How do I clean the air humidifier from scale?

Many people use humidifiers to reduce the effect of seasonal moisture reduction on the body. But such devices themselves gradually accumulate a lot of harmful substances during operation, so it is necessary to know how to clean the humidifier of scale and other contaminants. This will help to protect your health and the health of your family.

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Problems with the operation of the

humidifier During the continuous operation of this device, certain problems begin to manifest that complicate its use. Conditionally they can be divided into two types:

1. Formation of a deposit on the internal surfaces of this device. Whether it's a salt spray or a scum is not so important. The main thing is that they reduce the effectiveness of its work.
2. The second group included problems that adversely affect the body and health in general. Among these can be identified: the emergence of pathogens, the flowering of water, the appearance of mold, the formation of harmful chemical compounds, and more.

Important! If you take into account all of the above, care for the humidifier can be divided into three stages: cleaning the device, periodic disinfection and prevention. It is necessary to adhere to this sequence in order to clean the air humidifier qualitatively.

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Cleaning specific to the humidifier type

Cleaning the air humidifier depends largely on its type and operating principle. Consider the main types: mechanical, steam, ultrasonic and combined.

Mechanical

The operation of these devices is based on the spraying of water by supplying the fan with airflow through special cartridges that receive water.

The disadvantage of such devices has always been:

• high noise level;
• small performance.

Important! Care of it is based on periodic replacement of cartridges and constant cleaning of the tank with water.

Steam

The principle of operation of such a device is similar to the action of an electric kettle: the existing water inside boils and turns into steam. The main problem of such a device is the formation of limestone plaque. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the heating element decreases sharply and it works poorly.

Important! Cleaning the air humidifier of this type is practically the same as removing scale and dirt from electric kettles.

Ultrasound

The most modern type of humidifier is ultrasonic. With the help of a special membrane in these devices, water turns into cold steam, which moistens the atmosphere in your room. Such devices require constant care.

Important! Particular attention when deciding how to clean the humidifier from scale, it is worth turning on the membrane.

Combined

devices Such devices perform one more important function - air purification in the room. The principle of operation is based on running the air flow through a wet filter. Cleaning of this device is the care of the filter and the water tank.

Important! For each of these types of devices is characteristic the possibility of flowering of water in the reservoir or simply a change in its properties. This is due to interruptions in work: the water in the reservoir stagnates and begins to deteriorate, becoming green. In order to clean the humidifier from greens, it will be necessary not only to clean it, but also to disinfect it.

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Cleaning the air humidifier

It is very easy to clean the air humidifier at home, the main thing is not to let it get very dirty. Provide a preventive cleaning device every day. For this:

1. Switch off the appliance.
2. Prepare a solution of soap in hot water.
3. With a soft brush and mortar, flush the water-free tank.
4. Gently rinse it with running water.
5. Wipe dry and fill.

Important! Make sure that water does not fill working parts.

Every 3-4 days you need to clean the humidifier more thoroughly. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the device from water.
2. Prepare the required amount of a weak vinegar solution, pour it into the tank.
3. Leave the solution in the tank for an hour.
4. After this time, pour out and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. If necessary, brush the bottom of the tank with a brush.

Important! Using this manual, you can also clean the humidifier with citric acid, replacing the vinegar. Watch for filters in devices. They periodically need to be changed depending on the wear and tear.

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Disinfection

About once a week you will need to disinfect your device to protect it from the appearance of harmful bacteria. To perform such processing of your device, follow these guidelines:

1. Rinse your device in the same way as described previously.
2. Prepare the solution from bleach( peroxide) in the ratio of 1 tsp.bleach per liter of water.
3. Pour the mixture into the tank.
4. Turn on the device.
5. Once your humidifier starts to evaporate the solution, turn it off.
6. Empty the liquid after 2-3 minutes and rinse under cold water.
7. Pour ordinary water into the tank and turn it on. Let it work for 2-3 minutes.
8. Drain and rinse the appliance.
9. It is recommended to repeat this procedure until the bleach smell disappears.

Important: All procedures with cleaning and disinfection should be carried out in an open room( for example a balcony) or outdoors.

Mold Removal

In order to clean the air humidifier from mold, you will need to follow all the recommendations described above as a single complex. Only in this case it is possible to get rid of harmful bacteria - this is more difficult than using conventional scale.

Important! The simplest solution to this problem is to prevent water stagnation.

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Helpful Hints:

1. To clean the ultrasonic humidifier less frequently, use soft or distilled water.
2. It is not recommended to turn on the device at full power, and when the desired humidity is reached, it is better to turn it off completely.
3. In order to clean the ultrasonic air cleaner, it is not recommended to use hard objects( rags, brushes).Do not use knives, etc.
4. Before cleaning the device, prepare everything necessary for this process so as not to be distracted by the search for tools or tools and to complete all work as quickly and as qualitatively as possible.
5. It is strictly forbidden to use the appliance for other than its intended purpose.

From this article, you learned how to clean the humidifier at home, without spending much time and effort. And most importantly, remember that this device only brings benefits to your home, do not forget to regularly clean it and disinfect it.