Cleaning Your Humidifier

To keep your humidifier running efficiently, clean it regularly. Weekly cleaning is recommended. To properly clean your humidifier we recommend the separate processes of Scale Removal and Disinfecting shown below. These two processes must be performed separately. You’ll have your humidifier descaled and disinfected in no time!

APPROXIMATE CLEANING TIME: 10-15 MINUTES

Supplies you’ll need:

  • White distilled vinegar
  • Bleach
  • Running water
  • Protective gloves
  • Soft clean cloth
  • Soft toothbrush (for Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier only)
  • Toothpick (for Vicks Vaporizer only)
  • Liquid dish soap (for Vicks Vaporizer only)

All maintenance should be done in the kitchen or bathroom on a water resistant surface near a faucet.

Instructions for Scale Removal – Warm Mist Humidifiers:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Make sure the unit is off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the water tank, the cooling chamber, and the removable tray.
  3. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar so the heating element is submerged
  4. Do not submerge the whole base in any liquid.
  5. Let the heating element soak in the vinegar for at least 20 minutes, never turn the unit on while you are cleaning.
  6. If you have a lot of mineral buildup on the heating element you can soak it longer, such as several hours or overnight.
  7. While it is still soaking in the vinegar, take a soft bristled brush and scrub off any minerals on the heating element.
  8. Empty and rinse thoroughly with water.

Instructions for Scale Removal – Cool Mist Humidifiers:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

For ultrasonic humidifiers, periodic cleaning of the nebulizer will help it perform at its best. The nebulizer, which is a round disc found in the base of the unit, vibrates at ultrasonic speeds to create mist. Over time, minerals from your water may collect on the nebulizer causing it to slow to a pace that is not sufficient to create mist. At this time, we would recommend cleaning your nebulizer using these steps:

  1. Please make sure the unit is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove and empty water from the tank and then empty the base of the unit into your sink.
  3. Fill the base with undiluted white vinegar (just enough to cover the nebulizer) and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. If you see a strong mineral build up, you may want to let it soak longer.
  4. While the nebulizer is soaking in vinegar, take a cotton swab and wipe around the nebulizer to remove the mineral deposits.
  5. Empty the vinegar and rinse the base with water.
  6. Please do not run the unit with the vinegar in it.

Instructions for Disinfecting – Warm Mist Humidifiers:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Make sure the unit is off and unplugged.
  2. Remove the water tank, the cooling chamber, and the removable tray.
  3. Mix ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water with ½ teaspoon of bleach. Pour the bleach solution into the Water Tank. Replace Tank Cap and gently swish to coat the entire inside.  
  4. Place Water Tank on Base. Bleach solution will drain into the Water Tray. Let soak for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove Tank and slowly empty bleach solution into sink.  Rinse with water until the smell of bleach is gone.
  6. Remove the Mist Chimney by gently sliding blue Locking Latch towards the front of the unit and pulling Chimney upwards.
  7. Remove Heating Element Cover by lifting from the large round opening and pulling away from the Chimney, and rinse with Water. With a soft damp paper towel, wipe Heating Element until the smell of bleach is gone.
  8. Carefully remove Water Tray by lifting from the Water Tray Tab and the opening in front of the Latch, and empty bleach solution into sink. Rinse WaterTray and Heating Element Cover with water until the smell of bleach is gone. Wipe Water Tray to dry.

Instructions for Disinfecting – Cool Mist Humidifiers:

FOR ROUTINE CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE, SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR YOUR SPECIFIC UNIT. Owner’s Manuals can be found online on the product page for your specific model.

  1. Please make sure the unit is turned off and unplugged.
  2. Remove and empty water from the tank and then empty the base of the unit into your sink.
  3. Mix ½ gallon (1.9 L) of water with ½ teaspoon of bleach. Pour the bleach solution into the Water Tank. Place the mist nozzle inside to also disinfect
  4. Place Water Tank on Base. Bleach solution will drain into the Water Tray. Let soak for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove Tank and slowly empty bleach solution into sink.  Rinse with water until the smell of bleach is gone.
  6. Remove Float Paddle from Reservoir by lifting on the sides and rinse.
  7. Using a soft cloth wipe the Base, VapoPad Door, Medicine Cup, Chimney, Float Paddle, and Mist Nozzle.
  8. Place Float Paddle back in Reservoir. Position in place.