Maintaining humidifiers is not easy. You need to clean it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
But, if you have a fair idea about vinegar, you are already aware of its antibacterial properties.
So, can you put vinegar in a humidifier? Will it help to keep the device clean?
You should not put vinegar inside the humidifier and run it. The vinegar can irritate your lungs, nose, throat, and eyes. However, apple cider vinegar is an exception. Also, you can definitely use vinegar to clean the humidifier.
But how do you clean the humidifier with vinegar? Well, the process is relatively easy. Stick around to know all about it.
Vinegar in Humidifier for Sinus Congestion – Should You Use It?
Although the use of vinegar in the humidifier is not recommended, there is an exception, which is apple cider vinegar.
In fact, this type of vinegar is proven to help with sinus problems. There are no side effects to using it.
But are they safe for use inside the humidifier?
You can use apple cider vinegar inside the humidifier without worrying about safety. Apple cider vinegar is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
And when you breathe it in with the humidifier, you can get quick relief from sinus problems.
Wondering how does apple cider vinegar works for sinus congestion? Also, can it offer other health benefits? Let’s find out!
Apple Cider Vinegar Is Full of Vitamins and Antioxidants
First, you need to know what is inside this type of vinegar. It basically has Vitamin A, E, B1, and B2. All of these are beneficial for sinus problems.
In addition to that, the nutrients will help to effectively reduce allergy problems. That means it is not primarily for sinus congestion.
ACV Is Rich in Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Antimicrobial Properties
This vinegar is an allrounder in terms of being full of antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Thanks to these traits, apple cider vinegar can kill off different forms of infection-causing germs and bacteria.
And these properties also make the vinegar highly effective for sinus problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help With the Symptoms of Sinusitis
For the anti-inflammatory properties of ACV, you will notice a significant improvement in the symptoms.
There will be noticeable benefits in pain, inflammation, and swelling after you use apple cider vinegar.
In fact, this vinegar can even soothe the irritated area, which includes the nose and the lungs.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar in Humidifier for Sinus Congestion?
When it comes to using ACV with your humidifier, you need to go through these simple steps –
- Empty out the water tank of the humidifier.
- Add water into the tank but put only the total capacity minus the ¼cup worth amount inside.
- Fill the rest of the 1/4th capacity with apple cider vinegar.
- Run the humidifier normally.
Correct Way of Using Apple Cider Vinegar
In terms of choosing the vinegar, you need to choose one that is totally organic.
Also, consider whether the apple cider vinegar has any artificial flavoring or preservatives. If so, do not put it inside the humidifier.
Furthermore, you should not put more than ¼ cup of vinegar inside the humidifier.
Remember, vinegar, regardless of the type, has high acetic content. So, when you add more than ¼ cup of vinegar, you are basically calling for problems.
How to Clean Your Humidifier With Vinegar?
Although you should not use a regular type of vinegar inside the humidifier, you can use it to clean the device. And as mentioned earlier, the steps you need to follow for this method are pretty straightforward. Let’s take a look –
Turn the Humidifier off and Empty It Out
Before anything else, you need to turn the device off. Ensure that the plug is not connected to the wall, and then safely remove the reservoir.
If there is water inside the tank, drain it and move to the next step.
Clean the Base of the Humidifier
Take a container and create a 50-50 solution with distilled vinegar and water. Pour this mix into the base of the device. Let the solution sit there for a while.
Start Cleaning the Reservoir
While the vinegar and water solution are doing its job in the base, divert your attention to the reservoir.
Get yourself some bottle brushes and cotton swaps to clean the inside surface of the tank. Take care of each corner and make sure that there is no grunge or grimes anywhere.
Add two cups of undiluted vinegar inside the reservoir. Then, use the bottle brush to give the inside a thorough clean.
Keeping the vinegar inside, close the lid of the tank and give it a good shake. This shaking will help loosen up all the residue that is inside the tank.
Drain the Tank and Give It a Good Rinse
After a few minutes of shaking, you can open the lid and drain the vinegar. However, do not stop there.
Use a pressure valve on the drain nozzle and give the inside a good rinse. Without cleaning the insides properly, there will be residues of the vinegar.
And that can initiate eye, throat, and nose irritations.
Now, if you do not have a pressure washer, you can just hold the reservoir under a running tap.
Fill the tank up, close the lid, give it a good shake, and drain the water. Repeat this process a couple of times or until you start to drain clear water.
Work With the Base
While you were working with the reservoir, the vinegar that had been sitting inside the base did most of its work.
So, after working with the tank, you can empty the base out. However, the cleaning work does not stop there.
- After draining the vinegar-water solution, give the base a good wipe by using a soft cloth. Drench the cloth with straight vinegar and wipe the base.
- Do the same with the rest of the unit, and make sure you get to every cranny. That includes the inside and the outside of the spout.
- Finish the cleaning process by air-drying all the things. That will make the last droplets of vinegar evaporate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you put vinegar in Vicks humidifier?
You can use a mixture of water and distilled vinegar to clean the Vicks humidifier. However, you should not put the vinegar inside and turn the unit on. By doing so, you will be signing up to face irrigation in your nose, throat, and lungs.
2. What can I use instead of vinegar to clean humidifier?
You can replace the vinegar with hydrogen peroxide to carry out the cleaning process of humidifiers. Like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide will do a proper job of disinfecting the device. However, make sure that the solution has ¾ parts of the water in it. Also, use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
3. Can you run vinegar through a warm mist humidifier?
For cleaning the warm mist humidifier, you can pour white vinegar inside the reservoir. Leave it inside the tank for around 30 minutes. After that, drain the vinegar and properly rinse the reservoir with water.
See More: Why Does Air Purifier Have 65 Warning?
Final Words
If you are still looking for the answer to the question of whether can you put vinegar in a humidifier? The short answer is NO.
You should not put regular vinegar inside the humidifier and run it. But the case is different for apple cider vinegar. When you use it correctly, you will not face any side effects.
Last Updated on December 31, 2022
