Vicks
Microbial Growth in Reservoir and Wick
Humidifier emits a strong musty or moldy odor during operation.
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Possible Causes
Standing water left in tank, Dirty wick filter, Infrequent cleaning, Use of contaminated water
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn OFF and unplug before cleaning. Avoid inhaling mold spores; consider wearing a mask.
- Disassemble and clean: Empty the tank and base. Wash all removable parts with mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Disinfect: Fill the tank with a solution of 1 teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water. Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse until the bleach smell is gone.
- Replace wick: Replace the wicking filter if present; odors often persist in old wicks.
- Maintenance routine: Empty and dry the tank and base daily when in use, and perform a deep clean at least weekly to prevent regrowth.
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Repair Difficulty
Very Easy
1/5
Required Part
Wicking Filter
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