The Power of Clean Mist: How To Clean Your Levoit Humidifier With Vinegar

Table of Contents show

Breathing in crisp, moisturized air feels wonderful, but a neglected humidifier can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and black mold at home, negating its benefits and potentially harming your health.

Just like any appliance, your Levoit humidifier requires regular cleaning to ensure it operates effectively and hygienically. But you cannot give your appliance the best care, unless you know how to, hence the reason for reading this simplified guide.

Please note that the tips I am sharing here are usable on just about any other humidifier. Therefore, if your Honeywell is showing a red light, and you suspect it is dirty, you can clean it up!

A humidifier has four main parts that need a thorough cleaning. These are the tank, the filters, the ultrasonic disk, and the base. If it is a warm mist unit, you will need to clean the heating elements too.

Things you will need to clean your humidifier

Gloves: for protecting your hands
White vinegar–breaking limescale
Water
Mild dish soap (optional) for stubborn dirt
The cleaning brush that came with the humidifier—scrubbing without scratching
The user manual of the humidifier: obvious reasons
Bleach (optional) kills microbes
Clean pieces of microfiber cloth—wiping some parts without scratching

Recommended cleaning schedule: weekly or biweekly

Step-by-step guide for cleaning a Levoit humidifier tank

Before you do anything else, get the Levoit humidifier user manual that came with your unit. It shows you how to clean every part and how to operate your unit.

If you do not have the user manual and have some questions, you can contact Levoit customer support. They are usually very helpful.

Now, onto the steps to follow to clean the Levoit Classic 300S humidifier:

Step 1: Switch it off, unplug, and empty: Safety first! Always unplug your humidifier and pour any remaining water from the tank.

Step 2: Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the tank under running water to remove loose debris and mineral buildup.

Step 3: Vinegar bath: Fill the tank with equal parts white vinegar and water. Let it soak for 30 minutes to loosen stubborn mineral deposits and potential mold growth. For stubborn grime, leave it for up to an hour.

Step 4: Scrub gently: Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the inside of the tank, particularly areas with visible buildup. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the plastic.

Step 5: Vinegar rinse: Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean, cold water to remove all vinegar residue.

Step 6: Air dry: Leave the tank open to air dry completely before assembling the humidifier. Do not use a dishwasher or towel dry, as residual moisture can trap bacteria.

Step 7: Clean the tank cap: soak it in the water-vinegar solution, just in case it has microbes or mold.

How to clean the humidifier filter

Some Levoit humidifier models come with filters, and some come with mineral absorption pads. If it comes with the latter, they are easy to remove and insert.

Remove the filter: Consult your Levoit humidifier model’s manual to locate the filter and remove it carefully. (Most models require you to twist the filter in the counterclockwise direction).

Rinse or replace: For washable filters, rinse them under running water and allow them to air dry completely. If there is too much debris on the filter, scrub it gently with the brush your humidifier came with. If your Levoit model uses disposable filters, refer to the manual for recommended replacement intervals.

Reassemble: Once the filter is dry or replaced, reinstall it according to the instructions in your manual.

How to clean the base of the humidifier

Wipe down: Dampen a clean cloth with water and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe down the exterior of the humidifier base, removing any dust or grime. Do not use too much water because if it leaks, the humidifier will not work after cleaning.

Remove mineral deposits: For stubborn mineral deposits, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar on a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base in water or any other liquid.

Disinfectant spray (optional): Once the base is clean and dry, consider using a disinfectant spray suitable for electronics to ensure complete sanitization. Follow the instructions on the disinfectant product carefully.

How to clean the humidifier ultrasonic disk

The ultrasonic disk is located on the base, somewhere in the middle. It looks like a coin, so it is hard to miss. It gets grease build-up, hence the need to clean it:

Unplug and empty the humidifier tank: As with the tank, always unplug your Levoit humidifier and empty any remaining water before cleaning the ultrasonic disk.

Scrub it with a soft-bristled brush: Gently scrub the surface of the ultrasonic disk with a soft-bristled brush dipped in clean water. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the delicate disk.

Give it a white vinegar soak (optional): For stubborn mineral buildup, soak the ultrasonic disk in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for 30 minutes to dislodge the scale.

Rinse and dry: Rinse the ultrasonic disk thoroughly with clean water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.

How to clean the heating elements (for warm mist levoit humidifier)

The heating elements are responsible for boiling the water in the humidifier so that it can then be dispersed as warm mist. However, when you use tap water in a humidifier, the heating elements become caked with minerals, and this prevents the humidifier from working.

Here is how to clean the Levoit humidifier heating elements:

Unplug and cool down: Always the first step… Ensure your humidifier is unplugged and completely cool before proceeding.

Cotton swab and water: Dampen a cotton swab with clean water and carefully clean the surface of the heating elements, removing any visible mineral deposits.

Vinegar and cotton swab (optional): For tougher buildup, dip a cotton swab in a diluted vinegar solution (one part vinegar, three parts water) and gently clean the heating elements.

Thorough rinse: Rinse the heating elements thoroughly with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.

Air dry: Allow the heating elements to air dry completely before reassembling the humidifier.

Bonus humidifier cleaning tips

You can use mild dish soap to clean the exterior of the humidifier tank if there is grease sticking. However, never use harsh cleaning agents, cloths, or scrubbers, as they can scratch the plastic tank.

If you had seen black mold in the humidifier or even pink mold in the humidifier, you should use bleach to kill it completely. However, if you choose to use bleach, do not use white vinegar at all. If the two (vinegar and bleach) mix, they form a toxic gas that could kill.

Wear your rubber gloves if you have sensitive hands, and remember to rinse them after you are done cleaning your unit.

If the humidifier shows a red light after cleaning, reset it. You can do that by pressing and holding the power button for 5 to 10 seconds.

Wrapping up

Cleaning your Levoit humidifier is quite a chore, but the benefits outweigh the effort.

Regular cleaning can:

Extend the lifespan of your humidifier: By preventing mineral buildup and corrosion, you’ll get the most out of your Levoit investment.
Optimize its performance: A clean humidifier delivers better mist output and efficiency, ensuring you get the maximum benefit from the humidity levels you set.
Promote healthy indoor air: A clean humidifier reduces the risk of mold and bacteria growth, ensuring the air you breathe is refreshing and healthy.
Remember, consistency is key. Follow this guide and schedule regular cleaning routines (around once a week or biweekly depending on usage).
That way, you can keep your Levoit humidifier operating smoothly and delivering clean, healthy mist for years to come.