How to Clean a Levoit Smart Humidifier – What Not to Do!
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Levoit humidifiers are a good device you can use to keep the humidity levels in your house normal during dry seasons. However, no matter the quality of a humidifier, they all have one thing in common. They get dirty.
If you think you can clean your humidifier in any old way you want, whenever you want, you might be surprised to know you’re wrong. Two things that will significantly damage a humidifier are not cleaning it often enough and cleaning it improperly.
Are Levoit Humidifier Parts Dishwasher Safe?
Humidifiers can get gunked up quickly if you use essential oils in them, and you might find it bothersome to keep cleaning it by hand. So, are Levoit humidifier parts dishwasher safe?
There are two reasons why you should never put your Levoit humidifier parts in the dishwasher:
- It is not built to tolerate high-temperature water or high-pressure spray like in a dishwasher
- It is dangerous to clean any part of your humidifier with dishwashing soap or cleaning chemicals. Any chemical residue left behind is going into the air and your lungs when you turn the humidifier on again.
But luckily, it’s not that hard of a cleaning job to do that you would even feel the need to put them in the dishwasher.
Are Levoit Smart Humidifiers Easy to Clean?
The exact method of cleaning your Levoit smart humidifier depends on the model. You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.
However, these are the basic steps for preventing the build-up and settling of scale:
- Remove the fill tank
- Wipe it out
- Dry it with a soft dry cloth
After a couple of cleanings, you probably won’t need the manual.
How to Clean Levoit Smart Humidifier with Vinegar
Vinegar and room-temperature water are two cleansing agents to use on a humidifier.
Here’s how to clean your device:
- You will need at least 3 cups of vinegar.
- Pour it into the tank after the humidifier is disassembled and you have the tank back in place.
- Swish the vinegar around in the tank a bit, then immerse the humidifier parts in a bowl filled with vinegar.
- Let it all dwell for at least 20 minutes, longer for larger amounts of scale.
Vinegar has an acidic pH of around 3 while scale has an alkaline pH as high as 14. Acid softens and dissolves alkaline.
In addition, lemon juice has a pH of 3. You may find it cleans just as well and smells better.
How Often to Clean Levoit Smart Humidifier
As a general rule, scale is easier to prevent than it is to remove. Begin regular cleaning before the scale becomes a problem.
If your humidifier gets daily use, you should pick a day of the week and clean it on that day every week. You also need to clean your humidifier before you store it unused for a long period.
If your humidifier is set unused for three or more days in a row, you should do a thorough cleaning cycle.
But what about cleaning the whole device? Is there a different method to cleaning the base than the tank?
How to Clean the Base and Tank of Levoit Humidifier
The interior parts of the base are cleaned as you follow the cleaning process.
The only additional care required by the base is to use a soft to medium-soft brush on the visible parts to help loosen the scale.
A soft cloth will wipe it away. The outside of the base can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Levoit Humidifier
Now that you know the proper way to use your Levoit humidifier, you may be wondering if there’s anything you should specifically not do.
Keep reading to find out.
Use Abrasive Scrub Pads
The most abrasive tool you should use to clean your humidifier is a soft-bristled dish brush if there is scale buildup. Never use abrasive scrub pads.
It will scratch the plastic and leave a rough surface that will attract the build-up of scale.
Hammers, scrapers, and sandpaper are also really bad ideas.
Immerse the Base of Your Humidifier In Water
Your humidifier is an electric device, regardless of whether it is powered by 120 volts or a battery.
Immersing the base in water will damage the electric circuits. You also risk electrocution.
So, remove the battery and unplug the appliance before cleaning it.
Use Bleach
Bleach is a great disinfectant, but scale will reduce its disinfecting properties.
The primary downside to using bleach on your humidifier is that it oxidizes plastic like water oxidizes iron.
In other words, bleach will make your humidifier rust.
Use Mineral Water In Your Humidifier
Calcium and magnesium are minerals and create scale. Mineral water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium along with other minerals.
Increased levels of minerals will increase not only the damaging build-up of scale, but they will also contribute to the possibility of mold and other bacterial growths harmful to respiratory health.
The best water to use in a humidifier is distilled water. The distilling process turns water to steam and then recollects after condensation when minerals and impurities are left behind.
A close second to distilled water is purified water. It has gone through a process to filter out minerals and impurities.
If your Levoit humidifier isn’t working right, cleaning is the first thing you should do, here are some others:
Conclusion
The use of distilled or purified water does not mean cleaning your humidifier is less important. All water has minerals in it. Scale is inevitable, and if it is left unattended, mold and bacteria are going to be inevitable, too.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular cleaning of your Levoit humidifier will protect you, your loved ones, and your investment.
