Why Is the Blue Light Blinking on My Frida Humidifier?
Frida humidifiers combat dry air in the house. If the air is too dry, it can irritate your skin, and inflame the sinuses, and throat.
But what happens when your trusty Frida humidifier starts throwing tantrums in the form of a blinking blue light?
Don’t fret!
This guide will shed light on the potential reasons behind this behavior and, more importantly, how to get your humidifier back to its mist-making best.
Remember, we have also looked at other similar issues, such as the Levoit humidifier shutting down, or the Pure Enrichment humidifier blinking red.
Make no mistake about this… Frida has some good-quality humidifiers, such as the Frida Baby 3-in-1 humidifier that you can buy on Amazon.com, which has a diffuser, humidifier, and a nightlight.
Causes of blue light blinking
If you see a blue light blinking on your humidifier, do not fret. After all, it is not as serious as a Vicks humidifier blinking red light, and that too is fixable.
Here, I will reveal to you the most common causes of a blue light on your humidifier. That way, to fix it, you can eliminate the possible causes one by one:
Low water level
Your humidifier will switch off as soon as the water runs low, to prevent overheating. However, before it does that, it will show you the sign by the blue light blinking.
When the water tank dips below the minimum level, the blue light will blink as a desperate plea for a refill.
Tank misplacement or poor attachment
Ensure the water tank is properly seated on the base. A misaligned tank can trigger the low-water sensor, even if it’s full.
This also means that you should know where to place the humidifier, and this should be on a level surface. This prevents it from tipping over and boosts its performance.
Clogged ultrasonic transducer
The transducer vibrates to create mist, but mineral buildup or dust in the humidifier can hinder its performance. This can lead to blinking and reduced mist output.
If you use hard water in the humidifier, it is likely to cause clogging on the transducer. This can happen with both the Vicks warm mist humidifiers, and ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers.
Empty essential oil reservoir (BreatheFrida 3-in-1 only)
If you’re using the BreatheFrida 3-in-1 humidifier and the blue light blinks even with a full water tank, check the essential oil reservoir. Running it dry can trigger the blinking light.
This humidifier comes in the 3-in-1 design, so you can add essential oil to the humidifier and give your baby, and yourself, some good aromatherapy.
While the Vicks humidifier can work without VapoPads, the BreatheFrida 3-in-1 might start misbehaving if you run it without adding essential oil to the built-in diffuser.
Power issues
Faulty connections or a malfunctioning adapter can also result in the blue light blinking. Since the humidifier has a circuit board, you cannot tell how it will affect some functions, such as the blue and red lights.
How to fix a blinking blue light
If you see a blue light on your humidifier blinking, act immediately. It is a warning that something is amiss with your unit.
First, check out the humidifier instructions. Secondly, follow the tips I have shared with you below:
Top up the tank
Check if the water level is below the minimum mark. If so, give it a good drink! A humidifier thrives on water, so when it does not have it, it will either switch off, or show a blue light.
Double-check the tank
Make sure the tank is securely placed on the base and there are no gaps. Switch the unit off, let it cool down, and remove the tank. Set it back on properly this time, and the blue light will not blink again.
Clean the transducer
Wipe the transducer surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove any buildup. Consult the user manual for deep cleaning instructions. You can use white vinegar for a better cleaning option.
The transducer usually gets a caking from the minerals present in the hard water that you use in an ultrasonic humidifier.
Refill the essential oil reservoir
If you are using the BreatheFrida 3-in-1 unit, add your favorite essential oil if the reservoir is empty. It is designed to be all systems go with everything intact.
Ensure the power cord is okay
Ensure the adapter is plugged in securely to both the outlet and the humidifier base. Try a different outlet if necessary.
If you suspect that the power cord is blown, smell it. It usually gives off a burnt smell, and so does the fuse. You can then replace the power cord or the fuse.
Check the user manual
Your Frida humidifier’s user manual will have specific troubleshooting steps and error codes based on the model.
If you don’t have one, you can check the ManualsLib website. They make it easier to search for different appliance manuals online. You could also contact the manufacturer.
Frida humidifier red light blinking? Causes and fixes
If your Frida humidifier is flashing red instead of blue, it’s indicating a more serious issue. Here are some possibilities:
It is overheating
This can happen due to clogged filters, low water levels, or running for extended periods. Turn it off immediately and let it cool down before troubleshooting. If this does not solve the red light problem, there is a bigger issue.
There is an internal malfunction
If the humidifier red light persists even after addressing the above, it might be a hardware issue. Contact Frida customer support for assistance.
Frida humidifier not working after cleaning? Don’t panic
The problem of a humidifier not working after cleaning is very common. Luckily, there is nothing to worry about, as you can rectify the problem easily.
What happens is that water leaks into the circuitry, and this can cause a short circuit. If this happens, you need to disassemble the unit, and air-dry the parts on a rack for a few days. That should get rid of all the water that had leaked into the circuitry.
You do not need advanced tools to open the humidifier. You can use a screwdriver. However, if you are not sure about dismantling the humidifier, you can take it to a technician.
Humidifier blue light blinks after cleaning
A clean humidifier is a happy humidifier, but sometimes the cleaning process itself can trigger blinking blues. Here are possible culprits:
- Overfilled Tank: Double-check if you accidentally exceeded the tank’s fill line. Excessive water can overwhelm the sensor and trigger the blinking light. Simply drain some water and restart the humidifier.
- Loose Parts: Ensure the tank and mist outlet are securely attached. A loose connection can disrupt the water flow and activate the blink. Check for any gaps or wobbly parts and reattach them firmly.
- Sensor Mismatch: If you cleaned the water level sensor with something like soap, residue might be interfering with its readings. Rinse the sensor gently with clean water and let it dry completely before restarting.
Baby Frida humidifier not working, light flashes
If your BabyFrida humidifier refuses to work at all, blinking blue incessantly, there might be a deeper issue:
- Power Supply: Check if the plug is firmly inserted into the outlet and the adapter is properly connected. Try a different outlet to rule out power source problems.
- Empty Tank: Even a seemingly full tank can be deceiving. Remove and refill the tank, ensuring complete immersion of the water level sensor.
- Clogged Filter: A clogged filter restricts water flow and triggers the blinking alarm. Remove and clean the filter according to the instructions in your manual.
Blue light blinks 3 times
Three blinks often point to water-related issues:
- Low Water Level: This is the most likely culprit. Refilling the tank should stop the blinking and resume operation.
- Leakage: Check for any leaks around the tank, base, or connections. Tighten any loose parts or replace worn seals if necessary.
- Faulty Sensor: In rare cases, the water level sensor itself might be malfunctioning. Contact Frida customer support for further assistance.
Your hands-on tips for a healthy humidifier
To keep your humidifier in great shape all the time, you have to follow a proper maintenance schedule. Here are some important tips to help you keep your unit working:
Regular cleaning
Clean the tank, base, and transducer regularly according to the manual’s instructions. You can use white vinegar to dislodge any scale that forms from hard water.
Use distilled water
Mineral buildup can clog the transducer. Consider using distilled water to minimize this. Using tap water in a humidifier can also cause scale buildup on the heating elements of a warm mist unit.
Empty and refill regularly
Don’t leave stagnant water in the tank for long periods to prevent bacteria growth. Mold grows in the humidifier if you ignore changing the water too often. If need be, change the water daily.
Store it properly
When not in use, empty the humidifier, clean it very well, and do not forget to empty the essential oil reservoir. Let the unit air-dry properly, and then store it in a cool, dry place with the tank empty and open to prevent mold growth.
Follow the warranty guidelines
Register your humidifier with the manufacturer to activate the warranty. Follow the warranty terms for timely assistance in case of malfunction.
Make sure you follow the humidifier instructions so that you do not void the warranty.
Conclusion
A blinking Frida humidifier may be disconcerting, but it’s often a fixable issue. When you know the potential causes and follow the troubleshooting steps, you can get your mist machine back to humming happily.
Do not also forget that proper maintenance and care go a long way in keeping your Frida humidifier healthy and running smoothly.
So, breathe easy, follow these tips, and enjoy the benefits of the Frida high-quality humidifier for a long time.
