The hardest part is the heating unit. Here's the cleaning instructions:
The Holmes HM5460 is a "warm mist" humidifier, meaning that the device treats the air in a room by using a heating element to turn water into steam. In order to ensure that you use the humidifier in as safe a manner as possible, it is important to perform regular cleanings to disinfect the device's water tank and reservoir. Descaling is another aspect of the cleaning process--this involves removing any mineral buildup left behind by the evaporated water.
Step 1
Turn off the humidifier and pull the device's power plug free of the wall outlet. Allow the device to cool for 15 to 30 minutes before proceeding.
Step 2
Wind the power cord up into a loop, and then pass one hand through the loop. Lift the humidifier by its base unit and carry the device over to a sink. Remove your hand from the looped cord. Detach the humidifier's water tank from the base unit. Remove the cap located at the end of the water tank and pour any leftover water into the sink.
Step 3
Use a brush or sponge to wipe away any mineral deposits that may have built up on the interior of the humidifier's base unit. Fill the base unit's reservoir with white vinegar and leave the vinegar to sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse the reservoir clean. Repeat with the water tank.
Step 4
Fill a bucket or large pot with 1 gallon of water. Add 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach to the water, and stir the water with a large spoon. Fill a measuring cup with the solution. Pour the solution into the reservoir. Leave the solution to sit for 20 minutes. Empty the solution into the sink and rinse the reservoir repeatedly, until no residual odor remains. Repeat with the water tank.
Step 5
Insert your hand into the loop of power cord. Lift the humidifier's base unit and return the device to its original position. Fill the water tank and replace the cap. Reinstall the water tank into the base unit. Unwind the power cord and insert the plug into a wall outlet. Activate the humidifier.
Tips and Warnings
- Holmes sells a product named "Cleanse Clean," designed specifically for removing scale buildup from humidifiers.
- The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you clean your humidifier after every third day of use.
- Using distilled water instead of tap water will slow the rate of scale buildup in your humidifier.
- Empty the humidifier's water tank daily to minimize bacterial growth.
Things You'll Need
- Brush or sponge
- White vinegar
- Bucket or large pot
- 1 gallon of water
- Chlorine bleach
- Measuring cup
Would you happen to have an online version or pdf file of this humidifier that you could send me? I just bought this model at Goodwill but there is no instruction manual, of course. I haven't had much luck finding a manual online yet.
No manual, sorry.