So, you’ve noticed some pink mold growing on your humidifier? Yikes! 

Don’t worry though, it’s actually a pretty common issue. 

That pink stuff is usually Serratia Marcescens, a type of bacteria that thrives in damp environments like, you guessed it, your humidifier.

But the good news is that you can easily clean it and stop it from coming back.

In this post, I’ll show you how to remove pink mold on humidifiers, what causes it and how to prevent it.

How To Get Rid Of Pink Mold On Humidifiers

Here’s a step by step guide on cleaning the pink mold off your humidifier:

#1 Turn Off And Disassemble The Humidifier

First things first, let's make sure we're being safe here. 

Before you start cleaning, make sure the humidifier is turned off and unplugged. 

Once it's powered down, disassemble the humidifier by removing the water tank, any filters, trays, and any other removable parts. This will give you full access to the areas where the pink mold tends to grow, like the water tank and the base of the unit. 

It’s a bit of a hassle, but the more you take apart, the better you can clean those tricky spots.

It might help to take a quick picture with your phone so you remember how it all fits back together later.

Also Read: How To Get Musty Smell Out Of Couch

#2 Clean With White Vinegar

Grab some white vinegar from your kitchen - it's great for cleaning this kind of thing. 

Mix it with an equal amount of water, or if the mold looks really bad, you can use the vinegar on its own.

Pour this mixture into the base of your humidifier and anywhere else you see mold. If there are small parts, you can soak them in a separate bowl. 

Let everything sit for about half an hour to an hour. 

This gives the vinegar time to work its magic. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down the mold, mineral buildup, and bacteria inside your humidifier.

It's also a great way to get rid of any unpleasant odors that might have built up from the mold. 

#3 Scrub With A Soft Brush

Now comes the fun part - scrubbing! 

Get yourself a soft brush (an old toothbrush works great) and start gently scrubbing all the surfaces. Focus on the places where mold tends to thrive: the water tank, the base, the nozzle, and any small crevices.

Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the fan and any sensors. 

If you're having trouble reaching inside the water tank, try using a bottle brush. 

Remember - don't scrub too hard - we don't want to damage anything.

If you come across any stubborn spots, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, put it on the spot, wait a few minutes, and then scrub again.

Also Read: how to get rid of mold on mirrors

#4 Rinse Everything Really Well

After that it's time to rinse everything off. 

Use clean running water and make sure you wash every single part. 

Make sure to pay extra attention to small openings where stuff might be hiding. 

For the water tank, fill it up part way with clean water, close it, give it a good shake, and then empty it out. Do this a few times. For the other parts, you might need to rinse them under the tap for a minute or two. 

Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you can't smell vinegar anymore. 

This step is super important - we don't want any vinegar left behind to make your humidifier smell funny later.

#5 Sanitize With Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional)

If you want to be extra thorough, especially if there was a lot of mold, you can use some hydrogen peroxide.

Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water. You can put this mixture in a spray bottle or use a clean cloth to apply it to all the surfaces of your humidifier. 

Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. 

This helps kill off any mold or bacteria that might still be hanging around. 

After the time's up, rinse everything really well with clean water again.

#6 Let It Dry Completely

Last step! This one's really important for stopping the mold from coming back. 

You need to let every part of your humidifier dry completely before you put it back together. 

Spread everything out on a clean, dry towel in a place with good airflow. Don't use cloth towels to dry the parts - they can leave little bits of fluff behind. 

Just let everything air dry on its own. 

If you're in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed things up, but don't use a hair dryer or anything hot like that - it could warp the plastic. 

Depending on how humid your home is, this might take a few hours or even overnight.

What Causes Pink Mold On Humidifier

You might be wondering, why does this happen in the first place? 

That pink stuff you're seeing isn't actually mold - it's a type of bacteria called Serratia Marcescens. It tends to show up when your humidifier stays wet for too long.

It loves damp places with lots of minerals, which is exactly what you get in a humidifier.

Plus, if you’re using tap water (which has minerals in it), the minerals can build up inside the machine, giving bacteria a little extra help.

Soap residue or a slimy coating called biofilm can also make it easier for this bacteria to grow.

So, if you’re not cleaning it often enough, it’s the perfect breeding ground.

How To Prevent Humidifier Pink Mold

Preventing pink mold is all about staying on top of cleaning and maintenance. And its so much easier than cleaning up later.

Here are a few quick tips to keep things mold-free:

• Empty the tank every day and let it dry out.

• Clean your humidifier at least once a week with vinegar and water.

• Use distilled water instead of tap water to reduce mineral buildup.

• Store your humidifier in a dry place when not in use.

Basically, the more you clean and maintain it, the less likely you’ll have to deal with pink mold in the future.

Stick to these habits, and you'll likely see less of that pesky pink stuff in your humidifier.

Also Read: RMR 141 Or RMR 86 For Mold?

Bottom Line

Pink mold on humidifiers is pretty common, but it's not too hard to deal with. 

If you follow this cleaning guide and take some steps to prevent it, you can keep your humidifier clean, working well, and safe to use. 

The key is to clean it regularly and not let mold and other nasty stuff grow. 

Remember, a clean humidifier doesn't just work better - it's also better for your health and the air in your home. 

If you find that you're still getting pink mold even after doing all of this, it might be time to think about getting a new humidifier. Some newer models have built-in features to help prevent this kind of thing.

FAQs

Is Pink Mold in Humidifier Dangerous?

Pink mold isn’t usually harmful to most people, but it can cause problems for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Breathing in the bacteria can potentially lead to respiratory issues or other discomfort. 

It's always best to clean it up and get rid of the mold as soon as you spot it to keep your air fresh and safe.

Does Vinegar Kill Pink Mold In Humidifiers?

Yes! Vinegar is pretty effective at killing pink mold. The acidity helps break down the mold and bacteria, making it easier to scrub away. However, it might not eliminate every single spore, but it’s a solid first step in getting your humidifier clean and mold-free.