A humidifier, however, emits moisture (usually via a mist) to get your space to the optimal humidity sweet spot: between 40 and 60 percent. Definitely will be cleaning it more, apparently when I got it I didn’t read the instructions (I was sick and needed relief) so I didn’t know about cleaning it.. it does seem that maybe some of the rubber/plastic or whatever the gray stuff is came off in the mineral deposits.. You can speed up the vinegar process by warming the vinegar in the microwave first. I hope this still works ok. I’ll have to try the overnight soak when I plan to store it away. 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. Sure enough, when I opened mine up, I found exactly what those folks had been talking about. The air passes through the humidifier coil and the moisture traps all the impurities etc on the fins and they're washed down into the sump. Tomorrow morning, dump out the vinegar and clean off as much of the calcium/mineral build up as you can. It’s really simple with the bottom-positioned heater cores as shown above. Using a regular kitchen sponge, wipe all the components with the vinegar in the sink. When I purchased these humidifiers, I noticed in the questions/reviews on Amazon, folks were asking how to clean off the hard deposits that form on the heating element inside after using them a month or two. Got one to sell? I’ll clean it more often next year. Cindy, let it soak over night. I noticed it was in a lot worse condition than the one I ran in the office. You'll find contact information for Susan. Doesn’t really much matter, but for some reason I wanted the info, and this blog post came up. But the easiest way would be Vinegar+Baking Soda. Mine had a few stubborn pieces, too…but I was able to get those off by lightly scrubbing it. Soaking it really makes it melt away huh? Drum-Style Humidifier. Let them sit for 30 minutes. I think the flakes do have a lot of dissolved mineral, but if that were all, the flakes would be white or very light gray. That is what I have it soaking in right now, but if it doesn’t work, vinegar will be my next step bc I have to have a humidifier all winter bc the dry air cause bad head aches. Tara. Once it’s done, I take a scrubbing sponge and use it to scrub away any small left over pieces that are still stuck. I have no trouble with mold in our warm mist humidifier. Soakedfor approx 35 minutes and it was falling off in chunks. Over the couple of months I ran them this past winter, a very, very hard crust had encased the thing that heats up inside to create that warm mist that keeps us so comfortable during the winter. Have you ever had to clean a heating element inside a warm-mist humidifier? Spring Easter Table Setting With Spode Emma’s Garland & Bunny Centerpiece. I”m happy for all who used vinegar and got good results in cleaning humidifiers. Good to know that the baking soda helps! It was pretty dirty, and although I didn’t see mold, I’m sure there was mold in it, because within a day after changing it, my cough was gone. We invested on a humidifier on furnace that you can turn on without heat running. This will help to remove any mineral deposits that are currently present. When I read your post, I immediately got my Vicks humidifier, (I have the same kind) and check the innards. Crane Adorable Ultrasonic Cool Mist Owl Humidifier - Brown. Susan, I envy you! Also, after it soaks for about 12 hours, pour it off and add some fresh vinegar. Switch off both power and water supply to the unit. Thanks for that suggestion, MJ! I’ve been fighting these granite-hard deposits for years. In the photo below you can see how the crusty stuff was beginning to look on the bedroom humidifier after about 4-5 hours soaking time. lol. Will go on F.B. Here's how to identify and treat dry skin on cats to maximize your pet's comfort. Just to make sure everything was still in working condition, I filled one of the humidifiers with water and turned it on. I honestly love them and think they work great. I just cleaned my two humidifiers again a couple of days ago, and they only had to soak for one night since I do it about once a month now. All this long term soaking is unnecessary. Never miss a Between Naps on the Porch post! I began to notice a white film on the furniture and discovered it was coming from the humidifier–the manufacturer recommended distilled water to stop the film–much easier clean up in the spring. I decided to just go for it because I’m impatient. . . That is nearly silent and it won't disturb your, or your kids' sleep. Did u notice that the mist or Vick’s inhalant wasn’t as strong as it was when u first started using it? Put the vinegar in first, and slowly add baking soda. $14.99. They just look so finished with the little pedestal underneath. 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