Regular maintenance of climate engineering is key to the health of the household and the long-term operation of the device itself. If you are wondering how to clean Xiaomi air wash, then it is time to pay attention to the internal components of the device. The accumulation of lime plaque, mucus and dust on the discs or drum not only reduces the efficiency of hydration, but also creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.
Owners of popular models such as the Smartmi Evaporative Humidifier or Xiaomi Air Humidifier 2 often face the need for deep cleaning after several months of active use. Ignoring this process can lead to unpleasant odor, reduced performance and even engine failure due to increased load. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of caring for the device.
Cleaning doesn't take that long if done systematically, and disinfection and sediment removal are two key areas to look at. Below, we'll look at what tools you'll need, how to disassemble the device properly, and how to safely treat water-contact elements.
Preparation for cleaning and necessary tools
Before any manipulations begin, you need to disconnect the device from the power grid. This is a basic electrical safety rule that you can't ignore. Take the plug out of the socket and wait for the residue of water to drain from the internal containers. Prepare the workplace: it's best to clean the bathroom or kitchen where there is access to the sink.
To effectively remove contaminants, you will need a set of simple tools and cleaning products. Do not use aggressive chemicals that can damage plastic or remain on parts in the form of toxic fumes. The optimal choice will be citric acid, baking soda or special tablets to clean humidifiers.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to immerse the base of the device with electronics and motor in water. You can only wash removable plastic parts and the drum itself (discs).
Collect the following accessories for work:
- 🧽 Soft sponge or brush with non-rigid bristles to remove plaque.
- 🍋 Citric acid or vinegar for dissolving lime deposits.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves to protect the skin of the hands from aggressive environments.
- 🧶 Soft rags or microfibra for wiping the body.
- 🚿 Flowing water for rinsing components.
Make sure you have a free space to dry the parts you disassemble, that the moisture doesn't stay in hard-to-reach places after assembly, if your model has any. HEPA-filter or carbon cartridge, they are usually not washed, but replaced, but the protective net against dust can be carefully vacuumed or washed.
Disassembly of air washing and removal of the drum
Xiaomi’s air wash design is designed to allow users to easily access the main work units, but the dismantling process may vary slightly from one model to another, and in most cases, the top cover is removed by turning counterclockwise or simply pulling up, depending on the locking system.
Once the lid is removed, you will see the main reservoir and a rotating drum (or stack of discs), which is the element responsible for evaporating water. The drum is removed from the body with a light movement. Be careful, as it may contain residues of water that should not be splashed on the electronics of the base.
Some models, like the Smartmi Zhimi series, have a composite drum, and if you have one, you can remove the discs from the central axis to wash each element more thoroughly, and this will remove the mucus that often forms between the plates.
☑️ Checklist before sink
Notice the status of the float water level sensor, which is usually located at the bottom of the tank or on the wall of the tank, and it also needs to be removed or accessed for cleaning, and jamming of this mechanism is a common cause of errors in the operation of the device.
Lime plaque removal and disinfection
The hard water leaves a hard whitish coating on the discs and walls of the tank, which is difficult and risky to mechanically wipe away (you can damage the thin partitions of the drum), where chemical reactions come to the rescue.
Take a pelvis or a bucket that can fit the drum freely. Dissolve citric acid in warm water at about 30-50 grams per liter of water. If the plaque is very strong, the concentration can be increased. Place the plastic parts in the solution and leave for 1-2 hours. The acid will gently dissolve the calcium deposits.
⚠️ Note: Do not use chlorine-containing products (e.g., "White") to clean parts in contact with air. Residual chlorine vapors during the operation of the humidifier will enter the lungs.
Once soaked, walk with a soft brush over the surface of the discs, the plaque should be easy to move away, pay special attention to the area where the drum comes into contact with water in working order, which is where most often biofilm is formed, a slippery plaque that is the habitat of bacteria.
You can use hydrogen peroxide or special antibacterial additives for humidifiers to disinfect. 15-20 rinse thoroughly with running water until the smell of the cleaning product disappears.
Cleaning of sensors and fan
While the basic parts are drying, you need to get the base of the device, and inside the body, usually at the bottom, there's a fan and a humidity sensor, and over time, the fan blades accumulate dust mixed with moisture, forming a sticky layer.
Wipe the fan blades with a wet, well-pressed cloth. Try not to pour water inside the engine. If the dust is dry, you can use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or vodka to carefully remove contaminants in hard-to-reach areas.
A humidity sensor (usually a small element like a grille or sponge) also requires maintenance. A dust-filled sensor will incorrectly read the humidity level in the room, causing the air wash to work inefficiently.
What to do if the sensor is faulty?
Check the sealing gums. If they have mold on them, wipe them with an alcohol solution. The integrity of the seals is critical to the tightness of the system.
Device assembly and test run
Once all the components have been thoroughly washed and, most importantly, completely dried, you can start the assembly. Make sure that there is no water or cleaning residue inside the drum and on the rotation axis. Collect the drum (if it has been disassembled) and set it in place, making sure that it sits smoothly and rotates freely.
Put the water level sensor in place, close the tank lid, pour clean water into the tank, and for the first run after cleaning, it is better to use distilled or filtered water so that no new plaque immediately forms.
Turn the device on and start it. Listen to the engine: there should be no extraneous noise, knocking or vibration. If the drum rotates smoothly and after a few minutes moist air starts coming out of the exit hole (check with your hand), then the cleaning was successful.
| Component | Frequency of cleaning | Remedy. | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drum (discs) | Once every 2-4 weeks | Citric acid | Soaking and soft brushing |
| Water tank | Once a week. | Soap solution | Sponge washing |
| Humidity sensor | Once a month | Dry brush | Careful wiping. |
| Fan | Once in 3 months | Wet rag | Washing the blades |
Prevention and operational recommendations
To keep the question of how to clean Xiaomi's air wash from getting up too often, it's important to follow the rules of operation. The main enemy of the humidifier is hard tap water. Using filtered or distilled water significantly reduces the rate of scale formation on the discs.
Don't leave water in the tank unless you plan to use the device for a few days. Stagnant water is the perfect environment for bacteria. Better drain the residues and let the device dry with the lid open. Regular prevention will prolong the life of the motor and maintain the efficiency of evaporation.
If the device signals a need to clean (often flashing an indicator or a notification on your smartphone), do not ignore this signal.Timely care takes 15 minutes, while repairing or buying a new device will cost much more.
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Use distilled water or water after a reverse osmosis filter, which will almost completely eliminate the appearance of white plaque on furniture and prolong the life of the sink drum.
Frequent errors in service
Users often make mistakes that negate all care efforts, and one of the most common is the use of hard brushes or abrasive sponges, which leave micro-scratch marks on the plastic, in which dirt accumulates even faster.
Another mistake is incomplete drying before assembly, and the moisture left inside the housing can short circuit or cause mold to appear in hidden cavities that are difficult to reach in a conventional cleaning. Always let the parts dry naturally.
⚠️ Warning: Never wash the base of the device under a stream of water from the tap, water is guaranteed to flow into the engine compartment, which will lead to corrosion of contacts and breakage.
Also, you should not abuse flavors unless the model provides a special compartment for them.Drop essential oils directly into water or on plastic, you can destroy the structure of the drum material or cause an allergic reaction when inhaling concentrated vapors.
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Proper care for Xiaomi air washing is a balance between regular mechanical cleaning, using soft acids to remove scale and thorough drying before assembly.