While it is still soaking in the vinegar, take a soft bristled brush and scrub off any minerals on the heating element. Though it might go against what you were told as a kid, warm mist humidifiers can also cause nasal passages to swell and make breathing more difficult, according to the Food and Drug Administration. VapoPads allow your humidifier to emit soothing scents, like rosemary, lavender, or menthol, for up to 8 hours at a time. Here, we compare the pros and cons of each type of humidifier, breaking down the main differences and explaining which option is better to use for coughs and congestion, as well as which is the best type of humidifier for babies.

If you have a lot of mineral buildup on the heating element you can soak it longer, such as several hours or overnight.Also known as vaporizers, warm mist humidifiers have been on the market the longest and they’re often the least expensive. The mist helps temporarily relieve cough and cold symptoms while creating a cozy, comforting environment. Dump the water out after you are finished using your humidifier, and fill it with fresh water each time you use it. John McKeon, a former ER doctor and CEO of Allergy Standards, an independent asthma- and allergy-friendly certification company.

Let the heating element soak in the vinegar for at least 20 minutes, never turn the unit on while you are cleaning. If your humidifier runs out of water and you still want to use it, unplug your humidifier and refill it with water again. In addition to HVAC and air conditioning units, Victor also specializes in furnace repair and air duct cleaning. When it's plugged in, check your humidifier's positioning again— it should be angled away from walls, furniture, or bedding.

While the nebulizer is soaking in vinegar, take a cotton swab and wipe around the nebulizer to remove the mineral deposits.