how do you clean up the unit. Is it very messy. Do you have to clean it often?
1618665
I have not cleaned mine yet because I am the only user. I wash and sanitize my hands and feet before I use it. Then I leave it on. If you need to clean it be sure to turn it off and allow the wax to harden in the container this makes it easy to remove the wax. Then I wipe the unit out with paper towel to remove any hard wax remaining in the unit. If the unit is really dirty, then be sure to clean it really good but do NOT immerse the unit in water. PLEASE watch this Youtube video with video instructions, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwue_-dy10I. Dr. MDupree
1618666
It has an exposed heating element in the bottom that makes it difficult to clean. It does not have to be cleaned very often but I think 2-3 times per year delending on how much it is used. If I had it to do over then I would have bought a different unit.
1618667
i have only used it on my hands and been very careful not to drip outside the unit - i reuse the wax since i'm the only person using it - i was leaving it on all the time but decided to call the manufacturer about that and was told it would burn out very quickly if i didnt turn the unit off after each use - so now i do that but find i dont have 2 hours to wait each time i want to use it which means i use it less often :( why dont you call them directly, like i did, and ask about cleaning it - i just found this # 1-866-360-3226 and they may be able to direct you to the correct department - they are part of Merck - good luck (PS i like the idea noted below about wiping it after each use) i have only used it on my hands and been very careful not to drip outside the unit - i reuse the wax since i'm the only person using it - i was leaving it on all the time but decided to call the manufacturer about that and was told it would burn out very quickly if i didnt turn the unit off after each use - so now i do that but find i dont have 2 hours to wait each time i want to use it which means i use it less often :( why dont you call them directly, like i did, and ask about cleaning it - i just found this # 1-866-360-3226 and they may be able to direct you to the correct department -... » Read More i have only used it on my hands and been very careful not to drip outside the unit - i reuse the wax since i'm the only person using it - i was leaving it on all the time but decided to call the manufacturer about that and was told it would burn out very quickly if i didnt turn the unit off after each use - so now i do that but find i dont have 2 hours to wait each time i want to use it which means i use it less often :( why dont you call them directly, like i did, and ask about cleaning it - i just found this # 1-866-360-3226 and they may be able to direct you to the correct department - they are part of Merck - good luck (PS i like the idea noted below about wiping it after each use) « Show Less
1618668
It is not messy all all - unless you are messy and dip into it with dirty hands or splash wax around.
1618669
I periodically empty and clean mine. I pour the old wax into a coffee can or something while still warm and liquid. I wipe it out with paper towels and then let it cool completely. It is easy to remove any left over wax when cold and just wipe it all down with warm soapy water, then a clean wet cloth. I do not submerse the unit in water ever!
2178653
So far I have not had to clean either of my units. They have killed the mice with no mess up this this point. I have each unit with more the 15 mice kills until the last month with no more mice. I do wipe done the outside of the unit periodically when it gets dusty.
946808
Do as they say below, I try to flush mine out about once a year, google it and the process will come up, it is pretty straight forward and easy to do. You will need a pump to pump it though, I have had no issues with my unit I love it, we use it a lot also with 4 kids using it and taking baths ( 100 plus Gal tubs )
1717194
I belive it is excellent location. Need to clean unit at least once a week. Easy to achieve with it already located in the kitchen.
885572
I have had this particular unit since this summer. It has been consistent and reliable in keeping a constant humidity. However, periodically the "dirty filter" light will come on, so I will then clean it. I am not sure if the filter is not cleaned for an extended time, if it will shut=off?
1587175
I have only used it for one week. so I haven't done any cleaning yet. The manual suggests empty water from the water tank and basin daily and dry water basin with dry cloth. Here is the weekly cleaning: fill tank with 1/2 gallon of warm water and 2 Tbsp of white vinegar and shake vigoroualy and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Do the same for the basin except shaking. and wipe wipe it dry. I seems like a lot of work. I hope this will help you. Chung
767871
Depends how often you use it. If daily, I'd say once a month would be plenty. I just use warm soapy dish water with a soft brush to clean mine. Rinse off with water and make sure they're completely dry before re-installing and using them in the unit. I've owned several more costly units throughout the years, and this one is the most dependable unit I've owned. It's nothing fancy, no nice wood cabinet etc., but it's a great price and does the job. More than happy with mine... I highly recommend it. I also turned several family members on to this unit.
1425000
No... not hard to clean at all. As stated in my previous review (I've evidently become an expert on this device), best way to clean it is to first rinse out with hot water, then put in more hot water almost to the top and turn on the whirring thingy. This will "swirl" the water around. If you still have any residue (it will be near the top), then just give it a swipe with a wet dishrag around the inside edge and down about as far as your fingers will reach. Be careful not to touch the little whirring thingy (paddle). Dunno what would happen, but just don't. Box is long gone, so don't remember about instructions, but these washing instructions have worked for me - every day - for nearly a year now. Just don't let any residue dry out on the inside and you shouldn't have any probs. Bottom is flexible rubber and removable... it's where the batteries go. Just don't submerge or leave to set in standing water. I have already bought one for all my kids for Christmas. Great product, especially for the money. Hope this helps.
2251867
Hand washing only is recommended for this unit. I have never really had a problem keeping mine clean.
1457359
I wipe the blades clean with a wet papertowel then leave out to dry for several hours. This only needs done every few weeks. As far as cleaning the exterior of the unit I use my vacuum (the attachment for cleaning furniture, pet beds, etc) or I will wipe it down with a wet papertowel or cloth. This is the 2nd unit I've had that has the blades that can just be wiped clean. No filters to replace and no mess. I love it!! This one doesnt seem to collect as must dust/pollen as well as the last one I owned but this was much less expensive. I would purchase again.
1052922
How difficult is this to clean? How do you clean around all the screws and hinges.
1207885
I don't have that problem. I clean everything at least once a week. Breaking down the entire unit.
226319
I haven't had to clean it yet. I keep marine stable and carb. cleaner year around. Starts every time. which I do at least twice a year and let it run for 1/2 to one hour.
130695
Not at all! I have used it 4 times and still doesn't need to be cleaned. Naturally this will depend on the size of your home and length of use (per hour).
2092489
I've had the unit running about a month. It's very easy to clean, you just disassemble the components and wipe them clean. I also clean the inside of the tube with something that looks like a giant pipe cleaner - it's called a refrigerator brush and I just got it at Walmart
1886734
I empty mine after every use as the instructions advise. It's an expensive piece of equipment. Why not take care of it properly?
196303
Hello. I experienced the same thing. I used a pipe cleaner wire to gently clean the groves/openings and ran hot water over it weekly. Mine just gave out after about a year. I could not find a way to open up the unit to clean the inside. I am not sure if I would purchase another one. Hope this helps. Take care.