General maintenance is always important to follow through regularly even if the humidifier is not used often, unless it is a cleaned and packed neatly away. Otherwise, the standing water could promote bacteria growth which is why it is important to change the water frequently if the unit isn’t used.

This is in line with replacing your humidifier filters regularly. Do not overextend the life of the filters and even if you have reusable filters, it is a good idea to change them after reusing a few times. Changing a new filter is always the easiest and safest way to ensure that the filter does not contain invisible mold spores or bacteria.

Also, do not let scale, film, rust or dust build up in your humidifier. To reduce the buildup, use soft water or water that does not contain a lot of minerals. There are also demineralization cartridges or filters that can be used to soften water.

Most models do have warranty limits so when you are looking to take apart your unit for cleaning, be aware of your warranty guidelines. Most warranty is void are you disassemble the unit beyond a certain point deemed necessary by the manufacturer for general cleaning and maintenance procedures.