How to replace Air humidifier filters

Humidifiers ensure that you enjoy a favorable and healthy atmosphere inside your dwelling place and work place, irrespective of the temperature and climate outside. Humidifier filters are the most important parts of the humidifiers. The humidifier filters are meant for filtering or trapping particles from the water and air in the environment. The filters ensure that the air we breathe is free of any kind of pollutants.

You must bear in mind that the humidifier filter must be clean and must fit exactly in the humidifier unit, while you replace air humidifier filters. This will ensure better performance of the humidifiers. The frequency of changing the filters depends on the usage of the humidifier and the hardness of the water used in the humidifier unit.

The fibers in the filters will be dirty and filled with the trapped dust, pollens and pollutants. You must change the humidifier filters when they are visibly dirty. You must change them yearly once, even if you don't spot any dust settled in them. Changing them, once in a year will help you get rid of the invisible mold and bacteria that could be growing in the filter. A dust filled filter is of no use, since they do not serve the purpose.

Read the instruction manual thoroughly before you decide to replace air humidifier filters. Learn the techniques and methods of removing the parts of a humidifier before beginning the cleaning venture. Improper removal and replacement of parts can damage the humidifier and affect its efficiency. You will also lose the manufacturer's warranty by doing so. Manufacturer's instruction must be referred to, before you use any kind of chemical agent for cleaning the humidifier parts.

It is very important to clean and dry the humidifier before and after using them, every season. Before you start cleaning the filters, you must switch off the system and unplug it. Unplugging an electrical appliance before cleaning is applicable to all kinds of electrical appliances.

Most of the humidifiers have water tanks or reservoirs for storing water. The standing water becomes the breeding ground for bacteria colonies. Regular draining and refilling of water helps to avoid problems related with stagnant water. Cleaning the water reservoir frequently during summers helps to control bacterial growth.

Remove the water reservoir and drain the water completely. Fill the water tank with fresh cold water and add some bleaching agent to disinfect the reservoir and kill bacteria and mold. Keep this bleach mixed water in the tank for over twenty minutes. Using humidifier cleaner or antibacterial solution helps to eliminate the build up of bacteria, molds and minerals.

Now, slowly remove the motor housing which covers majority of the air humidifier. Wipe away the dirt on it and vacuum clean the dust in the surfaces that are open. You should not meddle with the motor housing anymore since that would make your manufacturer's warranty void. If you want them to be cleaned deeper, you must seek the services of a professional recommended by the manufacturer or dealer or contact the dealer or manufacturer immediately.

Follow the instructions given, diligently and check whether the filters in your models can be washed. Some humidifier models come with filters which can be cleaned regularly and even re-used. The air humidifier filters are generally made of foam, cloth or paper. You can reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt in the filters by using water that has less mineral content in it. You can also opt for demineralization filter or cartridge.

Take out the filter from the unit. If you have opted for reusing filters, don't squeeze them too much and tear them. Handle the filters with care and vacuum clean them before washing. Don't wring the filter excessively and replace them carefully. Generally, replacement filters are not very expensive, so changing them can be the right option since the new filters are very clean and devoid of any dangerous particles.

You must also clean the base unit with vinegar and allow the vinegar mix to settle in there for over twenty minutes. Now, clean the water reservoir and base unit with the bleach inside the water reservoir. Rinse them thoroughly to wash out the bleaching agent, vinegar and disinfectant. You should rinse the parts and dry them before putting them together.

Maintenance of a humidifier is as important as buying them since maintenance increases the humidifiers' efficiency and durability. If you do not find time for replacing air humidifier filters or are too busy to maintain them, you can opt for the filter free humidifiers that are available. Get humidifiers that are easy to maintain and handle since, replacing the filters and cleaning the humidifiers are important to avoid the health risks posed by polluted air released from the unclean humidifiers.