Vicks mini filter free cool mist humidifier cleaning

Breathing can be such misery when you have a cold, the flu, or sinus problems. Vicks Cool Mist humidifiers are designed to help provide temporary relief and soothe cough and congestion. These humidifiers use special filters designed to remove dust, pollen, smoke, and other odors and contaminants during operation. With use, the filters become dirty and require changing. But changing the filters alone won't keep your Cool Mist hygienic. Scale from hard water and other contaminants can clog the humidifier, and microorganisms -- especially germs and bacteria -- can grow inside the humidifier. Keep your Cool Mist clean, and yourself feeling better by performing regular maintenance.

Daily Cleaning

1. 1.

   Turn the Cool Mist off. Unplug the cord from the wall outlet. Perform daily cleaning on a stable, flat surface with adequate space.

2. 2.

   Pull out the water tank, then the water tray, on models with a removable container, such as the V3100. Both parts attach to the Cool Mist base, and freeing the tank allows you to lift out the tray. Work carefully to avoid damaging the wicking filter. On a Cool Mist without a water tank, such as the V400, take off the top housing and lay it upside-down on a flat, stable surface. Avoid resting the housing on the water pickup tube, which may damage it.

3. 3.

   Remove the water tank's cap and empty of any remaining water, then flush the container with fresh, warm water -- not hot -- for models with a water tank separate from the water tray (V3100). On Cool Mist models lacking a water tank and using the base as a water reservoir instead (V400), empty the base of any remaining water, flush with warm water, then wipe it down with a fresh, clean cloth or paper towel to dry it.

4. 4.

   Wipe down all the areas you can get to on the water tank and water tray (V3100). Run a clean, dry cloth (moisture may cause electric shock) over the exterior of the top housing (V400). Clean the remainder of the unit -- the base and cord -- with a slightly damp cloth as needed, no matter which model you own. Keep water clear of dials, vents, and other electronic or mechanical access areas.

Weekly Cleaning

1. 1.

   Empty the removable water tank, flush it with warm water, then temporarily set it aside (V3100 and V3900). Turn on the V3100, or similar models of Cool Mist humidifiers, and with the tank removed, allow air to flow through the wicking filter. Stop when the filter is completely dry. Turn off the humidifier and unplug it from the wall. On models such as the V400, which lack removable water tanks, turn off the humidifier and unplug it first. Next, remove the top housing (avoid resting it on the pickup tube), dump out any remaining water, then wipe down and dry similar to daily cleaning.

2. 2.

   Lift the wicking filter from the water tray, gently pulling straight up to avoid tearing the filter. This applies to both the V3100 and the V3900. Vicks' V400 is slightly different, using cartridge filters that fit into the top housing. Instead of cleaning these filters, they are replaced as needed.

3. 3.

   Pull out the water tray to separate it from the base on a V3100. Pour a cup or two of undiluted vinegar into the tray and allow it to set undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes. The vinegar loosens scale deposits water leaves behind. For models V400 and V3900, dampen a cloth or sponge with straight vinegar, then wipe out the inside of the base to remove scale. Rinse with warm water.

4. 4.

   Detach the pickup tube on the V400 to thoroughly clean the unit. With the top housing turned upside-down, rotate the tube in the direction the arrow indicates. Drop the tube in a small bowl of undiluted vinegar, and soak for about 20 minutes to loosen scale deposits. In the meantime, wipe down the interior of the top housing with a vinegar-dampened cloth or sponge. Get the area around the pickup tube hole as well.

5. 5.

   Wipe the entire interior of the V3100's water tray, using a cloth or sponge already wet with vinegar -- like you're washing the inside of a roasting pan or similar dish. This removes scale deposits already loosened during the vinegar soak. Dump out the vinegar when you're finished, and rinse with warm water.

6. 6.

   Rinse the Vicks Cool Mist V400's pickup tube with warm water. Run the water through the tube as well as on the outside.

7. 7.

   Clean the exterior of any Vicks Cool Mist humidifier every week to keep the unit clean and looking presentable. Use a dry cloth to clean the exterior around inlets, outlets, filters, and electrical or mechanical parts. Dampen the cloth to clean the underside, where appropriate, as well as the power cord.

Disinfection After Cleaning

1. 1.

   Fill the water reservoirs of any model of Vicks Cool Mist humidifiers, using a mixture of 1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water. If you own a V400, place the detached pickup tube in the bleach-water-filled base and allow it to soak as well. Wait 20 minutes, stirring the water occasionally or rotating the container, to spread the bleach and penetrate every part.

2. 2.

   Wipe down every other interior surface, no matter which model, with a cloth or sponge dampened in the bleach water. Avoid abrasive cleansing agents, and do not expose mechanical or electrical parts, or similar areas to the bleach water.

3. 3.

   Pour out the bleach water. Remove the pickup tube on the V400 first, then pour carefully to avoid exposing vulnerable areas of the humidifier if applicable to your model. Rinse each base or water reservoir completely with warm water. Flush the pickup tube on the V400 as well. When the bleach smell is gone, it is flushed well. Dry immediately to prevent contamination.

4. 4.

   Dry any exterior surfaces that got wet. Reattach the pickup tube on the V400. Insert the tube's prongs into the top housing hole. Turn the tube toward the "on" arrow, or opposite of how you removed it. Next, reassemble the humidifier, each according to the model.

   Things You Will Need

   • Clean cloth

   • Paper towels

   • Sponge

   • Vinegar

   • Small bowl

   • Measuring spoon

   • Bleach

   • New filter (optional)

   Tip

   Kaz, the maker of Vicks Cool Mist filters, recommends you change your humidifier's filter every one to three months, depending on the water quality in your area. Never attempt to wash either wicking filters, such as those on the V3100 and V3900, or cartridge filters, such as those on the V400. Inspect your filter weekly, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare the new filter for use.

   Some models of Cool Mist humidifiers use scent pads and UV lightbulbs. Consult the owner's manual to service and change these parts as needed.

   Always follow the manufacturer's instructions where they deviate from general guidelines.

   Warning

   Avoid immersing the base in water, or exposing mechanical or electrical portions of the humidifier to water. Doing so may result in electrical shock and injury.

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