It is important to realize, however, that portable humidifiers require regular maintenance to make sure that they are not creating an unhealthy atmosphere with bacteria and germs that may grow within the unit.
If your humidifier forms a white dust on the unit after use, this is due to a high mineral content in the water you have been using in the humidifier.
To prevent this white dust from occurring, use only distilled water in a humidifier. To clean any white dust that already exists on your humidifier, read the following guidelines.
Get Rid of White Dust in a Humidifer
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Unplug the humidifier and pour any water out of the tank. Completely wipe all inner and outer surfaces of the humidifier with a damp cloth.
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Disinfect your humidifier with vinegar every second or third day when using it daily. Unplug the humidifier and pour any water out of the tank. Pour white vinegar into the base of the unit to help remove deposits and white film from the tank. Allow to sit for up to an hour. Saturate a cloth with vinegar and wipe the outer surfaces also.
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Disinfect the humidifier with hydrogen peroxide once per week. Unplug the unit and thoroughly wipe down all inner and outer surfaces with a cloth saturated in hydrogen peroxide. Rinse any residues off before using the humidifier again.
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Clean the humidifier with water and bleach once per week. Unplug the unit and mix 1 tsp. of bleach to 1 gallon of water and pour it into the humidifier base. Allow it to sit for 1 hour.