How to remove calcium deposits from humidifier filter

Minerals in water can collect and coat the inside of your humidifier, leaving behind deposits of limescale. Eventually, your humidifier can accumulate large deposits of limescale, which will be thick and hard to remove. Besides this, limescale can shorten the lifespan of your humidifier and be dispersed into the air. Limescale in the air irritates the lungs, so it's important to remove it before it becomes a serious problem. Regularly cleaning off limescale, changing the filter and, to a major extent, using distilled or mineral-free water will prevent buildup and keep your humidifier running optimally.

1. Check the humidifier manufacturer's instructions for cleaning help. Follow general cleaning rules cautiously if you do not have the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Unplug the humidifier. Remove the tank from the console, then empty out all the water. Clean the exterior of the tank with a lint-free cloth.

3. Reach inside the tank with a toothbrush dampened with white vinegar. Scrub heavy deposits of limescale with the toothbrush to help loosen them. Fill the tank with white vinegar, then let it sit overnight.

4. Pour out the vinegar, then rinse out the tank with water. Repeat the procedure if you still see limescale deposits.

5. Pour white vinegar into a tall glass and immerse the humidifier's impeller in it. Do not get vinegar into the motor or bend the impeller. Let the impeller soak for about a few hours, depending on the severity of the deposits.

6. Rinse the impeller, and then let it dry. Fill the tank with distilled or mineral-free water. Replace the old filter with a new filter, then attach the tank to the console.

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can add particles you don’t need, including microorganisms and white dust. Hard water with high mineral content can clog the humidifier and create a layer of white dust around the house. Humidifiers are usually portable, but some newer homes have whole-house humidifiers as part of the air-conditioning or heating system. Humidifiers may vary in size, but decalcification or removing scale buildup procedures are similar.

A Look at Humidifier Benefits

Even in a high-humidity climate such as the Bay Area, you may need a humidifier for indoors. A humidifier puts moisture into the air, benefiting those with respiratory problems or dry skin. When the heat dries out the air or when the humidity is low outside, a humidifier protects wallpaper from peeling and keeps painted and wood surfaces from cracking.

A humidifier helps individuals who are sensitive to humidity changes and those with respiratory illnesses. The humidifier can also prevent static electricity and drying of your furniture.

Types of Humidifiers

Ultrasonic and impeller are the common portable humidifiers. Whole-house humidifiers use a drum, spray mist or flow-through systems. The drum system works with a fabric belt that soaks the water stored in a drum. Spray mist works with an automated spray system in the ducts.

The flow-through system has a drip onto an aluminum or foam pad in the path of the blower. When the heating or air-conditioning system activates the blower, the system moisturizes the air. All humidifiers need regular cleaning and periodic decalcification at the water source.

Cleaning a Humidifier

Be certain the power is off to the humidifier before you begin the cleaning process by turning the knob to “off” and unplugging the unit at the power source. If you have a warm mist humidifier with a heater coil, allow the coil to cool before you start cleaning. The instruction manual will come in handy if it’s available.

Humidifier instructions recommend daily cleaning that includes washing and drying the water container to prevent microorganisms from growing in the unit. Some humidifiers have water tanks that are dishwasher safe, and regular dishwasher cleaning eliminates microorganisms.

Decalcifying a Humidifier

Dishwasher cleaning will not remove calcification. Calcification shows up as a white residue in the humidifier, usually inside the tank and in the tube that draws the water. White vinegar is the recommended cleaner for decalcifying your humidifier, says Honeywell. A cup of white vinegar in the tray or tank and 20 minutes of soaking time starts the process.

A vegetable brush works to remove the chemical residue. If you have calcification above the area that the white vinegar reaches, place a dishcloth on the affected area and swish the vinegar onto the cloth. Soaking another 20 minutes should clean that area. Always rinse the tray or tank with clear water before use.

Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Two common household products can be used as a humidifier cleaner. These products are also safe for home use. White vinegar removes the scale buildup and bleach kills any microorganisms that may grow in the water. It only requires 1/2 teaspoon of bleach in 1/2 gallon of water and 20 minutes to disinfect the humidifier.

Swishing the bleach water around in the tank and wiping all areas you can reach with a cloth dipped in the bleach water assures that you’ve disinfected all areas. You'll need to rinse with clear water before you fill for use. Using distilled water will slow the calcification process and require less decalcifying of your humidifier.

Things You Will Need

• Distilled vinegar

• Vegetable brush

• Dishcloth

• Bleach

• Water

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