Inspect your humidifier's evaporative elements once a month during the heating season and replace them at least yearly. The evaporative elements will pick up minerals from the water, and their constant exposure to hot air will dry them, reducing their capacity to absorb and hold water.
Drip-style humidifiers require less cleaning because the flow of water over their surfaces helps prevent mineral deposits and mold from forming. Drum-style units need more attention because the drum is more likely to develop mold. If the evaporative element is serviceable and not caked with minerals, you can wash it in a mild dish-soap solution. Rinse it well and replace it.
Prestart Checklist
Time
About a half-hour or less to replace the evaporative unit, more if scale cleaning is required
Tools
Wrenches, screwdriver, old kitchen knife
Skills
Removing access plate, replacing simple evaporative units
Prep
Turn off furnace power and humidifier water supply
Materials
Replacement evaporator units, pipe cleaner
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