Is mildew an issue? Do you have to use distilled water?
511445
No mildew. I take the sponge filter out after each use. It has worn out pretty fast but I use the fan alot at work 8 hours a day 5 says a week. Best buy ever.
511446
I just used regular tap water and well water. The fan dries out the sponge quicker than you would think. fyi - I also went by the reviews when I purchased this. It is a great idea. but it does not work well. I think companies are starting to pay ppl to put reviews online unfortunately. I think it would be better if the fan was a little more powerful.
511447
I did not and have not seen any mildew. The water we used was originally the ice we had in our cooler.
511448
Fan seems to clog up without distilled water. But actually I don't rec. this fan to anyone, it doesn't work well. I went by the reviews and don't know how they got such high marks.
1588408
I used the dispenser in both summer and winter. No mold or mildew in the past year. My kitchen where the water machine is kept is not air conditioned and still no mold. We're happy with our system. Much easier to use than always using the small table model. Some keep that model in the refrigerator. We store water in 1/2 gallon Ball canning jars. That way we always have clean water for cooking and coffee. Oh, when we go out of town for more than a day or two, we empty the machine completely. Also, we ran white vinegar through our water machine before installing the Zero water system. This cleared the system so the Zero water would actually be zero. Hope this is helpful. I used the dispenser in both summer and winter. No mold or mildew in the past year. My kitchen where the water machine is kept is not air conditioned and still no mold. We're happy with our system. Much easier to use than always using the small table model. Some keep that model in the refrigerator. We store water in 1/2 gallon Ball canning jars. That way we always have clean water for cooking and coffee. Oh, when we go out of town for more than a day or two, we empty the machine completely. Also, we ran white vinegar through our water machine before installing the Zero water system. This... » Read More I used the dispenser in both summer and winter. No mold or mildew in the past year. My kitchen where the water machine is kept is not air conditioned and still no mold. We're happy with our system. Much easier to use than always using the small table model. Some keep that model in the refrigerator. We store water in 1/2 gallon Ball canning jars. That way we always have clean water for cooking and coffee. Oh, when we go out of town for more than a day or two, we empty the machine completely. Also, we ran white vinegar through our water machine before installing the Zero water system. This cleared the system so the Zero water would actually be zero. Hope this is helpful. « Show Less
584755
I would recommend only distilled water. Drinking water or tap water could have impurities that might harm the plant. We've only used distilled and had nothing but good results.
2206374
Pretty much. The insides cake up with mineral deposits if not using distilled water. So that needs to be cleaned once every few months. Instructions say to use distilled water, but I have not been doing that, so I can't say if any cleaning would be needed then. Even without distilled water, the outside doesn't get dirty and function is unaffected.
2086878
It really depends on how hard your tap water is. I have naturally soft water at our house so the unit is fine. If you are really concerned even with soft water or need to use a water softener for your house then use distilled water.
1598003
When I first got it yes. But now that I use distilled water and clean it weekly no problem.
664816
We have been using regular tap water, as the instructions for the iron allow. But if your water is rather "hard" (meaning it contains chemicals and it is difficult to get many suds when using soap and water to wash your hands, etc.) then distilled water would probably be the better way to go.
627679
As far as I know, distilled water is not necessary. I'm using regular bottled drinking water and it is still working just fine. About the white dust, I haven't feel any white dust yet. It might be because I've only used it for a few months.
1049753
You need a separate base that fills with water or sand. Bought mine on amazon. Use a bit of bleach in the water to prevent mildew.
769372
I've not had any problems with mold or mildew. I followed the instructions and mine have been packed away in my garage for 6 + months now with no problems.
1256606
I have not had any problems with mildew, they are easy to clean. I actually use the bottom bucket for the bath toys myself.
1413657
I asked my doctor and he strongly recommended distilled water only -- no tap, no filtered. There's just too much of a risk of infection from tap water. I wouldn't chance it.
1861871
no instructions dont say you have to use distilled water. i use tap water .
3919
I haven't had any problems with cleaning spout or mildew. When I clean I soak it spout and all in the sink and it seems to do the job.
603561
No, tap water is fine. Distilled takes out some chemicals. If you have very hard water, you may want to use filtered water. I use tap water.
108138
No mildew, and I had one for 4 years before I replaced it, it can get soap scum and collect dust sometimes but it's very easy to clean, I cleaned it right there in the shower and used q-tips to clean the narrow spaces; a product like windex also worked well.
1263662
For the best results, I have only used distilled water. Don't get any mineral deposits, etc.