Run it with vinegar, then dry it bone-dry.

Yes, you need to clean it before you shove it in the closet. If you don’t, you’re basically breeding pink slime for next winter.

Dump out any leftover water. Fill the tank with a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix, let it sit 30 minutes, then run it in a well-ventilated room for about an hour. That breaks down mineral scale and kills the gunk. Rinse everything thoroughly with fresh water.

Now the most important part: dry every piece. Take the tank apart, pull the filter if it’s reusable (replace if disposable), and leave everything out on a towel for 24–48 hours. Any trapped moisture will grow mold by September.

Store it in its original box or a clean plastic bin in a cool, dry place. Not in a damp basement or an uninsulated garage. Future you deserves a clean start, not a science experiment.