To do so, use a bottle brush or another tool that can gently remove the buildup. Never use sharp objects to clean a humidifier, as that could damage it. After any cleaning, rinse the device thoroughly with tap water and dry out completely to make sure that no particles or vinegar are left behind.

An ultrasonic humidifier uses a ceramic diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets that silently exit the humidifier in the form of cool fog. Usually the mist gets forced out by a tiny fan, while some ultra mini models have no fans.

Hot water or steam from a warmmist humidifier or steam vaporizer can burn a child if he or she gets too close. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which may help ease coughing and congestion due to a cold. Warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers are equally effective in humidifying the air.