Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:

Vicks vapourizers and 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.

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.

Answer: To order parts for your Vicks vapourizer and warm mist humidifier, please email [email protected].

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.

Answer: 

For best results fill the inhalant cup on the steam unit (located directly below 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 of the Owner’s Manual.
DO NOT fill inhalant cup above pour level indicator line.

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.

Answer: Vapourizers require water with some mineral contents to function properly. If you have filtered water or are using distilled water, this can prevent the unit from steaming. If you are using distilled water, please switch to tap water and try again. If you are using tap water and this does not work, we recommend adding one or two pinches of salt (1/8 tsp). 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 1/2 tsp.

Salt does not affect the purity of the steam.

CAUTION: Too much salt can cause excessive boiling, blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

NOTE: Please do not add salt to your vapourizer each time you operate the product. Salt will build up over time and you may not need to repeat the process.

Answer: Overboiling, flickering lights, blown fuse or heavy steam flow from Safety Vents generally indicate one of the following causes…

1. Too much salt was added to the water. To correct the condition: Disconnect the vapourizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Pour out the water and rinse the container. Rinse the steam unit as described in the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions. Refill with fresh water but DO NOT ADD SALT. If the vaporizer now does not operate or steams too slowly, see the directions in the question above.
2. You live in a “hard water” area and minerals in the tap water are causing the vapourizer to steam too rapidly.
   To correct the condition: Disconnect the vapourizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Remove the steam unit allowing hot water to first dribble out, pour out water and rinse the container. Rinse the steam unit as described in the “Weekly Maintenance” section of the Care and Cleaning Instructions. Refill with fresh water but DO NOT ADD SALT.
   If the unit still steams too rapidly, use ½ distilled water and ½ tap water. Food and drug stores usually stock distilled water. In “hard water” areas it is advisable to clean the unit every few days in accordance with the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions.

Answer: First, make sure there is water in the tank. (Is the reset light on?) If there is water, check to see if there are mineral deposits on the heating element or removable water tray. If there is mineral built up on these parts, it can make the unit shut down prematurely. Please follow the cleaning instructions in the Owner’s Manual and then try to run the unit again upon completion.