Vicks V4500 FilterFree Humidifier

No Filters!
OK, I have had this humidifier for about two months now. Make sure you are aware of the requirements of a filter-free humidifier before you buy one. First of all, I couldn't stand having a filtered humidifier. Constantly having to buy filters, they'd be out of stock at Target, unavailable for my brand at the supermarket, just too annoying, and honestly, they're several bucks every time. Why can't I just clean my own humidifier?

So here's the thing. If you opt to go filter free, read the documentation. I think a lot of the negative reviewers here aren't following the instructions... you have to clean your humidifier ONCE A WEEK. Some people are reporting, 'I have had my humidifier for a month and it's starting to stink.' Well, have you cleaned it four times since you've had it?

And yes, I would say, it's a bit of stretch to call this whisper quiet. Like any device running while you're trying to sleep, you're going to hear it. And when you're lying down...

no problems with the right precautions
For me this has worked perfectly for months now, keeping the air in the room with my guitar at just the right humidity. I bought mine elsewhere but have had others and this one works just fine if you know what you are doing and take precautions. Not for every one, but for most, the red / orange is not mold but iron in your water. For most but not all, the white powder is lime in your water. This is a fact of life for many areas of the country and why people use water filters and water softeners. If you are in a problem area, use a Brita pitcher to filter the water you fill it with. I have tried it with our softened water with no problems but we recently got rid of the softener and will soon be switching to truly filtered water for the entire house. Until then I use a filtered water pitcher. All humidifiers have this problem. Even Consumers gave none more then an average rating for this problem. Baking soda, light bleach mixture, special cleaner, or just let it completely dry...

Vicks V4500 FilterFree Humidifier
I would recommended this humidifier. It is pretty quiet, and I have it running all night to humidify the air. I can put the tray in the dishwasher to clean. No filter needed. I am not sure what the negative opinions that I read other readers write are all about. It is not been my experience. Yes, you need to clean it. But you have to clean all humidifiers. This one is easier than others though. It got a great report from Consumers Report, and that has been my experience as well.

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