Home | Getting Rid of Smells | How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier: Step-by-Step Guide

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 19, 2025

Eliminate humidifier odors easily with this step-by-step guide. Discover how E-Cloth makes cleaning simple and effective.

Title

How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier

Tools:

- E-Cloth
- White vinegar
- Soft brush
- Clean water
- Towel or drying rack

Empty and Disassemble

Step: Remove all water from your humidifier and take apart any detachable pieces like the water tank and filters.
Tip: Doing this opens the door to a thorough clean that tackles the odor at its source.

Vinegar Soak

Step: Fill the tank with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Step: Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to neutralize lingering smells naturally.

Scrub Away Odors

Step: With a soft brush, scrub the interior surfaces of the tank and any affected parts to dislodge any buildup causing the odor.
Note: Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where vinegar might not have reached fully.

Rinse Thoroughly

Step: Rinse all pieces with clean water several times to remove any vinegar residue, which could affect the taste of your water later.
Note: Ensure there's no lingering scent of vinegar left behind.

Air Dry Completely

Step: Let all parts dry completely in a well-ventilated space before reassembling the humidifier.
Reason: Drying fully helps prevent new mold or mildew growth that can trigger odors again.

Reassemble and Check

Step: Once everything is dry, put your humidifier back together.
Step: Fill it with clean water and run it to ensure the odor has been eradicated.

Safety Precautions

Unplug Before Cleaning: Always disconnect the humidifier from power before disassembling or cleaning to avoid electric shock.
Avoid Mixing Cleaners: Do not mix vinegar with bleach or other chemicals—this can create dangerous fumes.
Ventilation: Clean in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling strong vinegar odors or any released particles.
Protect Skin and Eyes: Wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation, and avoid splashing vinegar in your eyes.
Handle Parts Carefully: Be gentle with delicate components like filters and seals to prevent damage during cleaning.
Check for Damage: Inspect all parts for cracks or mold before reassembling; replace any damaged or moldy components.

How to Maintain Cleanliness How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier: Extra Tips

Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine

Clean the humidifier after every few uses using mild dish soap and water.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue that might lead to buildup.
Scrub all removable parts including the water tank, filter, and base to prevent odor-causing deposits.

Title

Deep Clean with White Vinegar

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the humidifier’s water tank.
Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to break down mineral deposits and eliminate mold.
Rinse the unit well after soaking to remove any lingering vinegar scent.

Title

Use Bleach for Stringent Disinfection

For persistent smells and stubborn mold, add a small amount of bleach (about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water) to the tank.
Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all corners of the humidifier.
Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent chemical residue.

Title

Perform Routine Maintenance and Proper Storage

Empty the water tank daily to prevent stagnant water and bacterial growth.
Dry the humidifier completely after use to avoid lingering moisture that fuels odor.
Store the unit in a dry, cool area and replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier

Mistake 1: Neglecting Regular Dusting

What Happens: Dust builds up quickly, settling into corners and on surfaces, which not only looks shabby but can trigger allergies.
Expert Tip: Dust at least once a week using a microfiber cloth designed to trap dust instead of just moving it around.
Simple Action: Incorporate a 10-minute dusting routine into your weekly schedule—you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to keep things under control.

Mistake 2: Overusing Harsh Chemicals

What Happens: Using too many potent cleaners can damage delicate surfaces and fill your home with toxic fumes.
Expert Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s dilution directions; sometimes less is more.
Simple Action: Consider eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar and baking soda for a safer, less aggressive cleaning solution.

Mistake 3: Skipping Regular Maintenance

What Happens: Letting grime build up means you’ll spend more time and energy on cleaning when it finally catches up with you.
Expert Tip: Set aside a little time each day or week to tackle minor messes before they become a big deal.
Simple Action: Break tasks into quick, daily routines—like a 10-minute tidy-up—to keep your home or workspace consistently neat.

Title

How Often to Clean How to Get Rid of Smell in Humidifier

Cleaning Frequency for Keeping Your Humidifier Odor-Free

Schedule a thorough cleaning at least once a week: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of mineral deposits, biofilms, and microbial growth that cause musty or unpleasant smells. Even when you empty the water daily, residues remain that can lead to odors over time.
Clean more frequently for continuous or heavy use: If you run your humidifier throughout the day or live in an area with hard water, consider a cleaning interval every two to three days. This proactive approach tackles rapid buildup and ensures a consistently fresh output.
Incorporate daily quick maintenance: Although not a substitute for weekly cleaning, emptying the tank and allowing it to air dry after each use reduces residues. This simple step curbs the conditions that allow bacteria and mold to flourish, thereby keeping odors in check.
Adapt the frequency based on your environment: High humidity, water quality, and local climate matter. If you notice any smell despite your routine, increase the cleaning frequency to preempt further buildup. Prevention is key to maintaining a hygienic, odor-free humidifier.

E-Cloth

Other Brands

Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

Shop Now

A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

Shop Now