How To Clean A Vicks Humidifier (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Cough, congestion, and irritations caused by dry indoor air can be avoided by using a humidifier. And Vicks makes some of the best humidifiers in the market!

They can last you a lifetime as long as you keep them clean and well-maintained. You’ll have to rinse the humidifier daily and deep clean it every week to remove deposits. It is also important to disinfect the tank and other parts at least once a month.

A humidifier can be a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and contamination. That is because there’s a tank for standing water that can stagnate if not replaced regularly. Also, the filters catch contaminants from the air that can breed in there over time.

For these reasons, it is imperative to clean your humidifiers regularly. Fortunately, Vicks humidifiers are easy to clean.

From chapped lips to dry skin and congestion to sore throat — living in dry climatic conditions doesn’t come easy. Allergies act up, pets suffer, walls and furniture deteriorate, and breathing becomes difficult! This is where humidifiers help by getting the moisture to acceptable levels, i.e., 30 to 50%, and all symptoms brought on because of dryness are put to rest.

Let’s find out more about these products and discover the steps to cleaning them.

Remember, if you don’t stick to a cleaning ritual, you will be breathing in bacteria-ridden mist in a matter of weeks. And nobody wants that! So make sure that you follow these guidelines to keep the air in your home breathable and safe for everyone:

Things You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure that you have this equipment available:

  • Paper towels
  • Distilled Vinegar
  • Measuring spoon
  • Small bowl
  • Bleach
  • Sponge
  • Clean cloth
  • Filter; if its needs replacement

Make this a part of your everyday routine so that your humidifier always performs at its best:

How to Clean a HUMIDIFIER NATURALLY With Vinegar

  1. Switch off the humidifier and remove its cord
  2. Place it upside down on a flat surface, preferably a table
  3. Pull apart the Vicks humidifier, i.e., remove the water tank and the tray. Do it carefully as sudden movements can damage the filter
  4. Uncap the tank and drain out all water, then rinse it with lukewarm water
  5. If you have a tankless humidifier, simply remove all water
  6. Dry the tank with a paper towel or cloth
  7. Wipe other parts of the humidifier with a damp cloth
  8. Put it all back together and add water. Your humidifier is now ready to use.

Weekly Deep-Cleaning

Apart from daily cleaning, do the following deep-cycle cleanup to remove any scale deposits, such as those formed by hard water.

  1. Empty the tank, then add some warm water, and shake it a few times. Rinse off the water and lay the tank upside down on a flat surface to dry
  2. While the tank is drying, turn on the humidifier and let it run till the filter dries out in about 15 minutes
  3. If the filter is completely dry, gently pull it out from the water tray. If, it feels moist, wait for a few more minutes before removing it
  4. Remove the water tray and put around a cup of distilled vinegar in it, and let it sit for about half an hour. This will loosen scale-deposits so they can be easily removed
  5. If the unit you own does not have a tray that removes, simply use a vinegar-soaked sponge to wipe it
  6. After waiting for 30 minutes, scrub off the scale-deposits with an abrasive sponge. If it doesn’t work, let it soak in distilled vinegar for another half an hour
  7. When the tank is free from scale-deposits; rinse it along with the tray and tube with lukewarm water
  8. Use a soft cloth and paper towels to dry everything before putting the Vicks humidifier back together

Monthly Disinfecting

As stated earlier, water usage, and especially standing water, creates a gateway for contamination.  Therefore, you need to disinfect it monthly.

Here is what you do:

  1. Make a water bleach solution by mixing a gallon of warm water with a 2 tablespoons full of bleach and put it in the tank
  2. Let it sit for around 20 to 25 minutes, and gently shake it a few times to ensure that the solution gets into every corner
  3. If you have a tankless Vicks humidifier, add this solution to the base
  4. Once it has had sufficient time to soak, carefully drain out the water while making sure that doesn’t touch any other part of the humidifier
  5. In case the bleach solution does spill on the main body of the humidifier, be quick to dry it off with a paper towel or cloth
  6. Now thoroughly rinse the tank, tube, and base with warm water, and only stop when can no longer smell any bleach
  7. Now leave the humidifier unattended for about four hours to dry thoroughly
  8. And you are done for the month!

Types Of Vicks Humidifiers

Vicks has been a credible brand for decades. From their vapor rubs to their lozenges, everything they’ve ever made has been a success. Their humidifiers are no different, and they can outperform the majority of the competition.

Vicks humidifiers come in different shapes and sizes, and they are categorized into warm mist and cool mist humidifiers.

Both can do a bang-up job of protecting your family from flu, cold, and sinus issues. However, experts suggest using cool mist humidifiers around children. The other kind is great to warm up your space and ease the effects of dry air during the winters.

The following cleaning advice applies to both, so you can follow it no matter what kind of Vicks humidifier you own.

 

Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Vicks Humidifier

Here are some tried-and-tested recommendations from experts:

  • When not in use, make sure the tank is empty and dry since bacteria can grow within a day or two in standing water
  • Turn wick filters upside down every time you fill the tank so they don’t dry out
  • It would be best to replace filters every two months
  • Use distilled water to get the best from your humidifier, as tap water as added minerals that can be dispersed into the air

Related Questions

Is It Good To Use A Humidifier Every Night?

Yes, that can be quite beneficial as humidifiers keep the skin moisturized, nasal passages lubricated, soothes the throat, and ensures that you get a good night’s sleep! Additionally, it’s also good for the home as it keeps paint from cracking creates a nurturing environment for pets and plants alike.

However, you can only realize these benefits with a clean and well-maintained humidifier. If you ignore regular upkeep, the humidifier may end up doing more damage as the resulting moisture may be contaminated.

Can Humidifiers Cause Pneumonia?

Using a dirty humidifier is a recipe for disaster. It can cause many problems for people with chronic respiratory issues, especially those suffering from asthma and allergies.

Similarly, it is widely believed that running mold and dust-covered humidifiers is risky for seemingly healthy people as well. However, saying that it can straight-up cause pneumonia would be a stretch. No clinical statements prove this to be truthful. On the other hand, a cool-mist humidifier from Vicks can certainly help clear out your lungs and make it easier for you to breathe.

Will A Room Humidifier Work With The Door Open?

There are a variety of humidifiers in the market; some are whole-house humidifiers, others are stand-alone console units. Depending on the dimensions, choose a humidifier which should be the right size – nor too big – nor small.

If you have a humidifier meant to produce moisture for a 200 square feet room, and the place its self is 200 square feet. If the door is opened, the humidity will escape, and running the humidifier will be pointless.