I lost the instructions for the Family Care humidifier that has two separate parts. One is a tank that I assume you fill with water, and the other is a "tower" with the settings of off, low, high, and a night light should I want to use that. There is also a removable plastic basin in the base that has a "tub" at each end Do I just fill the tank up with water and turn the unit on? Do I fill the basin with anything? Any advice would be most helpful. Thank you.

Here are the instructions for the Mainstays Cool Mist Humidifier 1 gal MDH-0103JW:

1. Remove the water tank by lifting it straight up and off the base.
2. Turn the water tank over and remove the tank cap by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Fill the tank with cool water and replace the cap by turning it clockwise.
4. Place the tank back onto the base, making sure it is seated securely.
5. Plug the humidifier into an electrical outlet.
6. Press the power button to turn on the humidifier. The power light will illuminate.
7. Press the mist button to select the desired mist output level.
8. The humidifier will automatically shut off when the water level in the tank is low.
9. To refill the tank, repeat steps 1-4.

Note: For optimal performance, it is recommended to clean the humidifier weekly. Please refer to the user manual for detailed cleaning instructions.

Here are the steps to fill the water tank of the Air Innovation humidifier model A1-KS30U-06C:

1. Turn off the humidifier and unplug it from the power source.
2. Remove the water tank from the base of the humidifier by lifting it straight up.
3. Flip the water tank over and unscrew the cap from the bottom of the tank in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Fill the tank with clean, cool water. Do not overfill the tank; leave some space at the top to prevent spills.
5. Screw the cap back onto the bottom of the tank in a clockwise direction until it is snug.
6. Turn the water tank right side up and carefully place it back onto the base of the humidifier. Make sure it is seated properly and securely.
7. Plug the humidifier back in and turn it on.

Once the tank is filled with water, the humidifier should operate normally and begin adding moisture to the air. It is recommended to clean the water tank periodically to prevent buildup of mineral deposits and bacteria.

The float switch may have bad contacts or be broken. First, unplug the humidifier. Search the float mechanism for the switch - you may have to remove a cover to find it. Check for continuity between the terminals when the float is in the full position, and again when it is in the empty position (the readings should not be the same!). I assume the float is rising with the water level. You can also manually operate the switch to determine whether the mechanism is working; most such switches will have a snap action that makes a soft click when actuated (you may feel it in the float rod).

Note: the preceding information is generic; I don't know what kind of switch your humidifier uses. It's probably normally open when empty, or it may be a double-throw type, with one contact connected to the common terminal when empty, and the other connected when water is present. It is likely a sealed unit, or it's protected in a box with seals and gasket, or at least a splash guard, or the actuator rod goes into a separate compartment where the switch is actually located.

The part at the bottom of the water tank that lets the water into the base unscrews and that is how you fill the tank. It had me stumped too.

Alison -

A humidifier will not collect any water. A humidifier has a tank that you fill with water. The water is released / forced into dry air to make it moist, usually by a fan or ultrasonic method.

A dehumidifier has an empty tank that gets filled by the appliance extracting moisture from the air. The tank will have to be manually emptied periodically, otherwise the safety / water level switch will shut the unit off so that the tank doesn't over flow.

I suspect that you meant to say dehumidifier.. and if so, please provide the manufacturer's name and model. The "P2" indication will be difficult to interpret without knowing the manufacturer's info.

FILLING THE WATER TANKS
1. Before filling the water tanks, push the POWER switch to the “OFF” position and
unplug unit. Refer to cleaning instructions.
2. Remove water tanks from base, turn each tank upside down and remove tank cap
by turning counterclockwise. Fill tank with clean cold tap water.
Replace the tank cap by turning clockwise. Tighten firmly.
3. Carefully pick up tank, since it will be heavy when full, and slippery if wet.
4. Place water tanks on base. Make sure tanks are properly placed, otherwise, the
humidifier will not work correctly.

The instruction manual suggests using the water vinegar solution.
The following is from the manual.
1. Turn the humidifier ‘OFF’ and unplug the unit.
2. Lift the main housing and remove the water dispersion tray and the PermaWick™ Filters. The motor is attached to the main housing. Do not place the motor near water. Do not use a wet towel on the motor or motor housing as electrical shock may occur.
3. The PermaWick™ Filter should be cleaned in a vinegar and water solution to remove any mineral buildup. Place in a solution of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Allow the filter to soak for 20 minutes.
4. After soaking, rinse it several times with clean water. Place the PermaWick™ Filter in a location where it can drip dry while you clean the other parts of your humidifier.
5. Remove the water tank from the base and empty any water that is left in the tank. Soak the base in a mixture of one (1) gallon of water and eight (8) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes.
6. After soaking, wipe the base with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any mineral build up. Rinse with clean water several times. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, be sure the base is completely dry.
7. Fill the water tank with one (1) gallon of water and eight ounces of undiluted white vinegar. Replace the tank cap and shake the tank vigorously until all interior surfaces of the tank have been exposed to the water/vinegar mixture.
8. Empty the tank of the water/vinegar mixture. Rinse it several times with clean water and then replace the tank cap. If you are planning on storing the humidifier, dry it inside and out, leaving the cap off to allow the tank to completely dry. Continue to clean the other parts of your humidifier.
9. Remove the water diffuser cap by squeezing the two tabs as shown in Figure 3. Rinse the cap in clean water to remove any debris. If the cap contains hard water residue, soak it in a mixture of one (1) quart of water and two (2) ounces of vinegar for 20 minutes. 41553-01 01/03/2008 6 © 2008 Hunter Fan Company
Rinse well and reinstall the water diffuser cap. Do not expose motor or other electrical components to water.
10. Wipe the surfaces of the main housing with a soft cloth.
11. Once all the parts are clean, reassemble the humidifier, and follow the USING YOURHUMIDIFIERto continue use. If you are storing the humidifier, make sure the parts are completely dry, reassemble, and store in a dry location.

Located My Manual:
Hope this helps!

1. Remove tank from base. Turn upside down and unscrew filling cap. Fill tank with clean, cool, distilled, or tap water. Water temp should NEVER be too hot or too cold. Return tank to base and let sit for a few minutes. Be sure the filling cap of the tank is tightened firmly.

2. Plug power cord into a 110-120V AC wall outlet only. Turn power switch to "on" position. Power light will illuminate. Turn mist nozzle until desired level is being released. Aim nozzle away from furniture and walls.

3. Always turn humidifier off when water runs* out. Unit will continue to operate when tank is empty.
*Humidifier will run up to 12 hrs on low; 6 hrs on high.

DO NOT LET WATER SIT IN TANK FOR LONG. THIS CAN ENCOURAGE BACTERIAL GROWTH.
Place unit on level surface away from direct sunlight.
DO NOT ADD MEDICATION OF ANY TYPE INTO THE NOZZLE, BASE, OR WATER TANK.
ALWAYS LEAVE ROOM DOOR PARTLY OPEN. DO NOT MOVE, TILT, OR EMPTY WHILE OPERATING.

Mild bleach and water solution for cleaning, never detergent.
Clean every 3rd day during use. Clean after long storage
Humidity varies from room to room. Aim for 30 - 50% relative humidity. If windows/ walls fog or frost, reduce mist intensity. If room too humid, ventilate by opening door or window; adjust mist intensity.

Caring For Your Venta-Sonic Humidifier
IMPORTANT!
Always unplug the unit before cleaning!
When to Clean Your Humidifier

Clean your humidifier weekly or more often during heavy use, depending on your
individual water quality. Clean your humidifier before storing and after long periods
of storage.

When cleaning the inside of your unit, keep water away from the air outlet. Exterior
may be wiped with a damp cloth when unit is off and unplugged.
Cleaning the Oscillator and Water Sensor

Turn off the unit and unplug power cord. Remove tank from base and empty
reservoir in base. Use cleaning brush provided in base to clean off mineral deposits
and sediment from oscillator and water sensor. Do not scrape or clean with tools
that have metal parts. Be careful to not damage the surface of the oscillator.
ATTENTION: Damage to the oscillator may cause the unit to not work properly.

The oscillator (ultrasonic transducer) is highly sensitive. Keep this important part
clean and treat gently. Do not touch the oscillator while the unit is operating.

Do not use soap, cleaning agents, detergents, or other chemicals for cleaning the
tank and humidifier.

After cleaning fill water tank (see instructions above) and return tank to base.
Storing the Venta-Sonic
Switch off and unplug power cord from A/C outlet. Empty remaining water from base
and tank. Clean tank and unit (see for instructions above). Make sure all parts are
thoroughly dry—allow at least 24 hours to dry. Leave the filling cap of the tank
loosened. This will keep the cap and gasket from sticking together. Pack Venta-Sonic
in original packaging and store in a cool and dry place.

You can find your manual at this link:
http://www.venta-sonic.com/pdf/vs207manual.pdf

Good Luck.

On the Vicks v-3100 the water tank should lift off of the unit. Flip it over and there is a lid. Open the lid and fill the tank. Once you've filled it back up, put the lid back on. Flip the tank over to make sure there are no leaks, then put it back on the humidifier.

Note: It's very important to check to make sure the tank isn't leaking before you put it back on the humidifier, if it is, it will flood the reservoir, in turn causing water to leak out of the bottom of the humidifier (which is one of the major complaints about the 3100).