How to descale a humidifier
Humidifiers have gradually become used in many homes. Over time, the product begins to perform worse. Sometimes this is due to improper care. After all, the device is susceptible to scale formation, which is important to get rid of quickly.
The content of the article
What is scale and how does it form in a humidifier?
Scale is solid particles. They appear on the surface of the product, in areas where water is heated. The device humidifies the air in the room by evaporating liquid. Therefore, a common cause of plaque formation is the use of poor quality water. It must be filtered. If you fill in tap liquid that has not undergone special treatment, this will lead to scale formation.
You can notice the beginning of the process by the appearance of a white crust. If this problem is not eliminated, the formation will harden and will cause more harm to the device.
Attention! Unpurified water can harbor some microorganisms and bacteria, which will negatively affect the air in the room.
Why is it necessary to remove scale?
Many people don’t look at the internal condition of the humidifier until it breaks or starts to work worse. Although cleaning is recommended regularly. Ignoring scale will lead to additional problems:
- spread of bacteria;
- the water will begin to bloom;
- mold formation;
- the appearance of chemical compounds that negatively affect health;
- reduction in equipment efficiency;
- reducing the service life of the product.
Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the humidifier and allow it to be cleaned regularly.
Preparing for descaling
It is necessary to disconnect the equipment from the network and wait some time. This will allow the device to cool down. Remove the barrel where the water is and empty it. First, you should clean the product from dirt and the top layer of scale. Take a soft cloth. Make a soap solution by mixing soap and water.
Important! Do not use bath or dishwashing detergents. They contain aggressive components that negatively affect the operation of the device.
Wipe the tank with a rag, removing deposits. For hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do everything carefully, without much friction or pressure. The nozzle should also be wiped with a cloth previously soaked in a vinegar solution. Then rinse under the tap.
It is worth removing scale using citric acid, vinegar or soda, which will react and make the scale softer. One of the selected components must be diluted with water until everything is completely dissolved. Pour the resulting liquid into the tank. For a liter of water you need a few tablespoons of soda or 100 g of citric acid. If you prefer vinegar, you will need it in a volume of 150 ml. Do not connect components together. Together they will not be effective.
The equipment needs to be turned with its bow towards the window, which will allow the liquid to escape outside.Pour the solution into the container and turn on the humidifier for no longer than an hour. The prepared mixture will corrode the plaque, and it will come off on its own. Carefully remove any remaining scale and rinse the equipment several times until the odor is completely removed.
Attention! If this is an ultrasonic or mechanical model of the product, then it should not be included. You need to fill it with the solution and leave it for 12 hours.
You can also use lemon juice. However, it can only cope with fresh contamination. It is useless in case of heavy attack.
Tips for descaling your humidifier
Do not use hard rags or brushes for cleaning. They may damage the product. Often, a humidifier includes special care products. But if there are none, use a soft cloth. Make sure that liquid does not penetrate the housing area or the inside of the device. This may cause the device to burn out. It is important to thoroughly dry all removable parts before installation.
Citric acid effectively removes plaque and further disinfects the device. But if fungus has formed or mold has appeared, then cotton, peroxide or bleach will be required. Abrasive substances will not work.
Preventive measures against scale
Observe the following preventive measures:
- Clean the device regularly. Start fighting plaque when its first signs appear. Do not aggravate the situation to the point that only chemicals can help you. The humidifier needs constant disinfection.
- Monitor the quality of the water you use. Only soft ones are suitable. Hard water is rich in salts, which lead to scale formation. Therefore, try to use distilled water.In extreme cases, you can pass the liquid through a filter and leave it for a while to settle. It will not completely prevent the occurrence of such problems, but it will reduce the formation of scale.
- Make sure that the liquid in the container does not stagnate. Otherwise, bacteria will begin to multiply.
- Do not use the device at maximum power. When the air is sufficiently humidified, turn off the equipment.
The above measures will help to significantly reduce the formation of plaque. It is important to regularly take care of your humidifier and monitor its condition. Then it will last much longer.
