Empty and rinse the tank after every use

The water tank is where bacteria and mineral buildup start. After each use, unplug the humidifier, remove the tank, and pour out any remaining water. Rinse the inside with clean running water, rubbing your fingers along the bottom and sides to dislodge any sediment or slime.

Do not leave water sitting in the tank between uses. Stagnant water breeds mold and bacteria faster than you might expect—sometimes within 24 hours in warm conditions. If you cannot empty it when ready after use, at least dump the water before your next session.

Key Takeaways

  • Empty and rinse the water tank after every use to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
  • Use white vinegar or a Vicks cleaning cartridge monthly to dissolve mineral deposits that clog the mist outlet.
  • Wipe the base and mist outlet weekly with a damp cloth to remove mineral dust and keep the unit working properly.
  • Replace the filter or cleaning cartridge according to your model's instructions, usually every 30 days of regular use.
  • Use distilled water instead of tap water to cut mineral buildup by most of the way, though you still need monthly deep cleaning.

Dissolve mineral buildup with vinegar or a Vicks cleaning cartridge

Hard water leaves white or tan mineral deposits inside the tank and on the mist outlet. These deposits narrow the opening where mist comes out and eventually block it completely. Once a month, fill the tank halfway with white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. Swish it around, then scrub the inside with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until the vinegar smell is gone.

If you prefer not to use vinegar, Vicks sells cleaning cartridges designed for their humidifiers. These dissolve mineral buildup the same way. Follow the instructions on the package—usually you soak the tank with the cartridge in it for 30 minutes, then rinse. Both methods work; choose whichever you find easier to use.

Wipe the base and mist outlet weekly

The base of the humidifier and the opening where mist comes out collect mineral dust and dried mineral residue. Once a week, unplug the unit and use a damp cloth to wipe the outside of the base, the mist outlet, and any vents. This keeps mineral dust from building up to the point where it blocks airflow or looks unsightly.

If mineral deposits have hardened around the mist outlet, dampen a cloth with vinegar and hold it against the opening for a minute or two, then wipe. Do not use a hard brush or scraper on plastic parts—you can crack them. Soft cloth and vinegar do the job without damage.

Clean or replace the filter or cartridge

Many Vicks humidifiers use a replaceable filter or wick cartridge that catches minerals and impurities. Check your model's manual to see whether yours has one and where it is located. If it does, rinse it under clean running water once a week during regular use. If the filter looks discolored or clogged after rinsing, replace it—filters usually cost $10 to $20 and last about 30 days of daily use.

Some models have a demineralization cartridge instead of a filter. These work differently and should be replaced according to your manual's schedule, typically every 30 days. Do not try to clean and reuse a demineralization cartridge; they are designed to be replaced.

Use distilled water to reduce mineral deposits

Tap water contains minerals that build up inside the humidifier. Distilled water has almost none. If you fill the tank with distilled water instead of tap water, you will cut mineral buildup by most of the way—though you will still need to do the monthly vinegar soak, because some minerals come from the air itself.

Distilled water costs a few dollars per gallon at any grocery store or pharmacy. For a humidifier that holds 1 to 2 gallons, the cost adds up if you run it daily, but many people find it worth the money to reduce cleaning time. If cost is a concern, tap water works fine; you will just clean more often.

Disinfect the tank if you see mold or slime

If you open the tank and see black or green spots, or if the inside feels slimy, the tank needs disinfection. Empty it completely, then fill it halfway with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Let it soak for at least one hour, swishing every 15 minutes. Scrub the inside with a soft brush, paying special attention to corners and the bottom where mold hides.

Rinse the tank very thoroughly with clean water at least three times to remove all vinegar smell and residue. Refill with fresh water and run the humidifier for a few minutes, then empty and rinse again before using it normally. If mold returns within a week, the unit may have mold inside the base itself—in that case, contact Vicks support or consider replacing the humidifier.

Store the humidifier dry if you are not using it for weeks

If you pack away the humidifier for the season or longer, make sure it is completely dry first. Empty the tank, rinse it, and leave it open to air-dry for several hours. Wipe the base dry with a cloth. Store the humidifier in a cool, dry place—not a damp basement or bathroom, where mold can grow inside while it sits unused.

Before you use it again after storage, rinse the tank and run a vinegar soak even if it looks clean. Mold can grow invisibly during storage, and you want to catch it before mist reaches your lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tap water or do I have to buy distilled water?

Tap water works fine and is what most people use. It will leave more mineral deposits, so you will clean the tank more often—roughly monthly instead of every two months. If you have very hard water, distilled water saves time, but it is not required.

What if the mist outlet is completely blocked and vinegar did not clear it?

Soak the tank in vinegar for a longer period—up to two hours—and use a soft brush to work at the opening gently. If it is still blocked, the mineral deposit may be inside the nozzle itself. Contact Vicks customer support; they can tell you whether the nozzle is replaceable or whether the unit needs service.

How often should I clean if I use the humidifier every day?

Empty and rinse the tank daily, wipe the base and outlet weekly, and do a full vinegar soak monthly. If you use distilled water, you may be able to stretch the monthly soak to every six weeks, but do not skip it entirely.

Is it safe to use bleach to disinfect the tank?

No. Bleach residue can remain in plastic and be released into the mist you breathe. White vinegar is safe, effective, and will not damage the humidifier. Stick with vinegar for disinfection.

Why does my humidifier smell bad even after I clean it?

Smell usually means mold or bacteria is growing in the base or in the mist outlet, not just the tank. Empty the tank, rinse it, and run a vinegar soak. If the smell returns within a day or two, mold may be inside the unit itself, and you should contact Vicks or consider replacing it.