Smell in a Humidifier Filter

Smell

• If you smell something strange coming from your humidifier, the culprit is usually a problem with the filter. The odor is usually musty or earthy. It will probably remind you of walking into a damp basement. While the odor is present inside your humidifier all the time, you will notice it most strongly when the unit runs, pushing moist air into your home. Over time, the odor can seep into carpeting or fabrics in the same room near the humidifier.

Cause

• The cause of the smell in your humidifier filter is mildew or mold. These common fungal growths thrive in moist areas. With its water reservoir, the constantly wet filter in your humidifier is an ideal breeding ground for mold. As the humidifier's fan pushes moist air from the filter out into your home, it also pushes out mold spores. Not only does this cause the unpleasant odor that you've noticed, but it can also lead to mold growth in other areas of your home.

Solutions

• You can get rid of the smell in your humidifier filter by getting rid of the mold. If only a small amount of mold is growing, remove the filter from the humidifier unit. Submerge it completely in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part water. While the filter is soaking, rinse out the interior of your humidifier. Fill it with a solution that is one part bleach, five parts water. Let that solution sit for about 15 minutes, then dump it out and rinse the humidifier well. After you finish, remove the filter from the vinegar solution and rinse it out. Once it is clear of all mildew growth, reassemble your humidifier.

Considerations

• If the filter within your humidifier is filled with mold, throw it out and insert a new one after you have disinfected the unit. Dispose of the moldy filter in a plastic bag and then put it in a garbage can outside of your home. You can prevent mildew from growing in the new filter by cleaning your humidifier on a regular basis. You should rinse out the reservoir and the filter every day. Once a week, either fill the reservoir with the bleach solution or with pure white vinegar and let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes to kill any mold spores inside.