Essick Air Microbial Growth in Reservoir and Wick

Humidifier produces a musty or moldy odor during operation.

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Possible Causes

Stagnant water left in tank for extended periods, Wick filter not changed regularly, Reservoir not cleaned, Use of untreated tap water in warm environment

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the unit before cleaning. Avoid inhaling dust or mold directly.

  • Discard old water: Empty the tank and base completely.
  • Replace the wick: Remove and discard the old wick filter. Install a new Essick Air wick.
  • Sanitize the reservoir: Clean the tank and base with a mild bleach solution (1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water). Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly until no bleach smell remains.
  • Dry components: Allow the unit to air dry fully before reassembly.
  • Use fresh water: Refill with clean, cool water. Consider using Essick Air bacteriostatic treatment if recommended for your model.

Going forward, empty and refill the tank daily and clean the unit weekly to prevent odors.

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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5

Required Part

Evaporative Wick Filter
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