Holmes HM4600 User Manual

WARRANTY INFORMATION

HM4600.05.US.OM1 HM460005EM1 / 9100030003049

Printed in China

Holmes

®

, the Holmes logo®, FilterCheck®, Cleanse Clean®and Accuset PlusTMare trademarks of The Holmes Group, Inc.

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THESE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

Owner’s Guide

HM4600

☎

INFO HOT-LINE: If, after reading this owner’s guide you have
any questions or comments, please call 1-800-5-HOLMES and a
Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you.

Cool Mist Console

Humidifier

FILTER# : HWF100 (6)

FILTER TYPE : WICK

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

REPLACEMENT ACCESSORIES

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

1. DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or mechanical functions on this unit. Doing so will void the Warranty.

2. If you need to exchange the unit, please return it in its original carton, with a sales receipt, to the store where you
purchased it. If you are returning the unit more than 30 days after the date of purchase, please see the enclosed
Warranty.

3. If you have any questions or comments regarding this unit’s operation or believe any repair is necessary, please write
to our Consumer Service Department or visit our website at www.holmesproducts.com.

THE HOLMES GROUP, INC.
CONSUMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
13052 JURUPA AVENUE

FONTANA, CA 92337
For your own records, staple or attach your sales receipt to this manual. Also, please take a moment to write the store
name/location and date purchased below.

STORE NAME:
LOCATION:
DATE PURCHASED:

(STAPLE RECEIPT HERE)

REPLACEMENT ACCESSORIES

To order the replacement accessories you can do any of the following:

• Fill out the accessories card found with the product

• Visit your local retailer

• Go to www.holmesproducts.com

• Call consumer service at 1-800-5-HOLMES

TROUBLE PROBABLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Unit does not turn on Not plugged in Plug in unit

Mist output minimal to none Filter has not absorbed water Wait 15 minutes for filter to absorb water

Filter turns brown The filter has absorbed minerals Replace your filter (HWF100) by calling

1-800-5-HOLMES, or visit

www.holmesproducts.com

TROUBLESHOOTING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FIVE (5) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

SAVE THIS WARRANTY INFORMATION

A. This Warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product.
B. This Warranty applies ONLY to repair or replacement of any supplied or manufactured parts of this product that, upon inspection

by The Holmes Group, Inc. authorized personnel, is shown to have failed in normal use due to defects in material or workmanship.
The Holmes Group will determine whether to repair or replace the unit. This Warranty does not apply to installation expenses.

C. Operating this unit under conditions other than those recommended or at voltages other than the voltage indicated

on the unit, or attempting to service or modify the unit, will render this WARRANTY VOID.

D.Unless otherwise proscribed by law, The Holmes Group shall not be liable for any personal injury,

property or any incidental or consequential damage of any kind resulting from malfunctions, defects,
misuse, improper installation or alteration of this product.

E. All parts of this product excluding filters, which are covered under separate warranty, are guaranteed for a period

of 5 years as follows:

1. Within the first 30 days from date of purchase, the store from which you purchased your product should replace this
product if it is defective in material or workmanship (provided the store has in-stock replacement.) If you intend to
assert any claim in connection with the product, please follow the instructions in paragraph F.

2. Within the Sixty months from date of purchase, The Holmes Group will repair or replace the product if it is
defective in material or workmanship, subject to the conditions in paragraph G.

F. If you have any other problem or claim in connection with this product, please write our Consumer Service Department.
G. IMPORTANT RETURN INSTRUCTIONS. Your Warranty depends on your following these instructions if you are returning

the unit to The Holmes Group, Inc.:

1. Carefully pack the item in its original carton or other suitable box to avoid damage in shipping.

2. Before packing your unit for return, be sure to enclose:

a) Your name, full address with zip code and telephone number
b) A dated sales receipt or PROOF OF PURCHASE,
c) Your $10.00 check for return shipping and handling, and
d) The model number of the unit and the problem you are having. (Enclose in an envelope and tape directly to

the unit before the box is sealed.)

3. The Holmes Group recommends you ship the package U.P.S. ground service for tracking purposes.

4. All shipping charges must be prepaid by you.

5. Mark the outside of your package:

THE HOLMES GROUP, INC.
13052 JURUPA AVENUE
FONTANA, CA 92337

SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES: $10.00 (USD)

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. The
provisions of this Warranty are in addition to, and not a modification of, or subtraction from, the statutory warranties
and other rights and remedies contained in any applicable legislation. To the extent that any provision of this Warranty is
inconsistent with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed voided or amended, as necessary, to comply with such law.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

When not using your humidifier for an extended period of time:

1. Dispose of the filters. DO NOT leave in unit.

2. Clean, rinse and thoroughly dry the humidifier as directed in weekly maintenance. DO NOT leave any water in the
unit when storing. Leaving water in the unit may render the unit in-operable for the following season.

3. Place the humidifier in the original carton and store in a cool, dry place.

4. Order your replacement filter (6 HWF100) for next year’s use.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS ANSWER

The estimated run time for this humidifier is based on average room conditions. The
actual run time of your humidifier is dependent on numerous variables such as:

1. Air exchange in the room where the humidifier is placed.

2. Room construction where the humidifier is placed.

3. Temperature of the room where the humidifier is placed.

4. Humidity levels in the room where the humidifer is placed.

5. Movement of occupants and the opening and closing of doors in the room where
the humidifier is placed.

6. Home furnishings in the room where the humidifer is placed.

See Daily Maintenance instructions. Regular cleaning is recommended.

1. Run your unit on the lowest setting.

2. If your unit has electronics, set it to your desired humidity level. The unit will turn
on and off, which will extend the run time.

3. Fill the tank all the way full, place it on the base, let the water empty into the base
until it stops bubbling, then refill the tank full again. This ensures maximum water
capacity and will extend run time.

What are the variables that
affect run time?

How do I remove film on
water tank?

How can I extend the run
time?

Humidifier

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PLEASE READ AND SAVE

THESE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Consumer Safety Information
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.

HOW COOL MIST WORKS

Your Holmes®Cool Mist humidifier draws dry air through
the air intake grill area. This air is then passed through a
moisture–laden wick filter, which retains the minerals and
deposits in the water. The resulting moist air is directed
back into the room from the top air grill.

NOTE: This humidification system provides a cool,
invisible moisture output. It is normal not to see the mist.

NOTE: A humidity level below 20% can be unhealthy and
uncomfortable. The recommended humidity level is
between 40%-50%.

IONIZER

Your Humidifier has an independently controlled ionizer,
which, when turned on, releases negative ions into outgoing
air. Ions are tiny particles that carry a positive or negative
charge. These ions exist naturally around us, in the air, water
and ground. Both positive and negative ions are colorless,
odorless and completely harmless.
Negative ions help the air purification process by attaching
themselves to very small airborne particles in the room.
These particles take on a negative charge and may join with

positively charged particles such as dust, pollen, smoke and
pet dander to form larger particles that are then more
readily captured by the filter system, or they may be
attracted to positively charged surfaces like walls or floors.
You may also note after extended use, that dust may have
collected around the grills or front panel. This is from the
ionization affect caused by the negative ions exiting from
the air outlet. This is additional evidence of the air cleaning
effectiveness of negative ions. The dust can be easily
removed with a clean, damp cloth or soft brush.

PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Be sure the humidifier is switched to OFF and the unit
is disconnected from the electrical outlet.

2. Select a location for your humidifier, on a flat surface,
about 4” away from the wall. DO NOT place the
humidifier on a finished floor or near furniture which
can be damaged by moisture or water. Place on a
moisture-resistant surface.

FILLING THE WATER TANKS
To fill at sink

1. Remove the tanks from the base of the humidifier and
bring to the faucet. Lay the tank on its flat side.
Unscrew tank cap and extend funnel until completely
exposed. Turn the opening towards the faucet and fill
with cool tap water. DO NOT fill with warm water

as this may cause leaking. Replace the cap on
each tank FIRMLY.

2. When full, carry each tank to the humidifier and place
onto the base. Each tank holds 1.5 gallons of water and
the base holds 0.5 gallons of water. The tanks will
immediately begin to empty into base.

To fill at bath tub

1. Remove the tanks from the base of the humidifier and
bring to the faucet. Unscrew the tank cap and expose
the funnel completely. Flex the plastic funnel and
remove it from the tank. Unscrew the funnel from the
tank cap and fill at the tub. The funnel is not necessary
for the unit to work properly, so you may dispose of it
or screw it back on again if you wish to fill at the sink.

DO NOT fill with warm water as this may cause
leaking. Replace the cap on each tank FIRMLY.

2. When full, carry each tank to the humidifier and place
onto the base. Each tank holds 1.5 gallons of water and
the base holds 0.5 gallons of water. The tanks will
immediately begin to empty into base.

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THESE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

FEATURES - OPERATIONS

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 120V AC electrical outlet.

3.Keep the cord out of heavy traffic areas. To avoid fire
hazard, NEVER put the cord under rugs or near heat registers.

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 its electrical outlet. Failure
to heed this warning may cause personal injury. Be sure to
unplug the unit by pulling on the plug and not the cord.

7.Never place anything over moisture outlet when the
unit is running.

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

9.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.

10.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 the manufacturer may cause hazards.

11.DO NOT use outdoors.

12.Always place humidifier on a firm, flat, level surface. A
waterproof mat or pad is recommended for use 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.

13.DO NOT allow the Moisture Outlet to directly face the wall.
Moisture could cause damage, particularly to wall paper.

14.Humidifier should be unplugged when not in use.

15.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.

16.This humidifier requires daily and weekly maintenance
to operate appropriately. Refer to daily and weekly
cleaning procedures. Use only cleaners and additives
recommended by the manufacturer.

17.NEVER use detergents, gasoline, glass cleaner, furniture
polish, paint thinner, or other household solvents to
clean any part of the humidifier.

18.Excessive humidity in a room can cause water
condensation on windows and some furniture. If this
happens, turn the humidifier OFF.

19.Do not use humidifier in an area where humidity level is in
excess of 50%. Use a hygrometer, available at your local
retailer or through the manufacturer, to measure the humidity.

20.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.

21.Never place housing under water flow or immerse in liquids.

22.Do not plug in the cord with wet hands: electric shock
could result.

23.Do not pour water in any openings other than the water tank.

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

25.NEVER operate unit without water in the tank.

26.Do not move unit after it has been used until unit cools
completely.

27.Use both hands when carrying full tank of water.

Thank you for purchasing this Holmes

®

product. We
understand the value of quality and are committed to
making superior products that stand the test of time. We
trust this product will exceed your expectations of quality and
reliability. We hope that you enjoy this product and will
consider purchasing another Holmes®product in the future.
To see our full product line or if you have any questions or
comments about this product, please visit our website at:
www.holmesproducts.com.

need to be changed (see Figure 2).
When the needle is in the black
(CHANGE) section, this means the
proper amount of moisture is not
getting into your air due to the
excessive minerals and sediment
that have become trapped on your
filters. At this point, you should replace your filter. It is
important to change your filter as indicated to obtain stated
performance level.

To replace the filter, follow the steps below.

1. Turn the unit off and disconnect from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the tanks and main housing to access the base tray.

3. Remove each individual wick and discard. Do not
remove rivet, replacement wicks come equipped with
rivets for easy replacement.

4. Follow the weekly cleaning instructions.

5. Insert new filters into each section of the wick frame
making sure the rivet attaches to the wick frame securely.

6. Do not use wicks without rivets as this will not produce
the unit's intended output.

7. Replace main housing and then tanks.

8. Repeat Operating Instructions steps.

It will take about 30 minutes for the humidifier to reach
maximum output.
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 6 model HWF100
replacement filters.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Humidifiers provide comfort by adding moisture to dry,
heated indoor air. To benefit most from the humidifier and
avoid product misuse, follow all instructions carefully. Please
note that this is an electrical appliance and requires attention
when in use.
In addition, if you do not follow the recommended care and
maintenance guidelines, micro-organisms may be able to
grow in the water within the water tank. You must routinely
follow the cleaning procedures that follow in order to ensure
proper, efficient operation of your humidifier. Proper
maintenance and cleaning is essential to the continued
performance of your unit and the avoidance of algae or
bacteria build-up.

DAILY MAINTENANCE

1. Be sure the unit is OFF and is disconnected from the
electrical outlet.

2. Remove the housing and the tanks from the humidifier
and place in sink or tub.

3. Carry the base of the unit to the sink, remove the
wicks, place in sink, drain any remaining water and
rinse thoroughly to remove any sediment or dirt. Wipe
clean, and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Drain the water from the tank into the sink and rinse
tanks thoroughly. Wipe clean, and dry with a clean
cloth or paper towel

5. Put filters back in wick frame, replace the housing, then
refill tank with cool tap water as instructed earlier in
the Filling Instructions. Do not overfill.

6. Follow Operating Instructions.

WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
To Remove Scale:

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above.

2. Clean the base by partially filling the base with one 8­oz cup of undiluted white vinegar, or by using Cleanse
Clean

®

(Model S1710) by the manufacturer. Leave this
solution in the base for 20 minutes, while cleaning all
the interior surfaces with a soft brush. Remove base
scale by wiping the base with a cloth dampened with
undiluted white vinegar.

3. Rinse with clean warm water to remove the cleaning
solution before disinfecting the tank.

To Disinfect Humidifier Base and Tanks:

1. Fill humidifier base with 1/4 gallon of water and 1/2
teaspoon of chlorine bleach.

2. Fill each tank 1/2 full with water and 1 teaspoon of
chlorine bleach.

3. Let the solution stand for 20 minutes, swishing every
few minutes. Wet all surfaces.

4. Carefully empty the base and tanks after 20 minutes,
and rinse with water until you cannot detect any bleach
smell. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

5. Check the FilterCheck

®

indicator to see if it is time to
replace the filters. Depending on water hardness in
your area, it may be necessary to change the filter
every 1-2 months. Re-insert the wick filters into the
wick frame.

6. Refill the water tanks as directed with cool tap water,
replace the humidifier housing, and turn the unit on.

THIS PRODUCT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POLARIZED PLUG (a plug having one blade wider
than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. If the plug does not
fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact qualified personnel
to install the proper outlet.

DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY PURPOSE OF THIS

POLARIZED PLUG IN ANY WAY

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Your humidifier is equipped with a technologically advanced
AccuSet Plus™Digital Humidistat. You can set the humidifier
to run continuously in manual mode or set the AccuSet Plus

™

Digital Humidistat to your desired humidity setting. The
AccuSet Plus™Digital Humidistat will automatically turn the
humidifier ON or OFF, depending on the preset comfort level.
The comfort level ranges from 35% and 65% relative humidity.

Manual Mode Instructions:

1. Plug the humidifier into a 120V AC electrical outlet.

2. The display will show the current room humidity.

3. To start the unit, push the MODE/OFF button once for
the HIGH (3) manual setting.

4. Press the button again for the MEDIUM (2) manual
setting and again for LOW (1). After the selection is made, th e
display will return to show the current room humidity.

5. To stop the unit, press and hold the button for two
seconds, or keep pressing the button until the display
reads OFF (OF).

AccuSet Plus™ HUMIDISTAT INSTRUCTIONS (see
Figure 1)

To take advantage of the AccuSet Plus™Digital Humidistat,
press the MODE/OFF button until the speed is set in either
the HIGH (A3), MEDIUM (A2) or LOW (A1) setting. Then
adjust the set humidity by using the up and down buttons.
Humidity will increase in increments of 5%. When the
humidity level is set, the display will return to show the
current room humidity. When the room humidity level rises
above the set humidity, the humidifier will stop. When the
humidity level drops below the set humidity, the humidifier
will turn on automatically.
NOTE: Allow up to 30 minutes for the filter to fully absorb
water and for the unit to produce moisture.
NOTE: The AccuSet Plus™Humidifier has memory. This
means that when you turn the unit back on, it will be at the
last setting the humidifier was set at.
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,
base and wick filters to prevent algae or bacteria growth.

Extended Run Time Setting:

By setting you humidifier to a specific humidity level, you are
actually also extending the run time. Since the unit will turn on and
off to maintain the set humidity level, less water will be used, so
you will need to fill the unit less than you would on manual setting.

USING THE PROGRAMMABLE TIMER

AccuSet Plus™ allows the user to program the humidifier to
come on at a preset time, or turn off after a set amount of time.

Setting the Off Timer:

1. Select the Mode and/or humidity you wish the
humidifier to run at.

2. While the humidifier is running, press and hold the up
and down buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds. The
display will flash “00”.

3. By pressing the up and down buttons, program the
humidifier to turn off up to 16 hours later in increments
of 1 hour.

4. After setting the timer, the display will return to show
the current room temperature. A light will illuminate to
show that the timer is activated.

5. After the predetermined length of time has passed, the
humidifier will automatically shut off.

Setting the On Timer:

1. While the humidifier is off, press and hold the up and
down buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds. The display
will flash “00”.

2. By pressing the up and down buttons, program the
humidifier to turn on up to 16 hours in advance in
increments of 1 hour.

3. After the preset length of time has passed, the
humidifier will automatically turn on Auto Mode HI
speed at 45% for a preset time of 2 hours.

Using the Ionizer

1. Press the Ionizer button on and the LED will illuminate.

2. To turn off, press the Ionizer button again.

REPLACING THE FILTERS

Through normal use, waterborne minerals and sediment
become trapped in the wick filter. The harder your water, the
greater the amount of minerals in the water, and the more
often you will need to change your filter.
You will be able to monitor the life of the filter in your
humidifier by checking the FilterCheck®indicator. When the
unit is off, the FilterCheck®indicator will read in the OFF
position. After 60 minutes of use, FilterCheck®indicator will
move from the OFF position and indicate your filter
condition. A brand new filter will register in the blue section
reading GOOD filter. After frequent use of your humidifier,
the FilterCheck®indicator will let you know when the filters

Figure 2

FEATURES - OPERATIONS

REPLACING THE FILTERS

Figure 1

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