Do you have to use distilled water with this unit? I live in London and its hard to buy distilled water here, but I dont want to eventually damage the unit by using really hard tap water in it...plus, would I get white dust from the minerals in the water all over the furniture in my bedroom like I have with humidifiers? Thanks for your help! Do you have to use distilled water with this unit? I live in London and its hard to buy distilled water here, but I dont want to eventually damage the unit by using really hard tap water in... » Read More Do you have to use distilled water with this unit? I live in London and its hard to buy distilled water here, but I dont want to eventually damage the unit by using really hard tap water in it...plus, would I get white dust from the minerals in the water all over the furniture in my bedroom like I have with humidifiers? Thanks for your help! « Show Less
627678
I read not to use distilled water. The minerals in your tap water help the "water low" sensor realize when to turn off the unit...
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.
627680
I have used my MIU every night for three months now. I live in the U.S. and use my regular (very hard) tap water (and add a few drops of lavendar essential oil to it). I previously tried using four regular humidifiers the same way but not one lasted more than a few days. With my previous humidifiers I had layers of that white dust in my bedroom, especially on mirrors. With this unit I have absolutly none. I love it so much I purchased one as a gift for a friend.
1139611
Yes you must use distilled water;ordinary faucet work works too. If you won't drink it don't put it in the machine.
1356999
Hi, I met a Steam Mop rep in a home fair I attended. He advised that we use only DISTILLED Water. He said that our mop will last much longer is=f we use that. I am not sure what "purified water" is so just use distilled water and you will be fine. By the way, I love my mop!
1219118
I would say it depends on how hard your water is but after owning at least 4 steamers and my new home being on a well I have personally decided it is always best to use distilled water! That way you don't get as much build up and if you have wood floors the water can leave a white film on your floors over time!!! But I would NEVER buy this unit again!!! Save your money and get a commercial steamer it will last you 10 times as long and work better!!!
1746093
I honestly do not know yet. Just bought it about 3 months ago. I use it daily. It does need distiller water. The add on filters did not stop the white dust. Using the filters and a pure water filtered water. Seems to be a lot better. I have had the same problem of replacing units every few months so we will see. Even with distiller water I had to replace them often. Sorry I can not be more helpful. It works great now but the future is well down the road.
1864983
yes to both questions - can use distilled water & not use direct water hook up
729703
What may appear as white dust may be from the water source that has dried. The water in the area that I had to use in the unit also left a similar residue, but it is not harmful. It has to do with the area having hard water and me not choosing to use distilled water for the unit. If you are extremely concerned and financially capable, you may choose to try distilled water, change your filter, run bleach through the system and see if the effect is still noticed.
1152484
I use tap water in mine. We have moderately hard water and I haven't seen any build up. I've been using it 24/7 for about 2 months. It's quiet enough for the bedroom. I'm very happy with it thus far.
1412314
White dust is caused if using tap water because of the minerals in the water. You probably have hard water. The only way to avoid this is to use distilled water.
326644
Tap water has worked just fine. Distilled water is not necessary at all. Hope this helps.
110988
We pre-filter our water even before putting it into the distiller, so we don't get much build up after a single distillation, but I have friends who have said they experience what you do when using tap water. I'd clean it after ever distillation, and I'd use the product they recommend. It works great. We still do other cleaning with white vinegar, but we think that the stuff in the jar works better.
1888022
Sorry to say I returned the unit and purchased something else. However most units can use tap water but the real issue is the component in the water minerals, calcium, lime etc. So u have to clean it every couple of days or the build up affects the operation
475566
I have been using mine for at least a year and have had no problems. I use distilled water. Not sure if that helps.
1152485
yes, using tap water with the cartridge should be just fine. The reason for the cartridge is basically to avoid white mist that's typically associated with ultrasonic humidifiers. hope this helps...
1820775
No, it does not require salt. In fact, salt would probably destroy it. I would recommend that you use distilled water in it. I believe you can use tap water, but tap water will result in a fine white dust (the minerals in the tap water) being sent out with the mist. This doesn't hurt anything, but you will eventually need to clean the unit with vinegar. If you use distilled water, there will be no white dust and you will rarely need to clean the unit.
326648
I guess I just learned that I should have used distilled water. Mine's clogged from using cold tap water, but I had it for over 10 years. (I think mine was the first model. I remembered that I ordered it from one of those commercials). But it does still work for the first 15 mins, than the reset button constantly lights on.
1168609
Either you have hard water and need to clean the unit, or possibly something got into the machine. I have taken off the plate on the bottom of the unit (kind of a long triange with 3 screws) this was recommended from one of the critiques I read. I only use bottled distilled water, as our's is so hard, and it will keep the life of the machine extended. Hope this helps.