it under warm water. Turn the filter slowly and aim the stream so that it flows through the filter from every angle. This will ensure that it comes out free of both mold and bleach. Air dry the filter, then return it to the humidifier. [20]
    • You can also make sure the filter has been properly rinsed by swishing it through a sinkful of clean water.
    • It’s important that you wash away every remaining trace of bleach, or it could be released into the air when you operate your humidifier again. [21]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Are you supposed to wet a humidifier filter?
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can rinse your filter in water to clean out excess gunk. To really get your filter clean, apply a solution of diluted distilled white vinegar or diluted citric acid to the filter first.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do you change a paper humidifier filter?
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Change your paper filter every three months at a minimum. This will ensure your humidifier keeps running well.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What solution can I use to clean my humidifier's filter?
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Victor Belavus is an Air Conditioning Specialist and the Owner of 212 HVAC, an air condition repair and installation company based in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. He has over 10 years of experience working with HVAC systems.
    Victor Belavus
    Air Conditioning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I recommend using a mixture of either distilled white vinegar and water or citric acid and water. Let the humidifier filter and tank sit in this mixture for 15-60 minutes, then wash it with clean water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Check the manufacturer’s recommendations included with your humidifier to learn how best to clean it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you’ve been using disposable filters in your humidifier, consider switching to reusable ones. They’re durable, easy to clean and will end up saving you money in the long run.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • To keep your humidifier safe, clean and running properly, get in the habit of emptying and refilling it daily and deep-cleaning it once every few weeks.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If left untreated, mold and mineral buildup can be reintroduced to the air in your home, causing a host of potentially severe health complications.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • Be extremely careful when working with bleach.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Humidifier with reusable filter
      • Clean water
      • Distilled white vinegar
      • Chlorine bleach
      • Soft-bristled brush (optional)
      • Clean, dry towel

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Vicks Humidifer
      How to
      Use a Humidifier Safely (Plus, Setup & Cleaning Instructions)
      How to
      Avoid White Dust from a Humidifier
      How to
      Clean a Vicks Humidifier
      Your Guide to the Differences Between Diffusers and Humidifiers
      How to
      Adjust a Humidifier on a Furnace
      How to
      Use a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Clean and Disinfect a Cool Mist Humidifier
      How to
      Clean a Crane Humidifier
      How to
      Control Your Room's Humidity
      How to
      Reduce Humidity in Your Home Without a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Make a Vaporizer
      How to
      Choose the Size of a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Remove Mold from a Dehumidifier's Tank and Clean the Filter
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021?pg=2
      2. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/#.WNk-G_nyvIU
      4. ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/clean-humidifier-change-wick-filter-1908166
      5. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-humidifier-filter/
      6. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/#.WNk-G_nyvIU
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/#.WNk-G_nyvIU
      9. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-humidifier-filter/
      1. ↑ http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-can-vinegar-prevent-mold
      2. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      3. ↑ https://learn.allergyandair.com/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/
      4. ↑ Victor Belavus. Air Conditioning Specialist. Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/clean-humidifier-change-wick-filter-1908166
      6. ↑ http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/04/health/upwave-humidifier/
      7. ↑ http://www.home-ec101.com/how-to-use-bleach-safely/
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/#.WNk-G_nyvIU
      9. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/chlorine-bleach-safety
      10. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-a-humidifier-filter/
      11. ↑ https://learn.allergyandair.com/how-to-clean-a-humidifier/
      12. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021?pg=2

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 126,294 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Dec 8, 2017

        "I'm glad I can wash & re-use these filters because they are not cheap."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement