Holmes HM5600 User Manual

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When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should

always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and

injury to persons, including the following:
1. Read all instructions before using the appliance.
2. To avoid fire or shock hazard, plug the appliance directly 

into a 120 V AC electrical outlet.

3.  Keep the cord out of heavy traffic areas. To avoid fire 

hazard, NEVER put the cord under rugs, near heat 

registers, radiator, stoves, or heaters.

4. DO NOT place humidifier near heat sources such as stoves, 

radiators, and heaters. Do locate your humidifier on an inside

wall near an electrical outlet. The humidifier should be at least

4" away from the wall for best results.

5. NEVER place humidifier in an area where it is accessible to

children.  NEVER use humidifier in a closed room, particularly

where a child may be sleeping, resting, or playing (a closed

room may result in excessive humidity).

6. WARNING: Do not attempt to refill humidifier without first

unplugging the unit from it’s electrical outlet. Failure to heed

this warning may cause personal injury. Be sure to pull by the

plug and not the cord.

7. NEVER drop or insert any object into any openings. 

DO NOT place hands, face, or body directly over 

or near Moisture Outlet while unit is in operation. 

DO NOT cover Moisture Outlet or place anything 

over it while the unit is operating.

8. DO NOT operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug,

after the appliance malfunctions, or if it has been dropped 

or damaged in any manner. Return appliance to manufacturer

for examination, electrical or mechanical adjustment, or repair.

9. Use appliance only for intended household use as described 

in this manual. Any other use not recommended by the 

manufacturer may cause fire, electric shock, or injury to

persons. The use of attachments not recommended or sold 

by Holmes may cause hazards.

10. DO NOT use outdoors.
11. Always place humidifier on a firm, flat, level surface. 

A waterproof mat or pad is recommended for under 

the humidifier. NEVER place it on a rug or carpet, 

or on a finished floor that may be damaged by 

exposure to water or moisture.

12. DO NOT allow the Moisture Outlet to directly face 

the wall.  Moisture could cause damage, particularly 

to wallpaper.

13. Humidifier should be unplugged when not in use.  

14. NEVER tilt, move, or attempt to empty unit while it is 

operating.  Shut off and unplug before removing the 

water tank and moving the unit. DO NOT attempt to 

remove the water tank within 15 minutes after the 

humidifier is turned off and unplugged. Serious injury 

may result.

15. This humidifier requires daily and weekly maintenance 

to operate appropriately. Refer to daily and weekly 

cleaning procedures.

16. NEVER use detergents, gasoline, glass cleaner, furniture 

polish, paint thinner, or other household solvents to clean 

any part of the humidifier.

17. Excessive humidity in a room can cause water condensation 

on windows and some furniture. If this happens, turn the 

humidifier OFF.

18. Do not use humidifier in an area where humidity level is in

excess of 50%. Use the included hygrometer or purchase one 

at your local hardware store or through Holmes, to measure 

the humidity.

19. DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or mechanical

functions on this unit. Doing so will void your warranty. The

inside of the unit contains no user serviceable parts. All 

servicing should be performed by qualified personnel only.

20. Never place housing under water flow, or immerse in liquids.
21. DO NOT plug in with wet hands: electric shock could result.
22. DO NOT pour water in any openings other than the water tank.
23. Allow unit to cool before refilling water tank or maintenance 

as the heater bulb is hot.

24.To prevent damage to surfaces, do not place humidifier 

under overhanging surfaces.

Note:  This is an electrical appliance and requires attention when in

use.
Note:  If moisture forms on the walls or windows of the room, turn

off the humidifier.  The room already has plenty of humidity and

additional moisture may cause damage.
Note:  DO NOT block air inlet or outlet.
Cord and Plug Installation Safety Instructions
The length of cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the

hazards of becoming tangled in, or tripping over a longer cord.  If 

a longer cord is necessary an approved extension cord may be used.

The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or

greater than the rating of the humidifier.  Care must be taken 

to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the 

countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or 

accidentally tripped over.

When using the Water Purification Filter in the humidifier for the first

time, wait 15 minutes for the water to pass through the filter before

switching on the humidifier.   

1. Turn the Power Knob to the HIGH position.  The power light 

will be ON and the Reset Light will be OFF.  It is normal for 

the humidifier to take about 2-3 minutes to warm up and 

begin to mist.

2. After the unit begins misting, set the humidifier 

to the desired power setting (HIGH or LOW).

3. The Medicine Cup is located on the top of the mist chamber. 

To use, pour designated humidifier medication into the cup.  

DO NOT add medication to the water tank.  DO NOT add 

medication to the medicine cup when the unit is already 

operating.  

NOTE: When the water tank is empty and the water in the Heating

Chamber is almost empty, the Automatic Shut Off will activate.  

The RESET Light will illuminate and the unit will not operate 

again until you refill the water tank and reset the humidifier.

1. Turn the power knob to OFF.  
2. Unplug the unit.  
3. Remove and refill the water tank, being sure to follow the 

Daily Maintenance Instructions.  Replace the tank onto the base.  

4. Wait 5 minutes for the Automatic Shut-Off to reset.  
5. After the 5 minutes, plug in the unit and turn the Power Knob, 

to HIGH.  The RESET light should now be off (if not repeat steps 

1 through 5).  In about 2-3 minutes, the humidifier will begin 

to produce moisture.

If the RESET light is still on at this point, and the unit does not begin 

to produce moisture within a few minutes, then repeat Steps 1-5.
IMPORTANT: If you do not plan to use the humidifier for two 

or more days, make sure any residual water is drained from the

water tank and base to prevent algae or bacteria growth.

The water purification filter is used to trap minerals in your water 

and provide a clean moisture output. The filter life is determined 

by the average daily use of your humidifier and the water hardness 

in your area. Areas with hard water will require more frequent

replacement of the filter. It is strongly recommended that the filter 

be replaced at least every 2-3 months (depending on use) or when

the heating element is starting to gather minerals on it.

1. Switch the humidifier OFF and unplug.  Remove the tank, drain 

any water from the base, lift out the used filter, and throw it away.

2. Remove the protective bag from the new filter and install the filter

into the base (see Figure 2). Replace the tank, and plug the cord

into the electric outlet. When installing the filter for the first time,

wait 15 minutes for the water to flow through the filter before

switching the unit ON.

You can obtain a new filter by calling 1-800-5-HOLMES in the USA

or by visiting your nearest retailer or authorized service center.  

This humidifier takes model WMF50 replacement filter.

When the unit is in use, daily and weekly maintenance is 

recommended.  Regular weekly cleaning prevents scale buildup 

on the heating element and tray.  It also prevents micro-organisms

from growing on the tray and tank.  This ensures that maximum 

efficiency will be achieved.  

Daily Maintenance

1. Before cleaning, set the control to OFF position and unplug 

the unit from the electrical outlet. 

2. Remove the water tank then unlock the misting chamber by 

rotating the safety lock towards the front of the unit.  Lift mist

chamber from the unit’s base.  Now lift the tray from the base.

3. Empty water and minerals from the tray and place in the top 

rack of the dishwasher.  This will remove any sediment and dirt 

that has accumulated in the tray. 

NOTE:  It is imperative that the tray is cleaned properly.  

The tray is dishwasher safe (top rack ONLY) for easy cleaning.  

4. Wipe the heating element clean with a soft cloth 

after it has had a chance to cool.

5. Replace misting chamber and engage safety lock.
The Electronic Thermal Control Heating element is lined with 

a Teflon® coating that is designed to provide the easiest cleaning 

and prolong the operating efficiency of the humidifier.  DO NOT 

use any metal or hard objects to clean the Heating Element. Never

use detergents, gasoline, kerosene, glass cleaner, furniture polish,

paint thinner or other household solvents to clean any part of the

humidifier.

Weekly Maintenance

1. Repeat steps 1-5 in the Daily Maintenance section.

2. Clean the tray by partially filling the tray with one 8-oz cup 

of undiluted white vinegar.  Let solution stand 20 minutes, 

cleaning all interior surfaces with a soft brush.  Dampen 

a cloth with undiluted white vinegar and wipe out entire 

tray to remove scale.

3. Rinse with clean warm water to remove scale and the white 

vinegar solution before beginning to disinfect the tank.

4. Wipe the heating element clean with a soft cloth after 

it has had a chance to cool. 

Disinfect tank:

1. Fill tank with 1/2 teaspoon of chlorine bleach and 1/2 gallon 

of water.

2. Let the solution stand for 20 minutes, swishing every few minutes.    

Wet all surfaces.

3. Empty the tank after 20 minutes, and rinse well with water until 

the bleach smell is gone.  Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Refill the water tank with cool water; replace the housing and 

water tank.  Repeat ALL Operating Instructions.

The Humidistat feature allows you to set and maintain the humidity

level you wish for your room to maintain.  The Humidistat setting 

is designed to operate between 25% and 65% relative humidity

range.  The recommended setting is 40-50%.  Turn the knob 

clockwise as far as it will turn to achieve the highest humidistat 

setting.  In this setting, the humidifier will run constantly.

To lower your desired humidity level, simply turn the knob 

counterclockwise to choose your setting.  When the humidity 

in the room is less than the level you have set, the humidifier 

will continue to produce moisture.  Once the set humidity level 

has been achieved, the fan will turn off.  When the room humidity

drops below your set level, the unit will automatically begin 

producing moisture again.  Depending on the size of your room 

and your personal comfort, you will set your humidistat at different

levels.  If condensation forms on your windows or walls, or your

measured room humidity reads above 50% by use of a hygrometer,

turn off your humidifier, or lower your Humidistat level.

Your Holmes Warm Mist humidifier is designed to allow the proper

amount of water to flow out of the tank. Air is drawn in through 

the grill openings located in the back of the unit and mixed with

steam in the misting chamber.  The warm mist is then dispersed 

out of the top of the misting chamber through the outlet grill 

and into the room.  NOTE: A humidity level below 20% can be

unhealthy and uncomfortable.  The recommended humidity level 

is between 40%-50%.

Figure 1

Figure 2

1. Be sure the humidifier is disconnected from the electrical outlet 

and the power knob is in the OFF position.

2. Select a location for your humidifier, on a flat surface, about 

4" away from the wall.  Do not place your humidifier on furniture.

A flat, smooth, surface that will not be damaged by moisture is best.

FILLING THE TANK

NOTE:  This humidifier holds about 1.8 gallons of water in the tank

and humidifier base.  The humidifier will produce up to 3 gallons 

of moisture over a 24-hour period, depending on the room humidity

and temperature.
1. Be sure the humidifier is disconnected from the electrical outlet 

and the power knob is in the OFF position.

2. Remove the water tank (see Figure 1), by holding the tank 

handle and lifting straight upward.

NOTE:  Ensure safety lock is rotated completely clockwise.
3. Twist off the tank cap located on the bottom of the tank by 

turning counter clockwise Fill the water tank with cool, fresh water.  

Do not fill with warm water as this may cause leaking.

4. After filling the tank, replace the tank cap by firmly turning 

clockwise and then replace the water tank on the base.  

The tank will immediately begin to empty into the base.  

5. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC electrical outlet

A. Humidifier Tank 
B. Carry Handle
C. Humidifier Housing
D. 2-Speed Humidity Control
E. Humidifier Base
F. Humidistat
G. Water Purification Filter
H. Removable Tray
I. Safety Lock
J. Medicine Cup
K. Tank Cap

C

A. Removable Tray 

B. Water Purification Filter

C. Humidifier Base

B

A

D

E

F

G

I

H

J

A

B

C

K