Empty and rinse the tank weekly
The water tank is where bacteria and mineral buildup start. Empty it completely at least once a week, even if water remains. Rinse the inside with plain tap water, using your hand or a soft cloth to wipe the walls. Do not use soap — it leaves residue that can affect mist quality and create odors.
If you see white or gray mineral deposits (hard water stains), fill the tank halfway with equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth and rinse thoroughly. Repeat the rinse cycle twice more to remove all vinegar smell.
Clean the base and mist outlet monthly
The base of the humidifier collects mineral deposits where water sits. Turn off the unit, unplug it, and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Wipe the base interior with a damp cloth. If mineral buildup is heavy, dampen a cloth with white vinegar, wipe the affected areas, wait 10 minutes, then wipe again with plain water.
The mist outlet — where vapor comes out — can clog with mineral deposits. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe around the opening. If the opening is blocked, dip a cotton swab in white vinegar and gently clean inside the outlet. Never use a hard object that could crack the plastic.
Key Takeaways
- Empty and rinse the water tank every week with plain water, and use a vinegar-and-water solution monthly if you see white mineral buildup.
- Wipe the base and mist outlet with a damp cloth monthly, using vinegar only if mineral deposits are visible.
- Never use soap, bleach, or harsh chemicals inside the tank or on mist-producing parts.
- Replace the filter (if your model has one) according to the manual, usually every 30 to 60 days depending on water hardness.
- Use distilled water instead of tap water to cut mineral buildup by 80 percent and extend the time between deep cleans.
Descale the ultrasonic plate if mist output drops
Levoit humidifiers use an ultrasonic plate to create mist. When mineral deposits coat this plate, mist output weakens or stops. You do not need to descale it every month — only when you notice the mist becoming weaker than usual.
Turn off and unplug the unit. Remove the water tank. Look inside the base for a small metal or ceramic disc at the bottom — that is the ultrasonic plate. Dampen a soft cloth or cotton swab with white vinegar and gently wipe the plate surface. Do not scrub hard or use a brush that could scratch it. Wipe with a plain-water cloth twice to rinse away vinegar, then let the base air-dry for 15 minutes before refilling.
Replace the filter if your model includes one
Some Levoit models come with a filter cartridge that traps minerals and impurities. Check your manual to see if yours has one. If it does, the filter typically needs replacement every 30 to 60 days, depending on how hard your water is and how often you run the unit.
To replace it, turn off the humidifier, unplug it, and remove the water tank. Locate the filter holder (usually in the base) and slide out the old filter. Rinse the filter holder with plain water, then insert the new filter. Do not reuse old filters — they lose effectiveness once saturated. Buy replacement filters from Levoit directly or from retailers that carry the same model number.
Use distilled water to reduce cleaning frequency
Tap water contains minerals that build up inside the humidifier and force you to clean more often. Distilled water has almost no minerals, so mineral deposits form much more slowly. If you switch to distilled water, you can extend the time between deep cleans from monthly to every two or three months.
Distilled water costs slightly more than tap water but saves time on maintenance. Buy it in gallon jugs at any grocery store or drugstore. Some people use a mix — distilled water in the tank and tap water for rinsing — which cuts costs while still reducing buildup.
Dry all parts completely before reassembling
After cleaning, let the base and tank air-dry for at least 15 minutes before putting the humidifier back together. Moisture left inside can promote mold growth or cause electrical issues. Wipe the outside of the tank with a dry cloth before refilling it.
Never plug in the unit while any part is wet. Once everything is dry, refill the tank with water (distilled or tap), reattach it to the base, and plug in the humidifier. Run it for a few seconds to confirm mist is flowing normally before leaving it unattended.
What to avoid when cleaning
Do not use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial disinfectants inside the tank or on any part that touches water. These chemicals can damage plastic, leave toxic residue in the mist, or corrode metal parts. Soap and detergent leave films that affect mist quality and can cause odors.
Do not soak the base or ultrasonic plate in water. Levoit bases contain electrical components that can be damaged by prolonged moisture. Wipe, do not soak. Do not use abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or hard brushes on the ultrasonic plate — scratches reduce its ability to create mist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tap water in my Levoit humidifier?
Yes, tap water works, but it leaves mineral deposits faster than distilled water. If your tap water is hard (high in minerals), you will need to clean the ultrasonic plate and base every three to four weeks. Distilled water extends that to two or three months.
What is the white powder inside my humidifier?
That is mineral buildup from tap water. It is not harmful to breathe, but it reduces mist output and can clog the ultrasonic plate. Clean it with a vinegar-and-water solution as described above. Switching to distilled water prevents it from building up as quickly.
How often should I clean the water tank?
Empty and rinse the tank at least once a week. If you see mineral deposits, use a vinegar solution monthly. If you use distilled water and see no buildup, rinsing with plain water once a week is enough.
Can I put the tank in the dishwasher?
Check your manual first — some Levoit tanks are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, others are not. If yours is not marked as dishwasher-safe, hand-wash it with plain water only. Never put the base in the dishwasher.
Why is my humidifier making a loud noise?
Mineral buildup on the ultrasonic plate often causes buzzing or rattling. Clean the plate with vinegar as described in the descaling section. If the noise continues after cleaning, the plate may be damaged and need replacement — contact Levoit support with your model number.