I have an Essick Air Care Humidifier, Model 3D6 100. How do I get the filters out to replace them? Will the filter # be on them?

SOURCE: My Bionaire Humidifier

From the user manual (which is online)

2. Clean the base by partially filling
it with one 8-oz cups of undiluted
white vinegar or by using Cleanse
CleanTM Solution (DMS216) by the
manufacturer. Leave this solution
in the tank for 20 minutes, while
cleaning all interior surfaces with a
soft brush.

SOURCE: Cool Mist Humidifier Filter Drying Out

Do you have tried to use without filter?

SOURCE: cleaning a furnace humidifier steel filter?

Most water panels are generally replaced once a year on flow through humidifiers.

SOURCE: I need to know how

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.

SOURCE: no water going to humidifier

Easy fix: Check the solenoid. Turn off the power to your humidifier and the central air unit. On the side of your humidifier is a brass solenoid. It can get clogged with lime and calcium. Most videos and instruction manuals tell you to replace the solenoid. No need if you can turn a wrench.

1. After all power is off turn the water off to the humidifier and disconnect the top line water line at the nut.

2. Disconnect the bottom line water line that will go to your humidifier.

3. Take a Philips screw driver and remove the two screws that hold the solenoid on the side of the plastic housing of the humidifier.

4. Leave the wires connected unless you need more room to work. If you disconnect the wires then label them with tape (colored) so you put them back on correctly.

5. In the inlet or outlet water pip of the solenoid is a trainer that may be clogged. With a paper clip pull it out and clean it. If it’s clearly clogged then stop and put all back together. That may have been your problem.

6. If it’s not clogged then it may be clogged inside the solenoid.

7. The nut on the end of the solenoid is silver. Take it off and the magnet (main power unit) will slide off.

8. Notice the flat head screw post on the end of the solenoid. Turn it and remove. Be careful as a small spring loaded plunger is inside.

9. Take apart and clean all parts. You should be able to blow air in the intake water line tube and it go out the out water line tube as well as were the plunger hits in the center of the solenoid. If not then it’s clogged.

10. If clogged then just soak all but any parts with rubber or plastic in a small white vinegar solution for a couple of hours to eat away that lime. If it’s not clogged then you probably have a bad solenoid.

11. To check and see if the solenoid is bad just put it all back together but do not re-wire the solenoid to the humidifier.

12. Turn on everything without the wires going to the solenoid (turn on meaning put power back to the unit.

13. When the system is running as it should without the humidifier and solenoid wires attached check the two lead wires with a volt meter for 24v. If you have 24v then you have a bad solenoid and need a new one. If no 24v then you may need a new control panel.

Hope this helps you out.