A vaporizer produces a hot to warm mist that adds moisture the air. Used widely to help dry sinuses, scratchy throat and dry skin, a vaporizer can also loosen phlegm and mucus from the airways during a respiratory infection. A vaporizer that it not cleaned frequently can grow mold. Sensitive individuals can develop a condition known as "hypersensitivity pneumonitis," which can occur if the vaporizer is not cleaned daily, according to the National Jewish Health website.
Turn the vaporizer off. Unplug the unit from the wall . Allow the vaporizer to cool.
Remove the top or lid from the vaporizer and pour the liquid down the sink. Rinse the interior of the vaporizer using warm water and liquid dish soap. Take care not to get water into the vaporizer's electric motor. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests using a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide when cleaning the interior of the vaporizer.
Gently rub and scrub the inside of the vaporizer's reservoir using a soft-bristled brush to remove any mold buildup. Rinse well.
Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the vaporizer's reservoir once per week after cleaning. Fill the reservoir to the manufacturer's recommended fill line with water. Run the vaporizer for 30 minutes in an area of the home with an exhaust fan or beside an open window. Pour the remaining water and vinegar down the sink. Rinse the interior of the reservoir thoroughly.