skullpinions's Full Review: Vicks Cool Mist V3500 1.2 Gallon Humidifier
THE GOOD
I've had this humidifier for well over a year, and plan on keeping it. It does a good job of humidifying the air. I know this, because when I don't turn it on some nights (I'm too lazy to clean it, or I just fall asleep before I set it up), the good, ol' nasal passages and eyeballs are noticeably drier. Thumbs up for its humidifying power!
It drowns out the sound of the noisy, upstairs neighbors who fail to put down the required 80% carpeting, or outside traffic noise;-)
Baby sleeps like... well... A BABY!
THE BAD
Filters, filters, filters! They used to be hard to find in stores, but now a little easier. But in my area they cost about $8 - $9 each. C'mon! It's PAPER! In addition, the first use of the BRAND NEW filter gives off a weird smell. Maybe it's that anti-fungal treatment they put in it (speaking of that treatment, I don't use those special purifier balls they try to sell with it... I'm not convinced they work.).
I dislike filters because they are just a continuing expense. I even avoid vacuum cleaners with them. If I have to clean this thing anyway, couldn't they invent a cleanable/washable filter (maybe in a dish or clothes-washer)?
THE INDIFFERENT
Don't listen to those who complain about cleaning these. Yeah, it's annoying, but do you use the same drinking glass over, and over, and over, and over, and over and... (you get the point) without washing it? You have to wash anything that continually holds water... You can't fight mother nature.
Now, while I don't mind the cleaning, I wish they would allow me to FULLY clean it easily. The grid over the fan is fastened by screws preventing one from getting at the fan blades. Black dirt develops on the fan blades... personally, I think it's dust/pollen/etc. that settles (since the fan faces upright) and sticks because of the moisture. It looks nasty and gives the feeling of filth.
What I did was to find the screwdriver bit that fit the screw (I think it's called a torx bit) and removed the cover. I had to cut part of the plastic body where the electrical cord enters in order to fully disassemble. I did a pretty good job of cleaning out all the dust / etc. Almost like new. However, I like being handy. For those who don't, maybe those compressed air cans can blow out all that dust. Absent that, I figure many of these things will hit the trash can.
How long the filters last depends on 2 variables. If you have hard water, the filters will turn brown. It shows that they work because that means they're trapping all the minerals. I guess one can use them as long as they can stand the brown look and the air quality does not take a turn for the worse.
As for mold, you CANNOT let this thing air dry. It will grow mold because it takes too long. You must remove the water supply and leave the fan on high to dry it out thoroughly every morning to give the filter its maximum life. As the filter dries it will give off that weird smell again, but then it goes away (I don't care much because I'm not sleeping at that time and can open a window to let fresh air in).
I don't like to let this type of thing run when I'm not home. I've read elsewhere of people experiencing a burning smell. I'd like to be nearby if that happens in order to turn it off.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 30 Battery Life: N/A Noise Level: Average
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