Humidifier wick — keep the water above the wick base

Humidifier wick

Humidifier wick tip: refill before the water drops below the wick's base, so the wick stays wet and does not dry out stiff and crusty.

Humidifier wick: keep the water above the wick base (related household photo)
Photo: Max S em / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

A humidifier wick only works while its base sits in water. Once the level drops below it, the wick dries, stiffens, and holds minerals in a crust.

Refill before the humidifier wick runs dry

  1. Check where the water level sits against the bottom of the wick each morning.
  2. Refill when it gets close to the base, not after the tank is empty.
  3. If the wick has dried stiff, let it soak a few minutes after refilling before you turn the unit back on.

Stop there. A wick that stays stiff and crusty after soaking is due for replacement.

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