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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