How to clean a humidifier from mold and scale, the best folk remedies and rules
In a room with dry air, pathogenic microflora is formed. The use of a humidifier is necessary to create an optimal microclimate and increase the humidity level. It improves well-being, human performance. The device requires regular maintenance, otherwise the device will become covered with mold and scale. Therefore, it is important to learn how to descale your humidifier.
Reasons for contamination
The home appliance market is full of humidifiers of different configurations. The type of device affects the air exchange, its physical indicators. The causes of contamination differ according to the type of installation:
- Mechanical. Salt deposits form on a wet cartridge due to the increased level of salts and chlorine in the water. Mechanical units are prone to stagnation of water in the tank - this provokes the development of a pathogenic environment, the multiplication of bacteria. The process of liquid decomposition is accompanied by a putrid smell, staining the walls of the tank green.
- To smoke. Air is generated with steam, which separates salt molecules from air molecules. Due to their deposition, scale forms inside the tank.The lime layer is compacted, reducing the heat transfer properties of the unit. His work deteriorates, breakdowns occur. To avoid problems, it is recommended to purchase installations with evaporation of moisture in room temperature conditions.
- Ultrasonic. Ultrasound causes the release of moist dust on the surface of the water. Salt molecules detach themselves from the components of air, liquid and settle on the inner surface. A white coating covers the walls and parts of the device.
- Combined. They have an air filtration function, in which the airflow passes through a humidified cartridge. The cleaning process is to wash the filter, the water tank.
The above types of devices are characterized by blooming, the liquid turning green, the appearance of an unpleasant smell from the tank. Treatment of the humidifier consists of its regular cleaning and disinfection.
Descaling procedure
Cleaning the unit is possible with the help of special solutions, folk remedies. The composition of household chemicals negatively affects the performance of the device. Insufficient washing of its parts and surfaces after using household products leads to splashes of chemicals that cause headaches. For safe assembly / disassembly of the installation, it is recommended to read the instructions.
The cleaning process takes place in several stages:
- Unplug humidifier from outlet, remove components.
- Drain remaining liquid, rinse surfaces thoroughly.
- Clean the nozzle with a cloth.
- Descaling of interior and exterior walls.
- Cleaning the membrane with a special brush.
- Soak the structure in a saline solution, vinegar, acid.
- Rinse the device with water.
It is strictly forbidden to use metal scrapers to rub scale on the tank - they scratch the body of the structure.
Make a descaler at home
Regular use of the device requires systematic cleaning. Once every 7-9 days, it is disassembled, wiped, washed, dried at room temperature in a dark, dry place. Chemical cleaning agents release a harmful compound during humidifier operation.
Experienced housewives recommend treating with folk remedies. They are safe, do not damage the device, do not emit toxins and effectively eliminate pollution.
salt and water
Water (1 l) is mixed with salt (2 tbsp. L.), Stirred, poured into a water reservoir. Soaking takes 2-3 hours. If necessary, the procedure is repeated, possibly soaking throughout the day. The saline solution is drained from the container, rinsed under the tap.
lemon acid
Hot boiled water (1 l) is mixed with citric acid (2 tbsp. L.), Dissolve. The solution is poured into the tank and left for 12 hours. At the end of the time, the liquid is drained, the whole is washed, dried.
table vinegar
Cleaning the tank with table vinegar has the following advantages:
- has antimicrobial and antifungal effects;
- suitable for gentle and gentle removal of mineral deposits;
- suitable for processing climatic equipment of any kind;
- increases the life of the device.
Vinegar (50 ml) is mixed with water (1 l), poured into the structure. After 3-4 hours, the tank is washed under a tap, wiped with a damp cloth moistened with acetic acid.
Disinfection
After the cleaning procedures, it is recommended to carry out manipulations to destroy pathogens on the surfaces and parts of the device. Refusal of disinfection causes allergic, fungal reactions, infectious pathologies in households. You can kill pathogenic bacteria with chlorine or folk remedies.
Bleach
Water is poured into the tank, mixed with bleach and soaked for 2 hours. Then the solution is poured, the installation is washed in places of contact with the cleaner. Product elements must be thoroughly dried.
Hydrogen peroxide
Peroxide is a budget tool for various applications. It has powerful oxidizing, bactericidal, disinfectant and bleaching properties. The drug destroys bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi. For disinfection you will need 0.5 cups of peroxide, 1 liter of water. The solution is poured into a tank, left for half an hour, after which it is poured, the surface is washed under a tap.
The vinegar
Acetic acid has a wide range of applications. Housewives use it for cooking, face masks, cleaning and gardening. With the help of vinegar, they get rid of mold, rust, unpleasant odors, scale. Acetic acid is considered a universal cleaner, clarifier and herbicide.
Manipulations are carried out in a well-ventilated place. Pour 250 ml of vinegar essence into the tank, add water on a measuring scale. The installation is plugged into a socket, maintained for 60 minutes. Then the liquid is poured, the device is thoroughly rinsed.
Boneco Humidifier Cleaning Features
Many housewives are interested in the methods of cleaning Boneco brand humidifiers.The manufacturer encourages the use of a special cleaning composition. It should be diluted 1:1.
The structure is cleaned in stages:
- The remaining liquid is drained from the tank.
- Half of the cleaning agent is poured into the tank, the rest should be in the lower compartment.
- Tartar, plaque is removed with a soft brush.
- The lower compartment is soaked for 4-5 hours.
- The mixture is poured, the entire structure is rinsed.
- The whole is dried, assembled, connected.
The process of cleaning the humidifier is not particularly difficult, it can be done at home using the tools available. Stubborn dirt must be removed with special compounds. If desired, you can take the device to a specialized service center.
Rules of maintenance and operation
Preventive cleaning helps prevent scale, mold and unpleasant odors. The frequency of cleaning procedures depends on the water quality. The water in the central sewage system contains molecules of salts, chlorine, metals. Their particles fall on the surfaces of the humidifier, disrupting its operation.
Plaque removal is carried out every 7-9 days. Lack of regular cleaning is fraught with hardening and mold. As a result, the performance of the device will deteriorate, and pathogenic microflora will appear.
For prevention purposes, the following actions are carried out:
- dilute the detergent with warm water;
- structural details are washed off with a soft brush, soapy foam;
- rinse the tank.
If the humidifier contains consumables (cartridges, filters), they must be replaced promptly. With proper operation, regular cleaning of the device, the air in the house will be humidified, cleaned of harmful particles.