Why do my wicks get moldy after a week or two of continuous use? I never leave water just sitting in the humidifier; this product constantly runs.
243566
I never use Bacteriostatic treatment in my humidifiers. I bought a bottle and read the label which said use gloves to handle. I certainly wouldn't want to be breathing that in especially since I purchased this for my kids room who were infants at the time! I instead invested in a bottle of grapefruit seed extract (purchased on Amazon - Nutribiotic Gse Liquid Concentrate) which is a natural purifier. My wicks now last all winter long. I have never seen mold or mildew on them or in the reservoir by simply adding 10-12 drops every time I fill the tank. One bottle has lasted me 4 years and is still 1/3 full. I never use Bacteriostatic treatment in my humidifiers. I bought a bottle and read the label which said use gloves to handle. I certainly wouldn't want to be breathing that in especially since I purchased this for my kids room who were infants at the time! I instead invested in a bottle of grapefruit seed extract (purchased on Amazon - Nutribiotic Gse Liquid Concentrate) which is a natural purifier. My wicks now last all winter long. I have never seen mold or mildew on them or in the reservoir by simply adding 10-12 drops every time I fill the tank. One bottle has lasted me 4 years and is... » Read More I never use Bacteriostatic treatment in my humidifiers. I bought a bottle and read the label which said use gloves to handle. I certainly wouldn't want to be breathing that in especially since I purchased this for my kids room who were infants at the time! I instead invested in a bottle of grapefruit seed extract (purchased on Amazon - Nutribiotic Gse Liquid Concentrate) which is a natural purifier. My wicks now last all winter long. I have never seen mold or mildew on them or in the reservoir by simply adding 10-12 drops every time I fill the tank. One bottle has lasted me 4 years and is still 1/3 full. « Show Less
243567
As you are most probably using tap water and not distilled, the only way to prevent this is to use a water treatment. The one that has worked best for me is BestAir Humidifier Bacteriostatic Algae & Odor Treatment. A 32oz bottle available from Amazon for about $10 and you only need a capfull each time you fill the tank.
298551
I've used it for both in a wicking humidifier (as opposed to one using heat or sonic vibrations to atomize the water). We use the humidifier nearly continuously since both our heater and central air dry the house terribly. Note that the treatment prevents scaling by keeping the deposits soft so that you can wipe/wash them away. It cannot keep the calcium from precipitating out of the water. Bacteria will build up over several months time if you don't change your filter, no matter what solution you use. The anti-bacterial formulas in all products like this one kill of most of the bacteria/alge, but cannot be 100% effective. I change my wicking filter ever couple of months. The Best Air Treatment keeps my humidifier fresh and clean between filter changes.
917394
Sorry you are having problems. I have used mine 2 to 3 times a week for the last 4 months with no problems. I am very happy with this product.
1900488
Mold. You have to clean the humidifier - any humidifier - regularly. This one is a little tough to clean, so I'd recommend a bottle brush.
89793
I have had that problem in the past. I let it dry for a few days and sometimes it works but often times it does not. I just replace the unit. Not a good solution, but it is a solution.
380169
How do you know it's only 30%? You don't want it too humid or things will warp and mold will start forming. It's very possible that you have very dry air, and may need a bigger humidifier, or two of them, depending on the room size. I live in the desert and have those challenges. Plus my room is very large. It works better in the kids' rooms.
770341
It's a calcium build up. It'll disable your humidifier altogether if not it's not regularly cleaned. When I first bought the humidifier, I also bought a solution that was supposed to help keep calcium buildup at bay. It didn't. So now I clean the humidifier once a month by letting the heating mechanism soak overnight (or while I'm at work) in vinegar. It works like a dream. This was my boyfriend's suggestion, so I can't take credit for it. But I'll swear on a stack of humidifiers that it works each and every time.
1077805
I replace mine once a month. You could probably go a bit longer if you don't have hard water and if you clean the humidifier once a week as recommended. I do a thorough clean only once a month and replace the filter at that time since it gets all gunky from both the dust it sucks in and the hard water build-up.
614544
I have used the device continuously for over 6 months and did not have any mold problem. I changed the water every 2 months and cleaned the bucket and the device that sits in the water with soap and water before refilling the bucket. Also, I covered the bucket with black plastic garbage bag so no sunlight could get into the bucket filled with water.
1447037
I have had mine for 6 years and on both settings it provides an invisible mist. However, you need to make sure that the wick is placed properly.
412868
All I know is that when I plugged my diffusers in that after they warmed up all they did was start to leak. I know I won't buy these again. I've tried 6 different diffusers and they all leaked. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Can't say that I noticed if the wick was wet or not.
2229996
Agreed, mold can develop if you let it wet for too long. However, I do recommend this product. Have been using it for some months now and no complains.
2059201
Not a problem. Happy to help :) I do absolutely love this humidifier tho. Must buy.
2041158
These substances are not meant to smell good in anyway, be sure to check out ambient temp vs water temperature, this can cause a humid and damp environment, try using a carbon water filter aka aquarium filter, mildew and other fungus could be growing, please be advise do not over feed water
2068990
A few things. If it's several years old and it's running all day, the motor could have burned out. After usage, was the humidifier cleaned including wiping the blades? Was it ever stored where there is dampness such as a basement? Several factors. I've had mine over 8 years and it's a table top. When it goes, I know I got my money's worth and will buy another unit. It is NOT worth it to replace the motor IF that is the problem as it's too costly. Good luck.
1051698
First, I would make sure all the settings are correct. If they are, and if you have humidity, then I would say you got a dud. We're in the northeast, where it's been disgustingly humid for it seems like forever, and ours is working fine. We empty it 3 or 4 times a day and run it on high, usually. If you got a defective unit, I don't know what the return policy is, but would think the company -- or Amazon -- will honor the warranty without any problem.
921293
I also thought that mine was broken ad well after a short amount of time. mine doesn't seem to work if I fill it past the 300 ml line. I would suggest trying filling half. Thats how I get mine to produce the mist.