Product review (4 stars): Like Purell for your Humidifier!
I have cool mist essential oil diffusers everywhere and I have fountains; the sounds are great!  I have conquered the mineral build up issue by using a&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/ZeroWater-ZP-010-10-Cup-Pitcher/dp/B0073PZ6O0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">ZeroWater ZP-010 10-Cup Pitcher</a>&nbsp;but I can't get rid of the slimy "stuff" that grows no matter what precautions that I take.  So I did some research, first by calling Sunbeam to see if there was perhaps someone knowledgable about this chemical. Not surprisingly, the recording says,

"What product are you calling about?"

 I say "humidifier"

"Is it a warm humidifier?"
"no"
"Does it have a filter?"
"no"
"Alright then, Product should operate according to the instructions." (I'm not kidding).
It then proceeds to give me the topics that they have answers to:  How to Clean,  How to fill, etc.  In other words useless.

Internet research explained to me that this product is not that different from Purell hand Sanitizer only Benzalkonium Chloride is used to make that membrane-like surface of water (the viscosity) Less thick so that the ethyl alcohol (the purell) and attack the bacteria.

It's used in eye care products (to help them become absorbable) though ironically it is very bad for eyes in stronger doses.  I found that there was a reduction in the slime surrounding the pump of my fountain and less in the base of the diffuser. You don't need a lot of this, I used a capful for a large bowl fountain.  I didn't find the smell offensive in fact, the oil I was using in the diffuser got stronger (must be that viscosity thing).

So Don't over do it with this stuff, it's like only use Purell when you aren't near soap and water but don't let this replace good cleanly habits. You're sending microbes into the air, help them not breed with this but small amounts and frequent cleanings are the best balance.