Haven't used in over 1 year. Can I just clean the filter?

From what you have described, according to the Owner's Manual for your "Retired" (that's Danby speak for "Discontinued") model, the air intake filter needs to be cleaned. As not enough air is being taken in, so the fan can operate properly.

In case you have misplaced your Owner's Manual, I have included a link to it that you may download and print for future reference. http://www.danby.com/cms/uploads/products/en_manual/DHCC6020%20EFOM.pdf

I hope this has helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

There are 5 basic, yet solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%. If you unit is manual control,
turn the control knob to Maximum.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter. Filter should be cleaned once every 2 weeks.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

I hope this helped you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

We have had a separate make for years and just use tap with no problems.It leaves a water mark on the water holder but it cleans off.If you have a water filter already on your tap or a Brita type container with a filter,feel free to use that too.Either way,it will not hurt the humidifier. Good luck! Greg

if it is hard and crusty with calcium, it's time for a new one. CLR is a product you can find in most hardware stores, soak it in a solution as instructed on can, but usually you just buy new filters every year...

The instruction manual suggests using the water vinegar solution.
The following is from the manual.
1. Turn the humidifier ‘OFF’ and unplug the unit.
2. Lift the main housing and remove the water dispersion tray and the PermaWick™ Filters. The motor is attached to the main housing. Do not place the motor near water. Do not use a wet towel on the motor or motor housing as electrical shock may occur.
3. The PermaWick™ Filter should be cleaned in a vinegar and water solution to remove any mineral buildup. Place in a solution of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Allow the filter to soak for 20 minutes.
4. After soaking, rinse it several times with clean water. Place the PermaWick™ Filter in a location where it can drip dry while you clean the other parts of your humidifier.
5. Remove the water tank from the base and empty any water that is left in the tank. Soak the base in a mixture of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes.
6. After soaking, wipe the base with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any mineral build up. Rinse with clean water several times. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, be sure the base is completely dry.
7. Fill the water tank with one (1) gallon of water and eight ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Replace the tank cap and shake the tank vigorously until all interior surfaces of the tank have been exposed to the water/vinegar mixture.
8. Empty the tank of the water/vinegar mixture. Rinse it several times with clean water and then replace the tank cap. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, dry it inside and out, leaving the cap off to allow the tank to completely dry. Continue to clean the other parts of your humidifier.
9. Remove the water diffuser cap by squeezing the two tabs as shown in Figure 3. Rinse the cap in clean water to remove any debris. If the cap contains hard water residue, soak it in a mixture of one (1) quart of water and two (2) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes. 41553-01 01/03/2008 6 © 2008 Hunter Fan Company
Rinse well and reinstall the water diffuser cap. Do not expose motor or other electrical components to water.
10. Wipe the surfaces of the main housing with a soft cloth.
11. Once all the parts are clean, reassemble the humidifier, and follow the USING YOURHUMIDIFIERto continue use. If you are storing the humidifier, make sure the parts are completely dry, reassemble, and store in a dry location.

Link to Manual:
http://www.crane-usa.com/manuals/HumidifierManual2008.pdf

Filters can get dirty pretty quick with the use of tap water. I attached the manual for you so that you can clean it.
Personally, i replace my humidifier filter at least once every 2 months.

Good Luck.

Here is the link for your manual:
http://www.hunterfanhq.com/hiw-prod/orderinv/frames/ps_frame.htm

How to clean your filter:
The PermaWick™ Filter should be cleaned in a vinegar and water solution to remove any mineral buildup. Place in a solution of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Allow the filter to soak for 20 minutes.
After soaking, rinse it several times with clean water. Place the PermaWick™ Filter in a location where it can drip dry while you clean the other parts of your humidifier.

They say the frequency that you will have to clean your filter depends on yoru quality of water. The harder the water you have the more you will have to clean it.

Good Luck.

2 things could be happening.
#1. Your water has gotten harder in the last year and more deposits are getting caught on the filter. Try soaking it in water and vinegar for an hour. This should clean some of the deposits out and extend the life of your filters. Everytime it gets hard try soaking it.

#2. Your machine is running out of water before you can refill. When this happens and the filters dry out, they aren't as good afterwords.

I would advise trying to clean them with vinegar and water and making sure your machine is always full.

Good Luck.

http://homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/vicks/v3100.html

This is the link to your manual.
Daily Maintenance
1. Turn switch to OFF position and unplug the cord from wall outlet.
2. Lift the Water Tank from Base. Carefully remove the Water Tray from the base being
careful not to damage the delicate Wicking Filter. Empty excess water from the Water Tray
without removing the Wicking Filter. Remove the Tank Cap and drain any water from the
Water Tank. Rinse the Water Tank with lukewarm water after each use. Wipe accessible
surfaces of the Water Tank and Water Tray clean with a soft, damp cloth.
3. Do not immerse the Base in water. For storage, wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth. Keep
water away from the Air Outlet.
4. Do not leave water in the Water Tank or Water Tray when unit is not in use as it may
result in the build up of mineral deposits and bacteria that can inhibit the output
efficiency of the humidifier. Please note that if water remains in the Water Tank for more
than a day or two, bacterial growth is possible.
5. Replace Water Tray with Wicking Filter. Then replace the Tank. Humidifier is now ready for
use.
Weekly Maintenance
Removing Scale
1. Remove the Water Tank and empty any remaining water from the Water Tank.
2. Turn switch to the ON position, either low or high speed, and operate Humidifier until the
Wicking Filter is thoroughly dry.
3. Turn switch to the OFF position and unplug the cord from wall outlet.
4. Remove Wicking Filter from the Water Tray by carefully lifting straight up taking care not to
tear filter.
5. Remove the Water Tray from the Base. Fill Water Tray with undiluted white vinegar. Let
stand for 20 minutes.
6. Dampen soft, clean cloth or sponge with undiluted white vinegar and wipe out Water Tray
to remove scale. Do not use soap, detergents or abrasive cleaners.
7. Rinse the Water Tray thoroughly in clean warm water or put in top shelf of dishwasher to
remove scale and vinegar before disinfecting the Water Tray.

Disinfecting the Water Tray and Tank
1. Fill tank with 1 teaspoon of household bleach in 1 gallon of water. Let stand twenty (20)
minutes, shaking vigorously every few minutes, drain and rinse with clean water until the
bleach smell is gone. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Wipe the Water Tray with a soft cloth dampened in the bleach and water solution. Rinse
the Water Tray thoroughly or place in dishwasher before proceeding.
3. Wipe all exterior surfaces of the Base with a soft, dry cloth. Do not immerse the Base in
water or use water to clean the base. An electric shock may result or the humidifier may
be damaged.

Hope this helps.
Good Luck.