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9100030004077

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Humidifiers provide comfort by adding moisture to dry,
heated indoor air. To get the most benefit from the
humidifier and avoid product misuse, follow all
instructions carefully, specifically the operation, care and
maintenance guidelines. 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 instructions, micro-organisms may be
able to grow in the water within the humidifier’s reservoir.
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 reservoir from the

humidifier and place in sink or tub.

3. Carry the base of the unit to the sink, remove the wick

frame and 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. 

NOTE:

the base and wick frame are dishwasher safe

TOP RACK ONLY.

4. Drain the water from the tank into the sink and rinse

tank thoroughly. Wipe clean, and dry with a clean cloth
or paper towel.

5. Put filters back in wick frame, replace on base, 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

Remove Scale:

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above.

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

cup of undiluted white vinegar, or use Clean-Away™ by
Bionaire

®

. Let solution stand 20 minutes, cleaning all

interior surfaces with a soft brush. Dampen a cloth with
undiluted white vinegar and wipe out entire base to
remove scale.

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

white vinegar solution before beginning to disinfect the
reservoir.

Troubleshooting for your Cool Mist Humidifier

Trouble

• LED not illuminated.

• Mist output minimal to

none.

• Water leaks from water 

reservoir.

• Water Filter turns brown.

• Film on water reservoir.

• Water cloudy.

• Humidistat cycles on/off.

• Very tight reservoir cap.

Probable Cause

Unit not plugged in. 

Power failure.

Filter has not 
absorbed water.

Mineral buildup in base.

Humidistat is set too low.

Wick Filter needs 
to be replaced.

Normal operation.

Rubber O-ring is missing 
or improperly placed.

Reservoir Cap not 
tight enough.

Your filter needs  
to be cleaned.

In areas with particular 
hard water your wick 
filter will need to be 
changed frequently.

Mineral deposits cause 
film on tank to build up.

Filter needs to be 
washed.

Using warm water
to refill reservoir.

Humidifier is reacting 
to room humidity level.

Over tightened.

Solution

Plug in unit.

Check circuit breaker or 
outlet.

✔ 

Wait 15 minutes before 
starting humidifier.

Regular cleaning of tray
after each use will help
keep the unit functioning
properly.

Set the humidistat to 
high.

✔ 

Follow cleaning instructions
in manual.

Mist is invisible.

Check to see if inlet or 
outlet grills are blocked.

✔ 

Remove reservoir 
cap then replace 
or reposition ring.

Tighten the 
reservoir cap.

✔ 

Follow cleaning 
instructions in manual.

Use Clean-Away™
Solution (DMS216), to
order call 1-800-253-2764,
or visit www.bionaire.com.

Follow cleaning 
instructions in manual.

Refill using cool water.

Set the humidistat to a
higher or lower setting.

Add liquid soap or 
petroleum jelly to cap 
gasket to ease opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

What are the variables that 
affect run time?

How do I remove film on 
water tank?

How can I extend the run 
time?

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:

✔ 

Air exchange in the room where the humidifier is placed.

✔ 

Room construction of the room where the humidifier is placed.

✔ 

Temperature of the room where the humidifier is placed.

✔ 

Humidity levels in the room where the humidifier is placed.

✔ 

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

✔ 

Home furnishings in the room where the humidifier is placed.

✔ 

See Daily Maintenance instructions. Regular cleaning is 
recommended.

✔ 

Run your unit on the lowest setting.

✔ 

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.

✔ 

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.

TWO (2) YEARS 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 JCS/THG, LLC authorized personnel,
is shown to have failed in normal use due to defects in
material or workmanship. JCS/THG, LLC 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, JCS/THG,

LLC 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 2 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 first 24 months from date of purchase,

JCS/THG, LLC 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 to our Consumer Service
Department.

G. IMPORTANT RETURN INSTRUCTIONS. Your Warranty

depends on your following these instructions if you are
returning the unit to JCS/THG, LLC:

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.  JCS/THG, LLC 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:

Bionaire

JCS/THG, LLC

303 Nelson Avenue

Neosho, MO 64850

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.

© 2006 JCS/THG, LLC

Bionaire

®

, the Bionaire logo™, Clean-Away™ and

PERMAtech™ are trademarks of JCS/THG, LLC.

BCM5555CN06EFM1

Printed in China

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. If you have a warm
mist humidifier, DO NOT attempt to remove the water
tank within 15 minutes after the humidifier is turned off
and unplugged. Serious injury may result.

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. Never use
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 a hygrometer, available at
your local retailer or through the manufacturer 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 the cord with wet hands, electric

shock could result.

22.DO NOT pour water in any openings other than the

water tank.

23.If you have a warm mist humidifier, 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.

25.NEVER operate unit without water in the tank.

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

HUMIDIFIER SAFETY

PLEASE READ AND SAVE

THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

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.

DO NOT place hands, face or body directly over or
near Moisture Outlet while unit is in operation. DO
NOT cover Moisture Outlet while the unit is operating.

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 the
manufacturer may cause hazards.

2. After filling the water reservoir, replace the water reservoir

cap by firmly turning clockwise and then replace the
water reservoir onto the base. The water reservoir will
immediately begin to empty into the base.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Your humidifier is equipped
with a technologically
advanced Digital Humidistat.
You can set the humidifier to
run continuously in manual
mode or set the Digital
Humidistat to your desired
humidity setting. The Digital
Humidistat will automatically
turn the humidifier ON or
OFF, depending on the
preset comfort level. The
comfort level ranges from
30% 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, the 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 “OF”.

HUMIDISTAT INSTRUCTIONS

To take advantage of the Digital Humidistat, press the
MODE/ OFF button until the speed is set in either the
Auto HIGH (A3), Auto MEDIUM (A2) or Auto 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 Digital Humidistat has memory. This means

that when you turn the unit back on, it will be at the last
setting the humidifier was set at.

PLEASE SAVE THESE 

INSTRUCTIONS

CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION

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

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 YOUR COOL MOISTURE HUMIDIFIER WORKS

Your Bionaire

®

Cool Moisture humidifier draws dry air

through the rear air intake grill area. This air is then
passed through 4 moisture–laden wick filters which
retains the minerals and deposits. The resulting moist air
is directed back into the room from the top air grill.

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

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.

3. Remove the water reservoir, by holding the reservoir

handle and lifting straight upwards.

FILLING THE WATER TANK

1. Twist off the water reservoir cap located on the bottom

of the water reservoir by turning counter clockwise and
fill the water reservoir with cool fresh water. Do not fill
with warm water as this may cause leaking.

If you do not plan to use the humidifier for two or more
days, make sure any residual water is drained from the
water reservoir, base and wick filters to prevent algae or
bacteria growth.

EXTENDED RUN TIME SETTING

By setting your 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

The Digital Humidistat 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 in.

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.  The Timer 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.

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. The humidifier will continue to run on Auto Mode (HI) at

45% for 2 hours of run time.

C

B

A

C. UP/DOWN Buttons
D. Timer Light LED Display

A. Control Panel
B. Mode/Off Butto

n

D

REMOTE INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Insert 2 AAA batteries into back

of remote control.

2. Press the Mode button on remote

to begin operation.

3. Use the remote to control the

same features as the base unit.

NOTE:

The timer function can only

be activated on the base unit. It cannot be activated via
the remote control.

NOTE:

The remote will not shut off the humidifier by

holding the remote button for 2 seconds. The user needs
to scroll to “OF” to shut off the humidifier with the remote
control.

NOTE:

Do not mix new and old batteries. Do not mix

alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-
cadmium) batteries.

PERMAtech™ FILTER CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

1. The water tray should be cleaned

when you clean the filter. The
water tray is a convenient way to
carry the filter to prevent dripping.

2. Mix 1 gallon warm tap water with

1 teaspoon concentrated
antibacterial liquid dish washing
soap.

3. Fully submerge filter in soap solution for 15-20 minutes.

4. Dunk filter in soap solution several times then gently

press to release the soapy water.  Be sure not to wring,
pull or scrub filter as this will degrade the filter.

5. Run under cool tap water until there is no soap

remaining.  Some discoloration may still be visible, this
is normal and does not affect performance.

6. Gently shake or press the filter to remove excess water.  

7. The filter can be put directly into the humidifier while still

damp if it is to be used right away, or allow filter to dry
completely if humidifier is to be stored.

Should your filter become damaged or lost, please call
the customer service number listed in the manual for a
replacement part: BWF100P.

Wick Holder

Housing

Filter Monitor

Control Panel

Water
Reservoir

Reservoir Handle

Fig 1

Fig 4

Fig 2

Digital 

COOL MIST

Humidifier 

MODEL 

BCM5555-CN

Filter: BWF100P 

Read instructions before operating. 

Retain for future reference.

Instruction Leaflet

INFO-LINE 

If after having read this leaflet, you have any 

questions or comments on your air humidifier, 

call

1-800-253-2764

in North America.

Disinfect Humidifier Base and Reservoir:

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

teaspoon of chlorine bleach.

2. Fill the reservoir 1/2 full with water and 1/2 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 reservoir 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 Filter Monitor to see if it is time to clean the

filters. Depending on water hardness in your area, it
may be necessary to clean the filter every 1-2 months.
Re-insert the wick filters into the wick frame. 

6. Refill the water tank as directed with cool tap water,

repace the humidifier housing, and turn the unit on.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

If your humidifier will not be in use for two days or more,
or at the end of the season follow these instructions.

1. Clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly as per the

“Weekly Maintenance” instructions.

2. Let the humidifier dry completely before storing. Do not

store with water inside the base or water reservoir. 

3. Remove the reservoir cap. Do not store with the

reservoir cap in place.

4. Do not leave wick filters inside the humidifier.

5. Store in a cool dry location.

Fig 3

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Do NOT attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or

mechanical functions on this unit. Doing so will void the
warranty. The inside of the unit contains no user
serviceable parts. All servicing should be performed by
qualified personnel only.

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. Should your humidifier require service, please call

1-800-253-2764

in North America for further assistance. 

4. If you have any other questions or comments, feel free

to write to us or visit our website 

www.bionaire.com.

Bionaire

JCS/THG, LLC

303 Nelson Avenue

Neosho, MO 64850

BCM5555-CN06EFM1.qxd  7/3/06  15:50  Page 1

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