Frequently Asked Questions

V150SGNLC Warm Steam Vapourizer

Question: How do I clean my Vicks Vapourizer?

Answer:

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to clean your Vicks Vapourizer.

You can also view the How to Clean video here.

Daily Maintenance

Unplug unit before performing any maintenance. Empty any unused water from the water container. Rinse container thoroughly with water, drain and wipe with a dry, clean cloth.

Weekly Maintenance

Unplug unit before performing any maintenance. Empty any unused water from the water container. Rinse container thoroughly with water, drain and wipe with a dry, clean cloth.
With the steam unit safely unplugged, soak steam unit in 10 cm (4 inches) of white vinegar for 10 minutes.
Then, over a sink, with fingers covering the bottom hole of the steam unit, add tap water into steam outlet. Cover Steam outlet with other hand, shake steam unit back and forth, do not shake up and down, then empty the water through steam outlet. Repeat several times until black particles are no longer emitted and vinegar odour is gone.
If using Vicks VapoSteam, make sure any residue is cleaned off steam unit using a mild detergent.
Rinse area under the steam guard to remove any dust or dirt particles. With a long toothpick, you can gently poke through the steam outlet and drain hole if they’ve become obstructed.
Disinfecting the Reservoir
Fill reservoir with water and add 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon (3.8 litres) of water. Swish to wet all inner surfaces. Let stand for 20 minutes. Then empty reservoir and rinse with tap water until the bleach smell is gone. Dry with a clean cloth.

End-Of-Season Maintenance/Storage
Follow Weekly Maintenance procedure at end-of-season or when the vapourizer will not be used for several days. Be sure to dry all parts and store in a cool, dry location. DO NOT STORE UNIT WITH WATER INSIDE.

Question: Can Vicks VapoSteam be used with this vapourizer?

Answer:

Yes, this Vicks Vaporizer includes an inhalant cup and a Scent Pad heater.

For best results fill the inhalant cup on the steam unit (located directly below the nightlight and in front of the steam outlet) with one tablespoon of Vicks VapoSteam.

NOTE: Vicks VapoSteam CANNOT be added directly to the water. If you use Vicks VapoSteam please pay careful attention to the added cleaning directions in the Care and Cleaning section.

DO NOT fill inhalant cup above pour level indicator line.

Adding essential oils or any other non-recommended materials to the water tank can damage the unit. Oil can erode or eat away at the plastic, possibly causing the unit to malfunction.

Question: My vapourizer does not operate or steams too slowly. What should I do?

Answer:

Make sure the vapourizer is plugged in and the night-light is lit. If the night-light is not on, you may have a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker or a defective electrical outlet. Try a different outlet. You may want to contact an electrician to check the potentially defective outlet.
If the vapourizer is plugged in and the night-light is on, the fault may be the low mineral content of the water in your area. Unplug the vapourizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Remove the steam unit allowing the water to drain out, add one or two PINCHES (1/8 tsp) of salt to the water and mix thoroughly. Replace the steam unit and plug in the vapourizer. It should steam within 5 minutes. Add salt only by the PINCH, since too much salt can cause excessive boiling or blow a fuse.
If the vapourizer has been operating normally and is now failing to steam, it needs to be cleaned. See the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning instructions.

Question: How much salt do I add to the water?

Answer: We recommend mixing one or two pinches of salt (1/8 tsp) into your water if the vapourizer does not produce steam after 10 minutes. Please wait ten minutes for the salt to have an effect, and if it is still not generating steam, or is only generating a little steam, then add a pinch or two more as needed, up to ½ tsp.

Question: Why is my vapourizer overboiling and spitting water?

Answer:

These units require water with minerals in it to function. If there are too many minerals in your water the unit can blow fuse, overboil, or produce heavy steam flow. This can be caused by a buildup of minerals in the unit over time, or by having too many minerals in the water you’re using. If you live in a “hard water” area, it means that the mineral content in your water is high and might be the reason behind your vapourizer’s over-steaming.

We recommend that you unplug your unit, let it cool, and empty all the water. Clean the unit following the normal cleaning instructions from the Owner’s Manual, then add water and plug it back in. Do not add any salt. Wait ten minutes, and if the unit is still over-steaming then there are too many minerals in your water. Using a mixture of distilled or filtered water will solve this issue.

Question: Why are there black particles in my vapourizer?

Answer: The black particles that you see in your vapourizer are normal and do not affect the purity of the steam. These particles are the leftover minerals from your water. The reason the minerals turn black is because they have passed between the electrodes and have been charred. If the unit is maintained on a daily and weekly basis, you should not experience any problems with its performance.

Question: Where do I place this vapourizer?

Answer: Vapourizer should always be placed on a firm, flat, heat-resistant, and waterproof surface at least four feet away from the bedside and out of the reach of children and pets. Be sure the vapourizer is in a stable position and the power cord is out of the way to prevent the vapourizer from being tipped over. Protect floor, rug or furniture by placing the vapourizer on a non-metallic, waterproof, heat-resistant surface