How to clean a humidifier without ruining the wick
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Start with your manual
Models differ in which parts come off, which are dishwasher safe and which cleaner they allow. EPA and Honeywell both say to follow the manufacturer’s instructions first. What follows is the common ground between EPA, Honeywell and Levoit, and where they disagree.
Every day
Unplug the unit, empty the tank, wipe the surfaces dry and refill with fresh water. EPA says the daily step is there to reduce any growth of microorganisms in the tank. Honeywell adds: don’t pour fresh water on top of old tank water.
How often to scrub
This is where the sources differ. EPA says to clean portable humidifiers every third day. Honeywell’s guide says weekly during regular use, and more often with hard water, mineral buildup, a musty smell or slimy residue. Levoit’s manual for the Classic 300S says weekly, and again when you’re putting it away. If you want one rule, EPA’s is the strictest. Your manual wins if it names an interval.
Scrub, then descale
- Scrub. EPA says to empty the tank and use a brush or other scrubber to remove scale, deposits or film from the sides of the tank and interior surfaces, then wipe everything dry.
- Take the wick out first. Honeywell says to remove the wicking filter before vinegar or bleach touches the unit. The HEV355 manual warns that leaving the filter in during cleaning will destroy it.
- Descale with vinegar if your maker says so. Honeywell’s guide has you soak the tank with undiluted white vinegar for about 20 minutes, use a soft brush, then rinse until the vinegar smell is gone. Levoit’s Classic 300S manual says to fill the tank with 3 US cups (710 mL) of distilled white vinegar, soak 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse all parts. Use your own manual’s amount.
- Disinfect only as directed. Follow your manual’s cleaning and disinfecting instructions first, including its exact product and amount. EPA says that if the maker gives no recommendation, clean all surfaces that touch water with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Honeywell warns never to mix vinegar and bleach. Finish and rinse out one cleaner before using another.
- Rinse well. EPA says to rinse the tank thoroughly with several changes of tap water after any cleaner, so no chemical gets into the air when you run it.
Dishwasher: it depends on the model
Honeywell’s HEV355 manual says the water tank and tray are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the tank cap, filter and main housing are not. Levoit’s manual says not to put any part of its humidifier in a dishwasher and not to use detergents. Don’t assume. Check yours.
Keep the base dry
Don’t submerge the base or pour cleaner into the fan opening or electrical parts. Levoit says never to immerse the base in water. Honeywell says not to submerge it unless the manual says it is fully washable.
White film and white dust
Mineral scale on surfaces and white dust in the room both point back to the water. EPA says low-mineral water, such as distilled water, reduces the buildup of scale and the dispersal of minerals. See what actually fixes ultrasonic white dust.
Putting it away
EPA says to clean the humidifier at the end of the season, make sure all parts are dry before storage, throw out used filters, and store it somewhere dry. Clean it again when you take it out. Levoit says that if you won’t use the humidifier for a week or more, don’t leave water in it: clean it and let it dry. When you set up again, make sure the wick is the right one: Find my filter or see how often to replace the filter.
Quick checklist
- Unplugged, tank emptied, surfaces wiped dry, fresh water each day
- Scrubbed on your manual’s schedule (EPA: every third day)
- Wick removed before vinegar or any other cleaner
- Cleaner rinsed out several times, no smell left
- Parts fully dry before storage
- Right wick on hand (Find my filter)