# Cleaning scale from a warm-vapor humidifier? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 17, 2013, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956 "2013-04-17T17:51:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Mama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5ac83/32.png) [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2013, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/1 "2013-04-17T17:51:46Z")
I have a small warm-vapor humidifier, and really failed to keep it clean over the past winter season. Now I’m trying to … see the title. Mfgr. says soak parts in vinegar, rinse, etc. This doesn’t seem to be doing much, if anything. Can I use something like CLR to bust up the scale? Or will I just be ruining my humidifier beyond ALL fixing? Thanks in advance for all suggestions! ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Mama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5ac83/32.png) [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2013, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/2 "2013-04-17T18:13:57Z")
Me, again. Have I already just totally destroyed this humidifier? Should I plan on chucking it and just buying another one next winter? :eek: :rolleyes: :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Mama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5ac83/32.png) [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/3 "2013-04-17T18:24:57Z")
And how about that stuff that you’re supposed to use, to clean out coffee carafes and Mr Coffee type equipment? Would that work? ---
**Author:** ![dstarfire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dstarfire/32/5762_2.png) [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/4 "2013-04-17T18:43:41Z")
A friendly tip: try to avoid replying to your own thread before somebody else replies. It makes it appear that somebody has already answered your question. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/5 "2013-04-17T18:43:54Z")
dilute the vinegar. let it soak the parts for awhile. ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Mama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5ac83/32.png) [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/6 "2013-04-19T13:04:56Z")
Thanks to all for replying! Sorry to be a pest. ---
**Author:** ![HipGnosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/76d3ee/32.png) [@HipGnosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HipGnosis)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/7 "2013-04-19T18:28:32Z")
Soak the parts in CLR over night or longer. If possible, put them in a zip-lock bag & squeeze out the air. If possible, put them in an air-tight container - a cooler works. Not needed if the parts are in zip-bags. Pour off the CLR into a large bowl or dishpan. Scrub the parts as you are able. Re-add the CLR and repeat. While it’s soaking, get a water filter for your vaporizor. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-scale-from-a-warm-vapor-humidifier/655956/8 "2013-04-19T22:15:46Z")
Coca Cola.