Humidifier

The short answer is that this is because the humidifier is working harder.

In dry conditions like cold winters or hot dry climates, more water is absorbed into the air and at a faster rate. This increased water usage is actually a sign that the humidifier is actively humidifying, not a defect, and will deplete the water in the humidifiers tank more rapidly.

In more humid seasons, the same tank may last significantly longer because the air can’t absorb as much additional moisture.

As humidifier season comes to an end, it’s important to properly care for your DreamWell unit before storing it. Following these simple maintenance steps will help ensure your humidifier performs at its best when you need it again next season. 

Also be sure to check out our cleaning videos on YouTube here: 

• DreamWell Cleaning Video 
• Invisible Mist Cleaning Video

1. Wash your Wick Filter

To maintain optimal performance, your wick filter should be cleaned or replaced at the end of the season. To clean your wick follow the instructions below: 

• DreamWell and Invisible Mist: You can clean your existing wick filter by soaking it with mild or acid cleanser. 20g citric acid for every 1L of water for 1 hour. Rinse well under running tap water. 
• DreamWell Only: You can wash your wick filter in a washing machine on gentle or delicate setting with mild detergent on low temperature (below 104°F/60°C)

2. Replace your Wick Filter

We recommend replacing your wick filter on a regular cadence to keep your humidifier performing at its best. 

• DreamWell every 12 months
• Invisible Mist every 6 months

Replacement filters can be purchased on Blueair.com at the links below: 

• DreamWell H38i (1 Gallon Tank)
• DreamWell H76i (2 Gallon Tank) 
• Invisible Mist 

3. De-Scale the Pump and Tank

Mineral deposits can build up over time, especially in areas with hard water. Descaling helps keep your humidifier running smoothly and ensures even moisture distribution.

To descale the tank and pump soak in a citric acid solution according to the below instructions:

• Mix citric acid powder with water only. Before starting descaling process, unplug the device and clean visible scale from inner tank surfaces by running under fresh water and wiping away scale with clean towel. Fill the tank with water then add citric acid to below concentrations.
  • For regular descaling maintenance (recommended monthly) use a 2% citric acid solution. For smaller tanks mix 1 pouch (1oz) of descaling powder in 1.5L (0.4 Gallons) of water.   For larger tanks, mix 2 pouches (2oz) of descaling powder in 3.0L (0.8 Gallons) of water.
• After the citric acid solution is mixed in the tank, remove the sponge prefilter from the pump, place it into the tank and then submerge the pump into the tank per regular assembly instructions, the bottom half of the pump should be fully submerged in the citric acid solution. Allow the pump and tank to soak in the solution for 2 hours.
• After 2 hours, remove the pump from the tank, rinse the pump and tank separately under fresh water and leave it out to dry. 

4. Safely Store Your Humidifier

Before storing your unit:

• Ensure the tank, filter, and all internal components are completely dry. 
• This helps prevent mold, mildew, and unwanted odors during storage. 

Once dry, store the humidifier in a clean, dry place.

For more information regarding your Humidifier maintenance, please check out our Humidifier Care Page here.

The frequency of descaling depends on how often you use your humidifier and the mineral content of your water. 

• Regular maintenance: 
  Descale once per month using a 2% citric acid solution to prevent mineral buildup.
• Heavy use or hard water areas: 
  You may need to descale more frequently if you notice visible scale, reduced performance, or pump issues.
• When problems occur: 
  If the pump is not working properly or heavy scale is visible, use a 4% solution as needed. 

Regular descaling helps ensure consistent performance, prevents operational issues, and keeps your humidifier functioning as intended. 

For more information regarding your Humidifier maintenance, please check out our Humidifier Care Page here.

Follow the steps below to safely and effectively descale your humidifier using citric acid descaling powder. Before you start be sure to unplug the device, remove the visible scale from the inner tank surfaces by rinsing with fresh water and wiping with a clean towel.

Step 1: Prepare the Descaling Solution 

For regular maintenance (2% solution – recommended monthly): 

• Smaller tanks: Mix 1 pouch (1 oz) of descaling powder with 1.5 L (0.4 gallons) of water so the tank is about half full.
• Larger tanks: Mix 2 pouches (2 oz total) of descaling powder with 3.0 L (0.8 gallons) of water so the tank is about half full. 

For heavy scale or pump issues (4% solution): 

• Smaller tanks: Mix 2 pouches (2 oz) of descaling powder with 1.5 L (0.4 gallons) of water so the tank is about half full.
• Larger tanks: Mix 4 pouches (4 oz total) of descaling powder with 3.0 L (0.8 gallons) of water so the tank is about half full. 

Fill the tank with water first, then add the descaling powder and mix well. 

Step 2: Soak the Pump and Tank 

• Remove the sponge pre-filter from the pump.
• Place the sponge pre-filter into the tank.
• Submerge the pump into the tank according to normal assembly instructions.
• Ensure the bottom half of the pump is fully submerged in the descaling solution.
• Allow the pump and tank to soak for 2 hours. 

Step 3: Rinse and Reassemble 

• After 2 hours, remove the pump from the tank.
• Rinse the pump and tank separately under fresh water.
• Reassemble the device.
• Fill the tank with fresh water before the next use. 

For more information regarding your Humidifier maintenance, please check out our Humidifier Care Page here.

Over time, mineral deposits from water can build up inside your humidifier, especially around the tank and pump. This buildup, commonly called scale, can interfere with normal operation and may cause the humidifier to appear as if it is not working. 

Descaling is important because:  

• Scale can block or reduce pump performance, preventing proper water circulation. 
• Mineral buildup can trigger operational issues, even when water levels and settings are correct. 
• Regular descaling helps maintain efficiency, ensuring the humidifier runs smoothly and quietly. 
• It extends the lifespan of internal components, such as the pump and tank. 

If your humidifier has water in the tank, the humidity settings are correct, and the pump still does not appear to be working, descaling the pump and tank is a recommended next step.