Knowing how to clean your humidifier is key for ensuring you have healthy air in your home When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

More importantly, knowing how to clean a humidifier will kill or prevent bacteria or spores going back into the air.

We talked to experts about the health repercussions of not cleaning your humidifier and expert-backed tips for properly disinfecting it. What are the benefits of having a humidifier in your home?

With the help of experts, this guide will explain how, and how often, to clean a humidifier and a dehumidifier, as well as signs to look out for that indicate trouble (mold!) might be brewing.

Pulling out a humidifier isn't enough to cure the season of dry air and potential cold germs—you have to know how to clean a humidifier, too. Start here.

How often should you clean your humidifier? It's important to keep your humidifier clean. Home care experts typically recommend cleaning your humidifier at least once a week.

How often should you clean your humidifier? It's important to keep your humidifier clean. Home care experts typically recommend cleaning your humidifier at least once a week.

How to Clean Your (Likely Gross) Humidifier Thom Dunn Reporting for Wirecutter Michael Hession Apply a bit of white vinegar to a brush to dislodge the chalky white limescale buildup.

These steps explain how to clean a cool-mist or warm-mist humidifier with vinegar or bleach, how to remove mold and how to keep it germ- and bacteria-free.

Humidifiers can restore a dry home to ideal moisture levels even in the middle of winter. But that’s only if you know how to clean a humidifier and keep it in top operating condition.

How to Clean a Humidifier Cleaning a humidifier isn’t as daunting as it sounds, and typically just involves disassembling it so that you can clean each of the essential parts individually.

This humidifier’s lightweight design — slightly under 1.5 pounds — makes it ideal for tighter, cozier spaces, according to the brand, such as a small bedroom or home office.