Last Updated on: 18th September 2023, 05:43 pm
If you’re using a HoMedics humidifier such as the Total Comfort Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier, you might enjoy all the benefits of moist air in your home, like better breathing and softer skin. But if you’re not cleaning that bad boy regularly, you might be doing more harm than good.
This article mainly focuses on the Total Comfort humidifier model because that is the one that I have, but the same process will work with most other HoMedics models of humidifiers like the Ultrasonic Plus, and other models.
Table of Contents
- Signs That Your Humidifier Needs Cleaning
- Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your HoMedics Humidifier For Total Comfort In Your Room
- Stay On Top Of Keeping It Clean
- Why Cleaning Your HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier is Important
- How Often Should You Be Clean Your Machine?
- Tips for Maintaining a Clean HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier
- Troubleshooting Before Or After Homedics Humidifier Cleaning
- FAQs:
- Winding Up
Signs That Your Humidifier Needs Cleaning
- Decreased mist output: If you notice a reduced amount of mist being emitted from your humidifier, it could be due to mineral buildup or dirt obstructing the proper function of the device.
- Unusual odor: A musty or moldy smell coming from the humidifier is often an indication of mold, mildew, or bacterial growth, signaling the need for cleaning.
- Visible mold or algae: If you spot mold, algae, or any other growth inside the water tank, reservoir, or on the filter, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.
- White dust accumulation: A buildup of white dust around the humidifier or in the room may indicate that minerals from the water are being dispersed into the air, suggesting the need for filter replacement or cleaning.
- Cleaning indicator light: Many humidifiers have a cleaning indicator light that turns on after a specific number of operating hours, notifying you when it’s time for a cleaning.
- Unusual sounds: If you hear strange noises coming from your humidifier, such as gurgling, buzzing, or clicking, it could be an indication that the device needs cleaning or maintenance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your HoMedics Humidifier For Total Comfort In Your Room
If you’re the proud owner of a HoMedics humidifier, you’re probably enjoying all the benefits of moist air in your home, like easier breathing and softer skin. But if you ain’t cleaning that bad boy, you might be doing more harm than good.
Luckily, I’m here to give you the lowdown on cleaning your HoMedics humidifier. So grab your scrub brush, and let’s get started!
What You Will Need To Take Apart And Clean The Base & Water Tank
In order to perform the steps below for cleaning, you only need a few things:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Small scrub brush – I like this one from Amazon.
- cloth or towel – I recommend microfiber.
Unplug the Humidifier
Before cleaning, always turn off and unplug your device from the electrical outlet. This safety precaution is essential to prevent any accident or damage.
Remove the Water Tank
Remove the water tank from the humidifier base and remove the tank caps. Drain the tank water down the sink. While doing this, cover the opening with your two fingers. By doing this you can easily capture the demineralization cartridge in your hands.
Soak Water Tank in a Mixture of Vinegar and Water
Fill the water reservoir with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Let the mixture soak in it for a few minutes. The benefit of using white vinegar in your water tank is that it softens any mineral build-up in the reservoir and helps clean it effectively.
Another advantage of vinegar is that it acts as a natural antimicrobial agent and prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, or mildew.
Clean the Transducer
Pour a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water onto the transducer’s surface and soak for about 5 minutes. After that, clean with a brush and get rid of any mineral deposits.
Clean the Humidifier Base
Apply the solution of white vinegar to the humidifier base. Take a cotton swab and wipe away any mineral scale or deposits. After you’ve thoroughly cleared away all the mineral build-up you will feel a smooth surface.
Next, use clean water to rinse the base. Let the base dry completely with the help of a paper towel and reinstall the humidifier’s transducer cover back.
Refill the Reservoir
Refill the water reservoir with clean water. Put the cartridge back into the water tank and attach the water tank to the humidifier base. After that, connect the reservoir caps.
Plug in the Humidifier and press the cleaning reset button.
Plug the humidifier and reset it by pressing and holding the red button for 3 seconds. After resetting, the red clean indicator light will turn off.
Stay On Top Of Keeping It Clean
Humidifiers are like any other appliance – they can get dirty and harbor bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup. And if you’re not on top of cleaning it, you could be pumping all that nastiness straight into your air. Yuck!
Not only can dirty humidifiers make you sick, but they can also damage the unit itself. Mineral buildup can clog up the system and cause it to work less efficiently, meaning you’ll be wasting energy and money. Plus, a dirty humidifier can start to smell funky, and nobody wants that.
So what’s a savvy HoMedics humidifier user to do? Well, first things first, read the manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Usually, you’ll need to clean the unit once a week and replace the filter regularly. And if you notice any strange smells or signs of mold, it’s time to give that thing a deep clean.
Remember, a clean humidifier is a happy humidifier – and a happy humidifier means happier lungs and softer skin for you.
Be sure to check out my HoMedics humidifier review here. Also look at my in-depth how to use a HoMedics humidifier article.
Why Cleaning Your HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier is Important
Humidifiers are like a magnet for all kinds of icky stuff like bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup. And if you ain’t giving your HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier a regular scrubbing, you could be pumping all that nastiness straight into your air and causing health problems. Gross!
Not only can a dirty humidifier make you sick, but it can also cause damage to the unit itself. Mineral buildup can clog up the system and cause it to work less efficiently, meaning you’ll be wasting energy and money. And if you don’t clean it often enough, that humidifier will start smelling worse than a skunk’s armpit!
So, what’s a savvy HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier user to do? First, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and clean the unit after every 120 hours of use. Be sure to replace the filter regularly, too. And if you notice any funky smells or signs of mold, give that humidifier a deep cleaning.
How Often Should You Be Clean Your Machine?
Check The Cleaning Light! It tells You!
One neat feature of this humidifier is the cleaning indicator light on the front panel of the unit. After 120 hours of use, it will turn on and show a red light that tells you that it is time to clean. Super easy!
Tips for Maintaining a Clean HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier
If you’re looking to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other nasty stuff in your humidifier, you’re in the right place.
First, ensure you’re using clean water in your humidifier. Tap water is fine, but also make sure you add the demineralization cartridge.
Also, ensure you’re using your humidifier in a well-ventilated area. Humidity can create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow, so you want to ensure you’re not trapping all that moist air in a closed room.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to preventing buildup in your humidifier and enjoying all the benefits of moist air in your home.
Troubleshooting Before Or After Homedics Humidifier Cleaning
Clean light will not turn off
If the cleaning light will not turn off after holding it in for at least 3 seconds, you may need to open the humidifier up again and give the transducer another cleaning.
Won’t turn on after cleaning
If your HoMedics humidifier won’t turn back on after cleaning, there could be a few different reasons why. Here are some things you can try:
- Check the power source. Make sure the unit is properly plugged in and the outlet is functioning properly. You can test the outlet by plugging in another device or appliance.
- Ensure the unit is assembled correctly. If you took apart the unit to clean it, make sure all the components are properly reassembled. Sometimes if a piece is not properly fitted, the unit may not turn on.
- Reset the unit. Try unplugging the humidifier and waiting for a few minutes before plugging it back in. This may reset the unit and allow it to turn on again.
- Check the water level. If the water level in the humidifier is too low, it may not turn on. Make sure the unit has enough water before attempting to turn it on.
- Contact the manufacturer. If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that there’s a malfunction with the unit.
I have a more in-depth article on troubleshooting your HoMedics humidifier here.
FAQs:
What happens if I don’t clean my humidifier?
A dirty humidifier can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other nastiness. And if you’re pumping all that stuff into your air, you risk your health. In fact, some folks can develop severe respiratory issues from breathing in contaminated air from their humidifier.
And let’s not forget that a dirty humidifier can also cause damage to the unit itself. Mineral buildup can clog up the system, causing it to work harder and use more energy. Plus, you might find yourself having to replace the unit more often if you ain’t taking good care of it.
How do I know when it’s time to clean my humidifier?
It’s simple, when the red cleaning light turns on, it is time to clean it.
Can I use soap to clean my humidifier?
No, I would not recommend using soap. Use the recommended vinegar and water solution that we talked about in the step by step instructions above.
Can I use tap water instead of distilled water?
Yes. Tap water is fine. Make sure to include the deminerialization cartridge in the water too!
How do I remove stubborn buildup in my humidifier?
Try using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently scrub the affected areas. Just be careful not to damage any delicate parts of the humidifier.
And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out to the manufacturer or customer service for assistance. They may be able to provide additional tips or recommend a professional cleaning service.
Winding Up
There you have it – a quick guide to keeping your humidifier clean and running like a charm. Remember, a clean humidifier not only provides all the benefits of moist air but can also help keep you healthy and save you money in the long run.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean a HoMedics Total Comfort humidifier, use clean water, and don’t be afraid to give that bad boy a deep clean when needed. And if you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. With some elbow grease and know-how, your humidifier can be a trusted companion for many years. Happy breathing and happy humidifying!
