Holmes Humidifier Bacteriostat, H1709PDQ-U

I am using it in a wick type of humidifier. Use to have problems with a moldy smell from the humdifier and I could see black stuff growing on the wicks. Used it for the whole winter 2010-11 and found it completely eliminated the smell. In addition it kept the wicks from getting the black discoloration. I use it with RO water and the wicks will last the whole winter. Previously I would have to change the wicks monthly during the winter months due to a combination of the hard water deposits from the tap water and the mold. Installed a RO water filtration system(another story)and started using this. So this has saved me the cost of new wicks in addition to getting rid of the smell. It also reduces the slime/algae that forms in the tank where the wicks sit. The label says not for use in heating and atomizing humidifiers. As far as the active compound it is a widely used disinfectant in a large number of household products. Of course mold itself is also dangerous. The dosage is very low just a capful per gallon but that seems to do the trick.

Like everyone else I have a Vornada evaporative humidifier that basically uses a wick filter that soaks up water and holds it until the fan on top sucks it and circulates it into the room. Problem is, the wick retains the water so when it's off the water on the wick is prime breeding ground for growth of bacteria mildew and other nasty stuff. I had to change my filter almost weekly!! So I put a capful of this bacteriostat for every gallon of tap water (New York city water: not particularly hard or soft) after filling up my tank. It doesn't have any noticeable smell. But wow, I have now gone about 2 months (that's 8 weeks!!) without having to change my filter and I didn't even clean my tank either just to experiment. No growth or smell nothing nasty in my dehumifier that used to require weekly filter change and clearing. Amazing... I just wanted to see how long I could go without changing/cleaning but I wouldn't recommend not cleaning for two months haha. But it looks like I can go longer...! 3/22/2014 Edit: I am still on my first set of wick filters and although it doesn't smell bad, the top 1/2 inch has now turned a bit brown. So I have gone almost FOUR months without ever cleaning the humidifier or changing the wick. Just simply putting a capful for every gallon of tap water and away I go. W.O.W. I am just flabbergasted at how well this thing works! I used to change my wick EVERY WEEK (5-7 days) with weekly cleanings. I just went 4 months, folks...

This serves a very basic, yet extremely important, purpose. It keeps the water and filter in your humidifier clean. I was reading that a huge number of people are doing more harm than good with humidifiers because they aren't keeping them clean. They tend to filter out your air when it passes through the wick and that bacteria just collects in the filter and in the water. This solution does a great job at reducing that bacteria growth. You still need to rinse the filter and clean the basin of your humidifier often, you just have to do it less and you don't need to replace the filter as often. This works best than anything I have been able to find at Lowe's. And let's face it, those protec cartridges are a total rip off. This bottle of solution has lasted me for at least 4-5 years and I still have plenty left. It doesn't take much and you do not need to add it at every filling. I usually add it to the water at every 2-3 fillings, otherwise you will see more buildup in the water. It has no smell like adding bleach does (I've read some people do this, not a great idea!) and it keeps the filter substantially cleaner. No more science experiment in your humidifier. I highly recommend rinsing the filter out at least once a week, it will run much better. You will need to switch out your filter reasonably frequently or it will cause buildup. If it's one of the metal filters... running hot water through it may prolong the life. Paper filters just need to be replaced.

I followed a recommendation (someone's feedback/review left on the air humidifier I was was interested in) and I have to confess, it is all of what was described. It is plenty of product, it is efficient and the quality / cost ratio is quite high. The product works and your filter's life will definitely be extended (to tell the truth, I have been using one filter for the whole season and it did not go bad yet - no stain or mold, some calcium none of the products similar to this one address but still OK). I would highly recommend to buy it and abandon the product that advertiser themselves as "no mess, just drop in". Adding a cap of this to my water tank is not that cumbersome or an impossible task.

Before we tried the S1708 in our humidifier MA0800, we had to replace the filter about once per month. I would buy a case of 6 filters for over $60 each winter season. Since our baby was born we have decided to leave the humidifier running year round. I have used a bottle of this and am now ordering another and have only used 2 filters this entire year. I went to change it like normal, but the filter was like new. The only time I've had to change the filter is when we left it off for a few weeks with water in the tank. Great product that saves me money. Thanks Holmes! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

Most people do not realize that all water goes "bad" after only a few days. Bacteria builds and the humidifier then sprays out bacteria into the air. This product will keep bacteria from building and manage how often you will need to tear apart the humidifier and have to clean it. Every night when you refill the tank, you need to rinse it out along with the standing water in the bottom of the machine. Just rinse under water and refill the tank using this solution. From what I understand, bacteria will not form if you continue to use this product every time you fill the tank. I know that the smell I used to smell before using this product, which must have been caused by the bacteria is no longer there. The air smells clean now.

It does what it says it does, though it does not state that the chemicals which comprise it are a great wetting agent. You want to add this to your humidifier's water container after it is full of water. If you do otherwise, you'll get copious suds all over. BTW, the label does say it's TOXIC!!!! I've given it 3 stars because this container should come with an eye-dropper or dropper top such as found on dish detergent containers. It doesn't!!! It's almost impossible to place "a few drops" into anything from this container, :P

I cant really tell that this product makes my filters last longer. I think it depends on your water and if you are using distilled water (which I dont). It does cut down a lot on mold that turns the water into a green slime, but you will still get mineral deposits forming in your humidifier and filter as this product can do nothing to prevent that. So if you are using fairly soft water to start with, at least you are getting rid of slimy "jelly water"! and only have to worry about a little bit of mineral deposits. If you can afford to use distilled water in your humidifier, plus this stuff, then I can see a big change in the frequency of cleaning and filter changing. That would be the ideal way to go. Using tap water, I do notice that the air smells better. No "musty" smell, the air smells fresh and clean. So, I do recommend this product, but dont expect too much if you have hard water. And you will still need to clean your humidifier regularly depending on the amount of disolved solids in your water.