Humidifier wick — do not leave a descaling tablet in storage

A humidifier wick unit stored for summer with a descaling tablet still in the tank is a common spring surprise: stained plastic, odd smell, and a warped frame if the tank sat dry around a concentrated tablet.

Do not leave a descaling tablet in the humidifier tank over summer

1. Empty the tank completely. Discard leftover water outdoors or down a drain — not back into the unit.
2. Remove any descaling tablet, puck, or undissolved cleaner from the tank and base. Rinse until no grit remains.
3. Air-dry the tank, base, and wick housing fully. Store the wick frame uncompressed so it does not warp in a tight bin.
4. Next season: install a fresh wick if the old one is stiff or brown, then refill with clean water — do not restart on last year’s tablet residue.

Follow the maker’s cleaner list only; random household tablets can etch plastic.

More help

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