Clean/refill light My humidifier lights "Clean/Refill", even though it´s full. Don´t have a manual any more. How do I clean it?

Here are the instructions for the Mainstays Cool Mist Humidifier 1 gal MDH-0103JW:

1. Remove the water tank by lifting it straight up and off the base.
2. Turn the water tank over and remove the tank cap by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Fill the tank with cool water and replace the cap by turning it clockwise.
4. Place the tank back onto the base, making sure it is seated securely.
5. Plug the humidifier into an electrical outlet.
6. Press the power button to turn on the humidifier. The power light will illuminate.
7. Press the mist button to select the desired mist output level.
8. The humidifier will automatically shut off when the water level in the tank is low.
9. To refill the tank, repeat steps 1-4.

Note: For optimal performance, it is recommended to clean the humidifier weekly. Please refer to the user manual for detailed cleaning instructions.

You didn't specify the brand or model, but for generic advice, try using a strong solution of white vinegar and water and soak overnight or for several days (if very scaled up).

If you were using hard water in the humidifier, try using a commercial humidifier cleaner such as BestAir products (or similar - there are many to choose from): Amazon com BestAir 3US 6 UltraTreat Ultrasonic Vaporizer Water Scale...
(Make certain it's certified for steam and/or ultrasonic use, if your using that type of humidifier).
Follow directions on box. You will have to let soak for a period of time (hours/days) to allow chemicals to do their thing.

If you are using "soft" conditioned water, just refill with soft water and allow to sit for several hours, then discard and refill. The hardened minerals will re-disolve and will be removed when you flush the unit. For hardened minerals clinging to the sides, etc, just use your fingers to break up, possibly a brush or Dolby pad and break them loose.

(Soft water has just as much minerals as hard water, but in hard water there are mostly calcium based and turn rock hard and in soft water they are sodium based (sodium bicarbonate actually) and have a weak structure).

It's important to keep a humidifier clean of deposits, not just to keep the unit running, but to avoid air quality problems (bacteria will cling to scale buildup, which make excellent breeding grounds for them).

If you use "hard" tap water, clean (at a minimum) once a week. Use white vinegar and water - 50/50 mix. If your using "soft" conditioned water, clean once a month. Same with distilled water.
You could also consider using a small amount of bactericide in the water to prevent bacteria from growing. (Okay for filter type humidifiers, but DO NOT use in ultrasonic or vaporizer type humidifiers). 1/4 cap full should suffice. BestAir 3BT 6 Original BT Humidifier Bacteriostatic Water Treatment 32 oz

The Main reason why it comes on is the water is empty. Beyond that.. try cleaning your machine. Also, I have two of these thing and I have yet to get it to work more than five minutes on high. Low.. it works all day long.

Your problem is most likely a damaged Ultrasonic Disk (sensor).

If your product has not been used for a while, this piece was most likely damaged if it wasn't properly cleaned before storing. Cleaning well sometimes isn't even enough for this sensitive unit.
Unfortunately, there is no way to get this part, even though it is easily removed and could be easily replaced. Bad PR on the manufacturer's part. Your only solution is to send it for repair (if under warranty, you just pay shipping, if not, you pay shipping and $30) or to buy a different brand. You would think for as expensive as these machines are, the manufacturer would have a better solution to this extremely common problem.

Before I returned it I would clean it thourghly and refill with clean water and about 1/4 teaspoon of table salt. Run it thru a full cycle and see if that helps. You can also rinse it out and refill with a 1/2 cup of vinagar and run again.This shoul help loosen and clean any mineral deposits. Hope this helps. Thank you.

This may be due to one of two things.

1. If you turn the unit off or unplug it when you refill the resevoir, then plugging back in or turning it back on will not automatically reset the refill sensor. You must depress the restart slide switch on the bottom front controls to reset and restart the unit, or.....

2. It the refill light won't clear after refilling the resevoir or following the above step, the most likely cause of the problem is a scaled up heating element, which must then be cleaned.

I just uploaded a copy of the user manual to this site, but if you would like to download it directly, follow this link: http://ec1.images-amazon.com/media/i3d/01/A/man-migrate/MANUAL000006709.pdf

Hope this helps!

kcomp1863

Fill it to with in an inch of full, add two tablespoons of clorox and fill it the rest of the way. Run it for a few minutes and then just let it sit over night. The next day empty it out and refill it with fresh water and one teaspoon of clorox. You will be good to go.

Put two tablespoons of clorox in the water now. Then everytime you refill it add one tablespoon of clorox. Do not over do it. If it smells like strong clorox, reduce the amount.

turn knob to reset....leave 15 minutes and then turn on

In the manual it says that you should clean the heating element. Unplug the machine, lift off the water tank, pull the lever under the tank and lift off the power unit side. If there is too much build up on the element from mineral deposits, the refill light may remain on.
Unfortunately, I have cleaned mine, soaked it in vinegar, made it look nice and new...and it still doesn't work. I am really annoyed as I have not had this humidifier long and have taken really good care of it. I do not want to throw it out. I am going to call customer support and find out if there are any other solutions. (I got a new one for Christmas and do not want to open it until I am sure that it is not fixable!)