How to clean the air humidifier Xiaomi Mi Smart Antibacterial Humidifier: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Mi Smart Antibacterial Humidifier

Mi Home

Incorrect cleaning can lead to the reproduction of bacteria, an unpleasant smell or even breakage.

Many users make critical mistakes: using aggressive detergents, ignoring ultrasonic membrane cleaning, or drying parts incorrectly. This article features a step-by-step cleaning algorithm based on model features, frequency recommendations, and ways to combat scale and mold, and answers to frequent questions that arise after purchase.

If you notice that the humidifier has become worse at spraying water, or you have a white coating on your furniture or a bad smell, these are good signs that you should start cleaning, and you can't delay the procedure, because the bacteria from the contaminated tank are getting into the air you breathe.

Preparation for cleaning: what you need and safety measures

Before you start, make sure the humidifier is off the grid and completely cooled. Never disassemble the device when it's on, which can short circuit or damage electronic components. Also prepare the workplace: it's better to clean the humidifier in the bathroom or in the kitchen, where it's easy to remove spilled water.

You will need:

• 🧼 Soft sponge or rag made of microfiber (abrasive materials scratch plastic).
• 🧴 A humidifier cleaning tool (such as Xiaomi Air Humidifier Cleaner) or table vinegar (9%).
• 🪥 Toothbrush with soft bristles - for hard-to-reach places.
• 💧 Distilled or boiled water (for rinsing).
• 🧻 Paper towels or clean fabric for drying.

⚠️ Note: Do not use household chemicals with chlorine, bleachers or dishwashing products with aggressive surfactants. They destroy the antibacterial coating of the tank and can cause allergic reactions when sprayed.

If you don't have a dedicated cleaner, you can make the solution yourself: mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. This compound effectively removes scale and disinfects without damaging the plastic.

Disassembly of the humidifier: step-by-step instructions with a photo

The Mi Smart Antibacterial Humidifier is intuitive, but there are some nuances. Follow the algorithm to avoid damaging seal gums or electronic contacts:

1. Remove the top cover. Press the lock button (on the side) and pull the lid upwards. It should be separated effortlessly.
2. Remove the water tank. Pull it up by the handle and gently remove it from the base, and inside you'll see an ultrasonic membrane and a float water level sensor.
3. Unplug the base. Turn the device over and unscrew the 4 screws (cross screwdriver) and remove the bottom cover to access the fan and electronic circuit board.

Don't touch the ultrasonic membrane with your hands, because it has fatty traces that make it worse at spraying, and if the membrane is contaminated, clean it with only a soft brush soaked in vinegar solution.

Inside the base, you'll find:

• 🌀 Fan (responsible for vapor distribution).
• 🔋 Electronic board with power contacts.
• 💧 Float sensor (controls water level).

⚠️ Warning: If you find rust on the board contacts after disassembly, this is a sign of using hard water, in which case you need to replace the water with distilled water and clean the contacts with alcohol.

Turn off the humidifier from the socket|Prepare acetic solution (1:3)|Check the integrity of the sealing rubbers|Take a picture of the details before the disassembly-->

Cleaning the tank and fighting scale

The reservoir is the most problematic part of the humidifier, where mineral deposits, bacteria and mold accumulate, and ignoring the cleaning of the reservoir causes the device to spray not water, but a suspension of microorganisms.

Cleaning algorithm:

1. Pour into the tank a warm acetic solution (or specialized product) to the maximum mark.
2. Leave for 30-60 minutes, periodically shaking the container.
3. Use a toothbrush to clean the corners and joints, and pay attention to where the float sensor is attached, because mucus often accumulates there.
4. Carefully rinse the tank with distilled water (ordinary water can leave a limestone plaque).

To remove the scaling rod:

• 🍋 Apply a paste of citric acid to contaminated areas (mix the powder with water until the sour cream consistency).
• 🧽 Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.

If there are black dots (mold) on the walls of the tank, use a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%), pour it for 1 hour, then rinse it. Peroxide kills mold spores, but does not damage the antibacterial coating.

Cleaning of the ultrasonic membrane and fan

The ultrasonic membrane is the heart of the humidifier, and pollution causes a decrease in productivity and white dust in the air, and you need to clean the membrane carefully, without pressing.

Procedure:

1. Wet your toothbrush in vinegar solution and gently walk along the surface of the membrane without pressing.
2. For persistent deposits, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Wash the membrane with distilled water and dry in air (do not use a hair dryer or cloth!).

Clean the fan with a dry soft brush or compressed air (such as a canister for cleaning equipment). Avoid moisture on the blades - this can disrupt the balance and cause vibration when working.

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If the humidifier is louder after cleaning the membrane, check its integrity. The damaged membrane makes a characteristic "rattling" sound and needs to be replaced.

Disinfection and antibacterial treatment

Even after mechanical cleaning, bacteria can still remain in the humidifier.

• 🧪 Use silver water (you can buy it at the pharmacy) - pour it into the tank for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.
• 🌿 Add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil (natural antiseptic) to the water).
• 💊 Use tablets to disinfect humidifiers (for example, Philips) HC200).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use eucalyptus oil or mint oil, which forms a film on the membrane and makes it work worse. Also avoid iodine, which corrodes metal parts.

After disinfection, be sure to rinse all parts with distilled water and dry. Wet surfaces are the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply.

Building and Testing: How to Avoid Errors

When assembling a moisturiser, make sure that:

• 🔧 All the stains were in place (their displacement leads to leaks).
• 🔌 The tank contacts matched the connectors at the base.
• 💧 The float sensor is not clamped and moves freely.

After assembly, perform a test run:

1. Pour the water to the maximum mark.
2. Turn on the humidifier for 5-10 minutes in maximum power mode.
3. Check if there are any leaks or unusual sounds (squeaking, rattling).

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If after cleaning, the humidifier began to spray water unevenly or there was a white coating on the furniture, then the membrane is not cleaned enough.

If the device is not switched on:

• Check if the tank is properly installed (sometimes the water level sensor fails due to displacement).
• Make sure that the contacts are dry.
• Reboot the humidifier by disconnecting it from the network for 1 minute.

Frequency of cleaning and pollution prevention

The recommended frequency of maintenance depends on the hardness of the water and the intensity of use:

Tips for extending the service life:

• 💧 Use distilled or boiled water – this reduces scale formation by 80%.
• 🌡️ Do not place a humidifier near heat sources (batteries, heaters) – this accelerates the growth of bacteria.
• 🔄 Change the water in the tank daily, even if the humidifier was not used.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions