Humidifiers moisturize the dry air that fills spaces in the colder seasons due to low airflow or indoor heating. Most models come with filters for removing dust, debris, and other impurities in the air.
In most cases, humidifier filters last for up to three months or lesser, while others are reusable. However, if you don’t have a replacement, using a humidifier without a filter is possible too.
Let’s find out how to run a humidifier without a filter and keep it clean.
How to Operate a Humidifier Without a Filter Properly?
Filterless humidifiers have an advantage over the filtered kinds because they’re almost noiseless. Thus, they’re suitable for use in offices and nurseries.
A warm mist humidifier kills bacteria by heating water sufficiently before letting it out in the air. Although it functions differently, a cool-mist humidifier can also work without a filter, provided you use distilled water.
Eliminating the filter from the equation means a lesser cost of running a humidifier. But it increases your work. Now, you have to install a water filter or buy distilled water.
Here’s how to use a humidifier without a filter:
- First off, unplug the humidifier’s power cord.
- If there’s a filter in your humidifier, remove it. Some filters slide out of the unit from either side, while others can be removed by taking off the top cover.
- If you can’t locate the filter, look for it close to the region where the air comes out of the unit.
- Now, remove the water cap or tank and drain the water present in it.
- Refill the tank with distilled water. You can also use filtered water instead.
- Turn on the humidifier, and you’re good to go.
Is It Safe to Run Humidifier Without a Filter?
Yes, using a humidifier without a filter is quite safe. Most humidifiers that you see in the market today are made of plastic. Before further processing, these plastics go through antibacterial treatments.
Thus, microbial contamination is not a problem. However, hard water usage can leave mineral deposits around the humidifier. If that happens, you can simply wipe the minerals off using a dry cloth.
If you let the deposits sit on the humidifier and surrounding areas for too long, it may lead to mold growth. When using a humidifier without a filter, you should soften the water first. An easy way to do this is by boiling tap water or using demineralization cartridges. Alternatively, you can install reverse osmosis filters in your home’s water supply to filter tap water.
How to Clean a Humidifier Without a Filter?
Cleaning your humidifier is crucial since it helps minimize mold growth and bacterial spread. If you don’t disinfect or clean the humidifier occasionally, dirt can build up inside it.
As a result, the unit may release bad, foul-smelling water moisture into the air. It poses a threat to your family’s health and general wellbeing.
Related: What Can You Add to Humidifier Water to Prevent Mold
Things You’ll Need
Here are the supplies you need for cleaning:
- Bristle brush
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Water
- Gloves
Steps for Cleaning a Humidifier
Since you’ll use bleach for cleaning, make sure you’re wearing gloves. Also, keep a container filled with water close to you. Now, follow the steps below to clean the humidifier:
- Unplug the unit and disassemble the parts.
- Pour a few drops of white vinegar onto the areas that water comes in contact with.
- Keep the replaceable parts in a bowl of vinegar. Let them sit for half an hour.
- Use a bristle brush to remove tough stains.
- For disinfecting, add a spoon of bleach to a gallon of water.
- Fill the humidifier’s tank with this solution.
- Lastly, rinse the base and tank with clean water
More background information: Can You Add Vinegar to Humidifier Water?
