Vaporizers provide a gentle mist which can come from plain water or medicated water. Good for helping break up congestion and moisturize overly dry air, vaporizers are helpful for people suffering from colds, allergies and bronchial conditions. Anything used with water, however, has the potential to become a breeding ground for mold, mildew or bacteria. That's why routine cleaning of your vaporizer is essential.
Disassemble
Never store a vaporizer with water in it. This is simply asking for trouble. The unit must be cleaned out and dried thoroughly after each use and before putting it away. Unplug the vaporizer and remove the electrical assembly from the basin. Pour the old water out of the vaporizer.
Clean Base
Pour about 8 ounces of white vinegar into the base of the vaporizer. While the vinegar is sitting in the base, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe all of the interior and exterior areas of the vaporizer base. Continue dipping the cloth into the vinegar until all exterior and interior surfaces have been wiped. Swish the vinegar around inside the base. Dump it out after about 20 minutes.
Clean Element
Using one of the cloths dipped in the vinegar that filled the vaporizer base, gently wipe around all exterior surfaces of the vaporizer element. If you have used a product such as Vicks or another inhalation medication in the reservoir, wipe this out thoroughly, repeating the process if needed.
Extra Cleaning
If you've used your vaporizer for many days in a row, or use it on a regular basis, you should do an even more thorough cleaning of the unit about once per week. Fill the basin with 1 tsp. of chlorine bleach mixed in a gallon of warm water. Repeat all of the steps you performed when cleaning with the vinegar.
Tags: vaporizer base, with water, your vaporizer