Frequently Asked Questions

General Cool Mist Humidifier

Question: How do I set up/install my humidifier?

Answer:

Remove packaging material. Keep the Owner’s Manual for reference.
Remove the twist tie and extend the power cord to full length.
Place the humidifier on a firm, level, water-resistant surface at least 12″ (30 cm) from any walls. DO NOT place on surfaces that can be damaged by water. Mist should be directed away from any walls, bedding and furniture.

You can download the owner’s manual on your specific model detail page by searching for your humidifier by name or model number found on the package, or by browsing the humidifiers & vapourizers page.

Question: How do I clean my humidifier?

Answer: Cleaning your humidifier varies by model. Please see your humidifier’s Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions.

Question: Where can I buy Vicks humidifiers?

Answer:

Vicks humidifiers can be purchased online and in-store at major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Jean Coutu, Loblaws, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Toys R Us, and Walmart. Please refer to the Where to Buy page for a full list.

Question: What are the differences between the various humidifiers?

Answer:

Cool Mist
Evaporative – Water is wicked up from the base into a porous filter. Air blowing from the fan through the filter evaporates the moisture into the air. With evaporative humidifiers, the mist is not visible.
Ultrasonic– Water is turned into a visible mist by the nebulizer moving in the base at ultrasonic speeds.
Warm Mist
Vapourizer – An electric current passing between two electrodes vapourizes the water resulting in the emission of warm steam.
Warm Mist – A heating element boils the water to produce steam.

Question: How do I order replacement parts?

Answer: To order parts for your Vicks Humidifier, please email [email protected].

Question: How do I use Vicks VapoSteam and VapoPads in my humidifier?

Answer: Depending on the type of humidifier, Vicks VapoSteam can be used in the inhalant cup while Vicks VapoPads can be inserted into the Scent Pad door. Please look for accessory compatibility in your humidifier’s Owner’s Manual, product page, or in the humidifier comparison chart.

Question: Can I use essential oils in my humidifier?

Answer: No, except for VUL500C & VUL530C models. 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.

The VUL500C & VUL530C humidifier tanks are made from a special plastic that will not be damaged by essential oils. Never add anything to a humidifier tank unless specifically noted by the manufacturer.

Question: Where is the best location to place my unit?

Answer: Place the unit on a firm, flat, waterproof surface at least four feet (1.2 m) away from the bedside, 12 inches (30 cm) from the wall. Ensure it is not placed where it could be tripped over or in a location where it could be considered a fire hazard. Be sure that it is out of reach of pets and children as the warm mist humidifiers and vapourizers create boiling to hot water.

Question: Are any of the pieces of my humidifier dishwasher safe?

Answer: This will vary between humidifiers. Please see the cleaning section of your humidifier’s Owner’s Manual, this will inform you if any parts can be placed in the dishwasher.

Question: How often do I need to clean my humidifier?

Answer: To keep your humidifier running efficiently, clean it regularly. Weekly cleaning is recommended. All maintenance should be done in the kitchen or bathroom on a water-resistant surface near a faucet.
To properly clean your humidifier we recommend the separate processes of Scale Removal and Disinfecting. These two processes must be done separately.
Please see your humidifier’s Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions.

Question: What is the white dust my humidifier is producing?

Answer: With some humidifiers (Impeller and Ultrasonic) the mist put out by the unit is a visible mist. These types of appliances turn the water into a mist and release it into the air. The minerals that are in the water are also in the mist being released by the humidifier. As the moisture evaporates into the air, the minerals are left behind and will settle around nearby surfaces as dust, and in most cases it is white. It is not harmful in any way; it is just the mineral contents of your water. The amount of white dust you see is directly related to the hardness of your water. To reduce the amount of white dust, use distilled or purified water or Protec Demineralization Cartridges (compatible with select models).

Question: Why is there condensation on my walls, ceiling, windows, etc?

Answer: The humidity level in the room or the house is too high, and the air is becoming saturated with water. We recommend waiting to use the unit until the moisture level drops or using the unit on a low setting. A hygrometer can be helpful in determining the actual room humidity and should be available at most Hardware stores.