Humidifier smells like mildew or stagnant water

Safety first: Unplug the humidifier before cleaning. Avoid inhaling vapors from stagnant water.

• Step 1 – Empty and rinse: Pour out all water from the tank and base.
• Step 2 – Disinfect tank and base: Fill the tank with a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per liter of water. Swish and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly until no bleach smell remains.
• Step 3 – Clean surfaces: Wipe the base and all accessible surfaces with a mild detergent solution, then rinse and dry.
• Step 4 – Establish cleaning routine: Empty and dry the tank daily and disinfect weekly during heavy use.

When to call a technician: Odor issues are typically resolved with proper cleaning; service is rarely required.