Mainstays Warm Mist Humidifier
Package contents
Components
- Mist chamber
- Humidifier base
- Safety lock
- Anti-slip feet
- Heating element
- Control knob
- Indicator light
- Medicine cup
- Water tank
- Water tank cap
- Mist channel
- Vapor pad
Contents of packaging
(Note: Humidifier is pre-assembled and ready to use)
- Humidifier base
- Water tank
- Mist chamber
- Medicine cup
- Instruction manual
General information
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for this warm mist humidifier(referred to as “humidifier” below). They contain important information on setup and handling. Before using the humidifier, read the instructions for use carefully. This particularly applies to the safety instructions. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or damage to the humidifier. Store these instructions for any further use. Make sure to include these instructions when passing the humidifier on to third parties.
Proper use
The humidifier is designed exclusively to be used in indoor areas. It is only intended for personal use and is not suitable for commercial use. Only use the humidifier as described in the instructions. Any other use is considered improper and can result in material damage or even in harm to persons. The humidifier is not a toy. The manufacturer or retailer assumes no liability for damage resulting from improper or incorrect use.
FCC PART
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interferences that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B ISM equipment, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Risk of electric shock!
Faulty installation of electronics or an excessively high supply voltage may result in electric shock.
- Use only a 110-120V AC outlet. ALWAYS plug and unplug the humidifier with dry hands.
- Only plug the humidifier into an easily accessible outlet. You can quickly disconnect the plug from the power grid in the event of an incident.
- Do not operate the humidifier if it is visibly damaged or if the power plug is defective.
- Do not open the housing. Contact a specialist workshop for repairs. If you perform repairs on your own, improperly plug in the humidifier or incorrectly operate it, any liability and warranty claims will be deemed invalid.
- In the case of repairs, only parts that correspond to the original device data may be used. This humidifier contains electrical and mechanical parts that are essential to ensuring protection against sources of danger.
- Do not submerge the humidifier or the power plug in water or other liquids.
- Do not position the humidifier above tubs, sinks, or other objects filled with water.
- Never try to pick up an electronic device connected to the grid if it has fallen into water. If this happens, immediately unplug the power plug from the outlet. Never handle the power plug with wet hands.
- Do not abuse the power cord. Never carry the humidifier by the power cord or pull the power cord to disconnect the outlet plug from an outlet; instead, grasp the outlet plug and pull to
disconnect. - Keep the humidifier and the power plug away from open flames and hot surfaces.
- Do not bend the power cord or lay it over sharp edges.
- If you would like to clean the humidifier or a malfunction occurs, always switch off the humidifier and unplug it from the grid.
- Keep the humidifier, the power cord, and the power plug away from children.
- Never operate the humidifier with a damaged power supply cord or plug.
WARNING!
Risks to children and people with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities (for example, partially disabled people, older people with limited physical and mental capabilities) or a lack of experience and knowledge.
- This humidifier can be used by children aged eight and older as well as by people with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities or a lack of experience and knowledge, if they are supervised or have been instructed in the safe use of the humidifier and understand the dangers that result from said use. Children may not play with the humidifier. Cleaning and user maintenance may not be done by children without supervision.
- Keep children younger than eight years of age away from the humidifier and the connecting line.
- Do not let children play with the packaging film. Children may get caught in it and suffocate if they play with it.
Operation
- Lift the water tank (p. 3, fig. A 9 ) off of base, holding the bottom of the tank with both hands.
- NOTE: DO NOT hold the water tank by the handle when empty or full.
- Turn the tank upside down and unscrew the water tank cap (p. 3, fig. A 10 ) by turning it counterclockwise.
- Fill the water tank with cold water. Do not fill all the way to the rim.
- NOTE: If you have hard water, it is recommended to use filtered or distilled water. While using the humidifier, if you see a film of white dust, it is because of hard water.
- DO NOT add any medication or other additives into the water tank itself. For use of essential oils, see page 17.
- Screw the water tank cap (p. 4, fig. E 10 ) back onto the tank by turning clockwise.
- Place the tank onto the base (p. 4, fig. F 2 ). Make sure it is lying flush into the base. There should not be a space between the tank and base.
- Place the mist lid on top of the water tank.
- NOTE: DO NOT move the humidifier while the water tank is on base. Water may leak into the base, causing a malfunction.
- Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. DO NOT use an extension cord.
- Turn the power on by turning the control knob (p. 3, fig. A 6 ) clockwise (to the right). You will hear a minor clicking noise when turning the unit on and off. The green power indicator light (p. 3, fig. A 7 ) will turn on.
- In a few moments, the mist will start coming through the mist channel (p. 4, fig. B 11 ) . Use the control knob (p. 3, fig. A 6 ) to adjust the intensity of the mist output. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the moisture output, turning the knob counterclockwise will reduce the moisture output.
- Note: When at maximum level, it is normal to hear a faint dripping sound.
- When the humidifier runs out of water, the indicator light (p. 3, fig. A 7 ) will turn red, and the mist output will stop. This is a safety feature to prevent the humidifier from possibly overheating and damaging the mist chamber (p. 4, fig. D 1 ).
- Turn the control knob to reset and refill the water tank. In a few moments, the green indicator light will turn on. Turn the control knob to “0” position for 2 minutes and then turn power on by turning the control knob clockwise (to the right).
Setting the correct humidity output
Adjust the mist control so that the mist rises up and gets absorbed by the room air. Do not turn on too high an output as the mist cannot be absorbed by the air and accumulates on the surface around the humidifier. If the humidifier is placed near a fan or air conditioning outlet, the mist may be forced down by the foreign air stream. Change the location of the humidifier or reduce the output of the other room conditioning appliances.
Using essential oils
Essential oils can be used on the aroma pad located in the aroma tray on the top of the mist channel (p. 4, fig. B 11 ). You can mix and match any oil scents you would like.
- Place about 3 drops of desired scent on the aroma pad located in the aroma tray (p. 4, fig. C 12 ).
- Push the aroma pad into the medicine cup, (p. 4, fig. B 8 ) .
- Each pad should only be used per desired scent.
- Before attempting to reuse aroma pad with a different scent, clean the aroma pad by lightly hand washing it in warm water and letting it thoroughly air dry.
Helpful hints
- It is best to keep the humidity level at about 30-50 percent of relative humidity.
- The comfort level of humidity will vary from room to room and with changing room conditions.
- In cold weather, windows and even some walls may fog or develop frost from excessive indoor humidity. If this occurs, reduce the mist intensity setting to avoid damage from condensed water dripping on windowsills.
- Too much humidity in the room may allow moisture to accumulate on surfaces where bacteria and fungi can grow. Moisture that gathers may also damage furniture and walls, especially wallpaper.
- To eliminate excessive humidity, especially in small rooms, leave the room door open and adjust the mist intensity control setting.
- Note: To avoid possible white dust due to hard water, it is recommended to use filtered or distilled water.
- DO NOT use hot water. Use cool tap water.
- DO NOT add any medication or other additives to the water.
- DO NOT pour water into Vapor Outlet Channel (p. 4, fig. B 11 ).
- Note: Do not attempt to move humidifier while water tank is placed on the water basin. Doing so may cause leakage of water. Also, do not place humidifier on the floor. Place humidifier on an elevated surface.
Troubleshooting
CAUTION! DO NOT attempt to repair the motor or nebulizer yourself. If the humidifier continues to not operate, please call customer service.
Cleaning and maintenance
Portable humidifiers require regular cleaning in order to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and also to remove any scale residue to maintain good operational performance. Follow the procedures below for healthy maintenance of your warm-mist humidifier.
CAUTION! NEVER PLUG OR UNPLUG A HUMIDIFIER WITH WET HANDS.
Always be sure that the humidifier is unplugged and switched OFF before cleaning or attempting to clean or store the item. DO NOT leave water in water tank (p. 3, fig. A 9 ) or water basin when the unit is not in use, as it may result in the buildup 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.
NOTE: When removing the water tank, water may accumulate under the vapor lid and on the bottom of the water tank. It is recommended to have a dry cloth ready to dry wet surfaces.
Disinfecting the water tank and water basin
- Turn the switch off (O) and unplug from the wall outlet.
- Be sure the unit has cooled for at least 15 minutes. Lift the water tank 9 from the base and place in a sink or tub.
- Fill the water tank with ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Let it stand for twenty minutes, shaking vigorously with two hands every few minutes.
- Carefully empty the tank after 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water until you can no longer detect a vinegar smell.
NOTE: It is recommended to clean the humidifier with water and a white vinegar solution as stated above after using the humidifier about once a week or if cleaning seems necessary.
IMPORTANT: Failure to keep this humidifier clean from mineral deposits normally contained in any water supply will affect the efficiency of the operation. Customer failure to follow these instructions may void the warranty.
How to clean the heating element in the base
- To remove the mist chamber, slide the mist chamber latch to the left and carefully lift the mist chamber off the water basin.
- Fill the heating element with undiluted white vinegar.
- Let it stand for 20 minutes. Dampen a soft, clean cloth or sponge with undiluted white vinegar and wipe out the heating element to remove scale. DO NOT use soap, detergents or abrasive cleaners.
- Rinse the heating element using clean, warm water, being careful not to submerge the base in the water. Dry thoroughly. DO NOT IMMERSE THE WATER BASIN IN WATER.
- Soak the removable mist chamber in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and then wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth.
- To attach the mist chamber, slide the mist chamber latch to the left and place the mist chamber onto the water basin. Release the latch to secure the mist chamber
to the water basin.
How to clean humidifier exteriors
- DO NOT IMMERSE THE BASE IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID. An electric shock may result, or the humidifier may be damaged.
- Wipe all exterior surfaces of the base with a soft, dry cloth.
Daily maintenance
- Turn the switch off (O) and unplug from the wall outlet.
- Be sure the unit has cooled for at least 15 minutes. Lift the water tank from the base and place it in the sink or tub.
- Carry the humidifier base to the sink and drain any remaining water. Wipe clean and dry with a clean cloth.
- Drain water from the water tank. Wipe clean and dry with a clean cloth. Let the water tank air dry when not in use.
Weekly maintenance (Removing scale)
NOTE: We recommend cleaning the humidifier WEEKLY or more often if you have hard water or notice a build-up of impurities or detect unpleasant odors. Repeat steps 1-4 above. End-of-season maintenance and storing
- Follow the above weekly cleaning procedure at the end of the humidification season, or when the humidifier is not used for several days, being sure to dry all parts. Allow the water tank to thoroughly air dry before storage. DO NOT store water inside any part of the humidifier.
- Leave the tank cap partially loosened during storage to prevent the tank cap and gasket from sticking together. This will prolong the life of the gasket.
- Save the original box for easy storage. Store the humidifier in a cool, dry location. Do not place any heavy items on top of the humidifier during storage, as this may result in Possible damage of the humidifier.
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the humidifier is unplugged and switched OFF before cleaning or attempting to store the humidifier. NEVER PLUG OR UNPLUG A HUMIDIFIER WITH WET HANDS. DO NOT leave water in the water tank or water basin when the humidifier is not in use. If water remains in the water tank for more than a day or two, bacterial growth is possible.
Storage
Allow the humidifier to dry completely before storing. Store the humidifier in a dry location. Do not place any heavy items on top of the humidifier during storage as this may result in possible damage to the appliance. Always check the plug before use to ensure metal items have not become attached.
- Save the box for off-season storage.
- Make sure the tank, water basin, and water tank cap are dried thoroughly before storing.
- If water is left in the unit during storage, it may evaporate completely and leave deposits that can prevent the unit from operating properly.
- Leave the water tank cap loose to prevent the water cap and gasket from sticking together. This will prolong the life of the gasket.
Technical specifications
- Model Number HF3102A-UL
- Rating Voltage 120V / 60Hz
- Rated Wattage 325W
Disposal
- Disposing of packaging
- Please dispose of the package in an environmentally friendly way.
Disposing of the product
If the product should no longer work at all, please make sure that it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way and according to local regulations.
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Mainstays Warm Mist Humidifier-FAQs
How does the Mainstays Warm Mist Humidifier work?
The warm mist humidifier heats water to create soothing warm vapor that adds moisture to the air, helping relieve dry skin, congestion, and sinus discomfort.
How do I use the Mainstays Warm Mist Humidifier?
Fill the water tank to the indicated line, place it securely on the base, and turn the unit on. Within minutes, warm mist will begin to disperse into the room.
Can I use tap water in my humidifier?
It’s best to use distilled or demineralized water to avoid mineral buildup. Tap water can be used occasionally, but it may leave deposits or affect performance over time.
How often should I clean my Mainstays humidifier?
Clean your humidifier every 2–3 days, or daily if you use tap water. Regular cleaning prevents mold, bacteria, and mineral buildup inside the tank.
How do I clean the Mainstays Warm Mist Humidifier?
Unplug the unit and empty the tank. Wipe it with a soft cloth and rinse with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Rinse thoroughly before using again.
Why is my warm mist humidifier not producing mist?
Check that the tank has enough water and that the heating element is clean. Mineral deposits can block steam output—cleaning usually restores normal function.
Is it safe to sleep with a humidifier in the bedroom?
Yes, using a humidifier at night helps keep air moist, reducing dry throat and nasal irritation. Keep humidity levels between 30–60% for optimal comfort.
What are the signs that my humidifier needs cleaning?
A musty smell, visible mold, or reduced mist output indicate that the unit needs cleaning. Always clean it immediately if you notice these signs.
Can I add anything to the water in my humidifier?
You can add a small amount of white vinegar to help disinfect, but never use essential oils or salt in a warm mist humidifier, as they can damage the unit.
How long can water sit in the humidifier tank?
Do not leave water sitting in the tank for more than a day or two. Always empty and dry the tank after use to prevent bacterial growth.