Honeywell Humidifiers – Cleaning, Care And Maintenance

Every year, more than 20 million humidifiers are purchased in the United States, with Honeywell one of the most popular brands. Honeywell humidifiers are useful devices, but like any other appliance, they need to be cleaned after each use.

To clean your Honeywell humidifier, disassemble it and mix a solution of bleach and water. Pour the solution into the humidifier’s tank, allowing it to soak it for 20 minutes. Remove the solution from the water tank and reservoir, and rinse several times with clean water until bleach odors disappear. For descaling, use a vinegar solution and soak for 30 minutes prior to rinsing.

This article will walk you through how to clean a Honeywell humidifier, from cleaning the outside, disassembling, cleaning the inside, the filter, and the fan. The guide will also cover installing the Honeywell humidifier, using it, and explaining why it might start leaking or stop working.

How to clean a Honeywell humidifier

There are different models of the Honeywell humidifiers, all of which come with different features. For instance, all Honeywell humidifiers have water tank reservoirs, but not all have filters. 

Cleaning is a vital part of maintaining a humidifier, which is why it is advisable to create a weekly and monthly cleaning schedule. It is also good to always rinse your humidifier with clean water after every use.

This guide will give you instructions on how to clean each part of the following Honeywell humidifier models:

1. Honeywell HEV615 Humidifier.
2. Honeywell HEV620 Humidifier.
3. Honeywell HUL535W Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier.
4. Honeywell HWM705B Warm Mist Humidifier
5. Honeywell HUL520B Mistmate Cool Mist Humidifier
6. Honeywell HUL525 cool mist humidifier.
7. Honeywell HUL545 cool mist humidifier

How to clean the outside of a Honeywell humidifier

Cleaning the outside of a Honeywell humidifier is easy, simply:

• Turn off the power source and unplug your humidifier.
• Empty the humidifier of any remaining water in the tank.
• Take a soft cloth, dip it in cool or warm water and wipe the exterior carefully.

How to open a Honeywell humidifier

Before doing any repairs, cleaning, disassembly, or moving your Honeywell humidifier, always turn off the humidifier and unplug it from the source of power.

Instructions for each model of Honeywell humidifier is provided separately below:

1. Honeywell HEV615  and 620 Series Humidifiers.

• Turn the humidifier to the back and remove the filter slowly.
• Remove the water tank and tank cover.
• Empty any remaining water from the tank and set it aside.
• On the front part of the housing, access the locking knob and turn it to the right to release the housing from the base and set it aside.
• Finally, empty the water from the reservoir.

2. Honeywell HWM705B Warm Mist Humidifier

• Because it is a warm mist humidifier, wait 20 minutes for the humidifier to cool down before disassembling it.
• Before reassembling it, ensure you do so on a water resistant surface near a faucet.
• Empty the water tank and the essential oil cap/tray and set them aside.
• Pull the red clasp towards the front of the machine and lift it straight up to remove the mist chimney.
• Remove the water tray by lifting it from the tab and empty the water.
• Replace the mist chimney and water tray.

3. Honeywell HUL520B Mistmate, HUL535W, HUL525, and HUL545

• Ensure all disassembly is done on a water resistant floor surface in the kitchen or the bathroom near a faucet.
• Grasp the tank handle with your right hand, and use the other hand to hold the base for stability and pull it up.
• Use the carrying handle on the side of the water tank on the Honeywell HUL535W to remove the water tank.
• Turn the tank upside down, remove the tank cap seal by turning it in an anticlockwise direction, and put it aside.
• The tank cap seal is usually surrounded by a black rubber ring – make sure the rubber stays in place as you remove it.
• Remove any kind of accessories from the humidifier tank if you have them.
• Remove any remaining water in the humidifier’s tank by emptying it.
• These humidifiers have only two components to disassemble: the top section, which houses the water tank, and the bottom part, which houses the reservoir.
• For Honeywell HUL525 and HUL545 cool mist humidifiers, the base has an oil pad/tray into which you can place essential oils if desired.

How to clean the inside of a Honeywell humidifier

There are two types of cleaning when it comes to cleaning the inside of a Honeywell humidifier, regardless of the model. They include:

1. Disinfection.
2. Descaling.

Examine your humidifier closely to determine the type of cleaning it requires.

• Disinfection refers to the removal of germs such as mold, bacteria, and viruses from your humidifier. It helps keep the humidifier clean, which is beneficial to its longevity as well as your health.

• Scale is usually caused by a build-up of minerals in your water, the most common of which are calcium, sodium, and magnesium. It usually appears to be whitish in color.

Disinfection and descaling can be done together or performed separately, based on the level of need i.e if the humidifier has scale or hasn’t been cleaned for a while.

To clean the inside of the humidifier, you will require:

1. Vinegar.
2. Bleach.
3. Water.
4. Measuring cup.
5. Jug.
6. Clean soft cloths.
7. Gloves.
8. Cotton swabs.

1. Disinfection.

The disinfection of a humidifier is when you remove any germs, bacteria, or mold. Complete these steps to disinfect your Honeywell humidifier (these steps are relevant for all models):

Disinfecting Honeywell Humidifiers-All models.

• Wear gloves and use caution when handling the bleach.
• Mix a teaspoon of bleach to a gallon of water and carefully pour the solution into the humidifier’s water tank.
• Place the tank on the base so the bleach solution drains into the reservoir.
• Soak for 20 minutes and drain the bleach away from the water tank and the reservoir.
• For models like the HUL520B Mistmate, HUL535W, HUL525, and HUL545 add a mixture of bleach solution into the water tank and cover it with the tank seal cap, carefully place it on the base and wait for 20 minutes.
• For the Honeywell HWM705B Warm Mist Humidifier, while you wait for it to soak, wet a soft cloth with the bleach solution and wipe the mist chimney, medicine cap, and the removable tray.
• After that, rinse the water tank and reservoir many times until the bleach solution is gone.
• Allow the components to air dry completely before reassembly and the next use.

2. Descaling.

Descaling is the removal of the whitish substance usually caused by mineral build-up or deposits of calcium, sodium, and magnesium. This is particularly common if you use tap water in your humidifier and you reside in a hard water area.

Descaling Honeywell HEV615  and 620 Series Humidifiers

• Fill the water tank with ~17 oz (1/2 liter) of distilled white vinegar and gently whisk it around.
• To release the scale, set the tank on the base and soak for 30 minutes.
• Place the water tank on a level surface after removing it.
• Remove the vinegar from the reservoir and discard it.
• Remove the floating paddle and wipe it down with a clean, soft cloth.
• Wipe the bottom of the reservoir with a clean soft cloth if there is any leftover scale.
• Rinse the water tank and reservoir until they are clean and the vinegar smell has gone away.

Descaling Honeywell HWM845B Warm Mist Humidifier

• Pour one cup of undiluted vinegar into the base and water tank.
• Replace the cap and carefully stir the solution about in the tank to ensure that the vinegar coats all of the water tank’s corners.
• Allow it to soak for 25 minutes.
• While you wait, wipe the measuring cup, mist chimney, and removable tray with a vinegar-soaked piece of cloth.
• Scrub the heating element gently with a clean brush to remove any mineral deposits.
• Empty the vinegar from the tank and reservoir, then thoroughly rinse the humidifier’s components with water until the vinegar odor is gone.

Descaling a Honeywell HUL520B Mistmate, HUL535W, HUL525 or HUL545

• Pour two cups of distilled vinegar into the water tank.
• Close the seal cap, shake it for 30 seconds to thoroughly mix it, then set the tank back on the base.
• To dislodge the scale on the nebulizer, float, and water tank, soak it for 20 minutes.
• Drain the vinegar from the tank’s base by opening the tank and pouring it out. Wipe the nebulizer at the reservoir’s bottom gently using a soft cloth.
• Please refrain from using abrasive or harsh materials.
• Wipe the interior of the tank with a soft cloth and rinse it with water many times until the vinegar smell is gone.

How to clean a Honeywell humidifier filter

To clean a Honeywell humidifier filter, soak it in cool water and rinse under warm water until there is no visible dirt. Do not use vinegar, soap, or any other chemical solutions to clean the filter as this can damage it. Allow the filter to dry before reinstallation.

Follow these easy steps to clean your Honeywell humidifier filter:

• To clean a Honeywell humidifier filter, soak it in cool water to loosen mineral build-up. 
• Rinse it under warm water until there is no more debris or dirt visible.
• Allow it to dry for a few hours after thoroughly rinsing it.
• Install it after it is completely dry.

Note: DO NOT use vinegar, soap, or any other chemical solutions to clean the wicking filter as this can damage the filter.

Replace your filter if it is damaged or has a black (or other color) build-up that cannot be removed. Filters are readily available on Amazon.com:

Honeywell Replacement Wicking Filter

Compatible with evaporative Honeywell humidifiers in the HCM-350, HEV355, HCM-710 & HCM-315/HEV312 model series.

Honeywell HFT600PF1 Replacement Wicking Filter T

Compatible with Evaporative Honeywell Top Fill Tower humidifier models HEV615 and HEV620

Honeywell HAC-504 Series Humidifier Replacement, Filter A

Compatible with HCM-350, HEV355, HCM-710 and HCM-315/HEV312 Model Series.

Honeywell HAC700 Series Humidifier Replacement Filter B

Compatible with HCM-750

Honeywell Replacement Filter C

Compatible with Honeywell HEV320 series and HCM-890 series

Honeywell HC14PF3 Replacement Wicking Filter E

Compatible with evaporative Honeywell console humidifiers in the HCM-6009/HCM-6011/HEV680/HEV685 model series. 

For instructions on how to replace your filter read this guide.

How to clean a Honeywell humidifier fan

To clean a Honeywell humidifier fan, switch off and unplug the device before removing the fan for cleaning. Wipe each fan blade thoroughly with a clean cloth (soft). Because the fan has been removed from the humidifier, a damp cloth may be used. Ensure the fan is completely dry before reinstallation. 

Follow these easy steps to clean your Honeywell humidifier fan:

• Honeywell humidifiers with fans are often held in place using screws and then covered with air vents. 
• To clean the fan you can choose to wipe it down in place, or completely remove it from the housing
• To clean without removing screws, just remove the air vent, access the fan, and wipe it clean with a clean soft cloth.
• To remove the fan for cleaning, remove the air vent and unscrew the fan before carefully lifting it out. Wipe each fan blade thoroughly with a clean soft cloth. Because the fan has been removed from the humidifier, a damp cloth may be used. Ensure the fan is completely dry before reinstallation of the fan. 

How to install a Honeywell humidifier

To install a Honeywell humidifier, assemble the components and place the appliance on a firm, flat, water-resistant surface, ~30cm from walls or furniture. Fill the water tank with distilled water. Extend the power cord and connect to the outlet. Switch the humidifier on and adjust the settings as per personal preference.

Follow these easy steps to install your Honeywell humidifier:

• Begin by removing everything from its packaging.
• Remove the twist tie from the power cable and stretch it out to its full length.
• Because steam should be directed away from any walls, bedding, or furniture, place the humidifier on a firm, flat, water-resistant surface at least 30 cm from the walls.
• For Honeywell HEV615 and 620 Series, place the Float Paddle aside as it is essential for the system to function. After that, extend the power cord by removing the twist knot.

Note: For HEV615  and 620 Series to work, the Float Paddle must be properly installed because if it isn’t, water may not flow into the Reservoir or can even cause leaks from the Base.

• For Honeywell HWM845B Warm Mist Humidifier, assemble everything correctly. Check that the Mist Chimney, Essential Oil Cup, and Water Tray are all firmly in place, as well as the Heating Element Cover.
• Use distilled water to fill your humidifier ready for use. Using distilled water in your humidifier helps avoid white dust or mineral buildup in it.

How to use a Honeywell humidifier

• Plug your humidifier into a power outlet once it has been filled with water.
• To turn on the humidifier, switch on the socket and press the ON/OFF button on the humidifier.
• Toggle between low, medium, and high moisture output settings by pressing the Moisture Output button.
• A higher setting will result in more moisture output, while a lower setting will result in less mist output.
• Set the required humidity level by pressing the Humidity Control arrows. The relative humidity (RH) as measured at the Humidistat sensor is represented by the percent value displayed on the control panel.

Note: Turn the humidifier off if condensation accumulates on walls, windows, or the surrounding unit because that indicates that the humidity levels are too high.

• Some Honeywell humidifiers such as HUL525 and 545 Series are not included with a humidistat. Consider buying a humidistat to measure your house temperature.
• Timer settings are available on some Honeywell humidifier models, such as the HEV620. Set the timer to 4, 8, or 12 hours according to your tastes or needs by pressing the Timer button.
• Indicator lights are found on all Honeywell humidifiers. The humidifier will automatically shut off when the water tank is empty, and the orange refill indicator (F) will glow. In such cases, turn the humidifier off and fill the tank with water.
• To turn off the humidifier, press the ON/OFF button.

To reset the indicator light on your Honeywell humidifier follow this complete guide.

Why is my Honeywell humidifier leaking

Your Honeywell humidifier is leaking because of an improperly adjusted float, excess water in the humidifier, holes in the drain line, and the humidifier being placed in an uneven place. Other causes include the reservoir tank being placed on the base incorrectly or a broken humidifier.

Why is my Honeywell humidifier not working

A Honeywell humidifier will not work if there is insufficient water, mineral deposits clogging the system or water contamination in the electrical components. Other reasons include incorrectly placed float, unstable water reservoir, a faulty humidistat, or broken fan.

For a complete troubleshooting guide on why your humidifier is not working, follow these step-by-step instructions to get it working properly again.