How to a Clean Vicks Coolmist Humidifier

Humidifiers need daily and weekly cleaning in order to avoid the growth of bacteria and scale. There are several different models of Vicks Cool Mist Humidifiers. Each model has different features, but the basics of cleaning them are the same. However, you may find steps or features mentioned in the steps below that do not fit with your Vicks Coolmist Humidifier, so skip the tip in that case. For best results, follow the guidelines listed in the humidifier's manual.

Things You'll Need

• Water Bleach Vinegar Rags or paper towels

Instructions

Daily Cleaning for All Vicks Humidifiers

1. Turn the switch off and unplug the cord.

2. Wait a few minutes for the motor housing to drain remaining water. Then, remove the tank, fan housing and wick, if necessary. Set the motor housing or top lid upside down.

3. Empty any unused water in the base. Wipe the base clean with a cloth or paper towel.

4. Replace wick, fan housing and then the tank, if necessary.

Weekly Cleaning for Wickless Vicks Humidifiers

1. Dump out any water in the base and tank.

2. Turn the switch off and unplug the cord.

3. Take out the tank and fan housing or humidifier top.

4. Pour white vinegar into the base, place the pickup tube into the base, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

5. Dampen a cloth or sponge with vinegar and use it to wipe out the base. Rinse with warm water.

6. Fill the base with a mixture of water and 1/3 teaspoon of bleach. Let the base sit for 20 minutes.

7. Empty bleach water and rinse well.

8. Wipe base dry with a cloth or paper towel. Use a clean towel to wipe off the outside of the humidifier.

Weekly Cleaning for Vicks Humidifiers with Wick

1. Dump out any water in the base and tank.

2. Reassemble the humidifier and run it empty to dry out the wicking filter.

3. Turn the switch off and unplug the cord.

4. Take out the tank, fan housing and wicking filter.

5. Pour white vinegar into the base, place the pickup tube into the base, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

6. Dampen a cloth or sponge with vinegar and use it to wipe out the base. Rinse with warm water.

7. Fill base with a mixture of water and 1/3 teaspoon of bleach. Let the base sit for 20 minutes.

8. Empty bleach and rinse well.

9. Wipe base dry with a cloth or paper towel. Use a clean towel to wipe off the outside of the humidifier.

Tips & Warnings

• Fan housing should not be immersed or cleaned with water.

Resources

• Kaz Vicks Humidifiers (manuals online)
• IQ Vicks Humidifier owner manuals