No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these, without filters, safe?I would love to be able to forget all about filters... No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these,... » Read More No Filter: So Is It Safe? Sorry to be so unknowledgeable about this, but... I thought the humidifiers needed a filter so elements (or something) wouldn't get misted into the air. So are these, without filters, safe?I would love to be able to forget all about filters... « Show Less
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Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered water. Knock on wood, that has kept it running for many winters! Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered... » Read More Yes, they are safe without filters, filters are not needed for that reason in ultrasonic humidifiers.Why you should be using filtered or distilled water anyway is because of the DEPOSITS that collect on the ultrasonic disk at the bottom (heart?) of the unit. When too much mineral deposit forms on the disk, it will stop working. That's also why you sometimes get a little brush with this type of humidifiers, but those are not very effective I've found: I have lost two units to this before I figured out the problem with the deposits. Now I use either boiled and cooled water, or filtered water. Knock on wood, that has kept it running for many winters! « Show Less
382838
You can buy a filter for it, but it is not required to make it work. I use distilled water in mine and there is no danger.
1203350
Yes, it needs MD1-0002 filters. Here's a link: Vornado MD1-0002 Replacement Humidifier Wick Filters (2-Pack)Contrary to what another responder to your question said, the filters are very easy to replace. And, I've had this humidifier for about two years now and it humidifies my 520 square foot Northeastern US apartment just fine, up to at least 50% humidity.
1202572
This is a filter for the Venta Ultrasonic Humidifier. That's what I am using it in. Believe they are using the term "airwasher" in how the filter helps remove particles, dust, and others from the air.
558703
But HOW??? None of these things open up, and you can't reach around corners with sponges or hands through these tiny openings. Can someone please explain this to me? Is it a design flaw with literally ALL humidifiers or am I missing something? How do you get into the damn tank to clean the brownish/pinkish sediment that begins to coat them?Thanks!Melissa
598161
Yes, just drop in the tank. I started using them this winter in my humidifier and a have found them to significantly decrease the amount of slimy buildup in the water reservoir where the filter sits in the water and also no bad water smell from the water tank.
712464
Depends on you humidifier. most will say not to add anything to them unless there is a special area to add the oil to. it ruins them.
1803797
I put just a few drops of Clorox in the water every now and then, just to keep it bacteria free. I think you can also purchase anti-bacterial liquid, but why, when you can use Clorox? I love this humidifier and will never buy one with a filter again. Also, I have a problem picking up the bigger ones to refill them, so this size is good for those with weak hands or arms..
925149
I have the green one and it does have a filter. thought the price reasonable. I do have a complaint. Most of the time not a lot of mist comes out even on High. Only occasionally does it actually look like a High amount of mist is coming out. It hasn't really helped the dryness so unsure if it's working properly. This doesn't really address your question but thought you'd like to know.
865237
This is up to you, Mary, since the heater doesn't have a water tray to add moisture to the air. I use a humidifier myself, to put moisture into the air for the comfort of people and for the plants too. I think you need a humidifier, with this machine, in a residential living area, anyway. I've used a Vornado machine for years - I clean the washable filter at the beginning of the season and it works fine, here's a link to it, but they are many humidifiers with good feedback, that I see on Amazon, that are lower in price.Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier This is up to you, Mary, since the heater doesn't have a water tray to add moisture to the air. I use a humidifier myself, to put moisture into the air for the comfort of people and for the plants too. I think you need a humidifier, with this machine, in a residential living area, anyway. I've used a Vornado machine for years - I clean the washable filter at the beginning of the season and it works fine, here's a link to it, but they are many humidifiers with good feedback, that I see on Amazon, that are lower in price.Vornado... » Read More This is up to you, Mary, since the heater doesn't have a water tray to add moisture to the air. I use a humidifier myself, to put moisture into the air for the comfort of people and for the plants too. I think you need a humidifier, with this machine, in a residential living area, anyway. I've used a Vornado machine for years - I clean the washable filter at the beginning of the season and it works fine, here's a link to it, but they are many humidifiers with good feedback, that I see on Amazon, that are lower in price.Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier « Show Less
654651
No, you don't technically have to wash the filter, but when I unscrew it every day to rinse and fill up the humidifier tank, I rinse off the filter. You should carefully read the instructions on the box as to the lifespan of the filter, though. I change my filters out every month. (I can't recall how often they say to change them, but I think it's about 1 month.)
594612
Once you install the filter. Fill the tank with water. sit tank on humidifier and turn the knob to desired mist level. (do all the above with humidifier unplugged) It's an excellent product. I have gone through several and this one does the job. Hope I have been helpful
2180928
Great Question :) Actually that is the strength of this model. It does not use a filter. In our home we have used the humidifiers with filters and they always end up molding. Then you are running it in your child's room with mold in the air (not good). We use the one instead and my wife got rid of the other models with filters because of that. She loves it :) So it is very popular and does not use a filter. My kids like it so much they even used it as a fog machine on Halloween. As the seller of this item I have to say thats not its intended use though :) Let us know if you have any other questions :) Thanks Dustin GreatVacs (Seller)
1956324
This filter is PREVENTATIVE only. It can't do anything for mineral build-up that is already on your humidifier (use vinegar and soak it, then scrub at it with an old toothbrush). But it does a great job of preventing further build-up. I have VERY hard water and everything gets crusted over if water sits in it. These filters keep my humidifier from calcification. You do still have to do periodic cleaning, changing out water, etc., just as you would if you didn't have the filter. And if you have very soft water, you probably don't need one of these. Another option is to just use distilled water in your humidifier, and then you wouldn't need a filter, either. I have used a Crane humidifier without a filter, and I found that with my hard water, I had to scrub it with vinegar weekly.
194743
No, not a bit. It doesn't have that ionic feature. I do use water from our reverse osmosis water filter system, but the humidifier is not the type to put out that dust. I believe that's more in an air purifier or air filter, not a humidifier.
266956
Hi, there actually is a small removable/washable filter (Bio Silver Stone) inside the unit. I've been very happy with this humidifier.
131606
Yes I had the same problem and ditched it and found a better humidifier. Our unit leaked from the very same spot. Other people have had the problem. We've had this one for about 6 months: Crane Drop Shape Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with 2.3 Gallon output per day and it seems to be working well. No filters. It's a little bit of a pain to clean, but a little bleach solution and voila, it's clean. For our needs, this has been a much better humidifier and NO LEAKS!!!!
1588221
Hi J. Oden, Thank you for your interest in the portable humidifier. Regarding essential oils, our portable humidifier works best with only water-soluble essential oil. Essential oil which is not water-soluble may cause our portable humidifier to experience issues, or even be damaged. If there's anything else we can do for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to your feedback! Best Regards, Nancy Deneve - Co-Founder