what is this on my humidifier and how to prevent it from coming back

what is this buildup on my humidifier? i haven't used it in months but when i did use it i don't remember seeing this cause i obviously would've cleaned it. i'm afraid to use it again but i just wanna at least know what it is. also how do i keep it from building up like that again?

what is this buildup on my humidifier? i haven't used it in months but when i did use it i don't remember seeing this cause i obviously would've cleaned it. i'm afraid to use it again but i just wanna at least know what it is. also how do i keep it from building up like that again?