I had the same problem but i think the water tension is too high and the wick does not **** it up..just like wearing a new t-shirt and you notice that water beads up on the cloth.After wearing it and washing it,the soap in the detergent will have removed/dissolved the water tension and allowing it to clean the shirt.This removal will allow the shirt to absorb moisture easier.Same as the wick for the humidifier.Try to leave the wick in the device for an hour or so.You may add a tiny pinch of salt but not too much.Or better ,leave the wick in the bathroom when you shower as the air borne water particles will settle into the wick and trigger off the absorption effect.I hope it works for you.