Vicks Humidifier Not Steaming? – (Here’s How to Fix!)

Is your Vicks humidifier not steaming even though you set it up? It can be daunting to fill up your Vicks humidifier tank, power it on, and only realize it’s not steaming.

This issue is no cause for alarm in most cases as the fix is relatively straightforward and is related to maintenance. 

To get your Vicks humidifier to start steaming again, clean your Vicks unit and check if it uses the correct water type. Next, examine the filter and wick, then restart your Vicks humidifier.

Now that you know the solutions we will attempt, let’s first understand what causes humidifier steaming issues.

Why is My Vicks Humidifier Not Steaming?

If you notice that your Vicks humidifier is not steaming at all or at a very reduced capacity, the issue is most likely due to a clogged filtration device.

If the water inside the humidifier tank can’t reach the filter, it won’t produce a steady steam output.

Here are some of the top causes for humidifiers to stop steaming correctly:

• Mineral Buildup
• Clogged or Saturated Filter
• Low Water Levels
• Hardware Malfunction
• Faulty Electrical Components

Now that you know where to look for potential causes of humidifier steaming issues, let’s try out some troubleshooting steps!

How to Fix Vicks Humidifier Not Steaming?

It’s recommended that you clean your Vicks humidifier weekly to ensure it’s working optimally and prevent filter congestion. 

1. Clean the Vicks Unit

To fix Vicks humidifier not steaming, first start by ensuring that the water tank is properly clean.

Humidifiers like Vicks can accumulate gradual mineral deposits, which can interfere with the steaming process.

Before proceeding with the steps, unplug your humidifier from the electrical socket.

In order to prevent this buildup to block your device from working, you must thoroughly clean your Vicks humidifier. 

1. Start by emptying your Vicks humidifier from the water in its tank and base.
2. Prepare a special descaling solution by mixing 1 part white vinegar with two parts ordinary water.
3. Fill the entire base of the humidifier with the new solution and leave it to sit for at least 20-30 minutes.
4. Take a soft brush and use it to scrub any mineral deposits.
5. Use ordinary clean water to rinse and wash the compartment thoroughly.
6. Dry the base and assemble your Vicks device.

You can go a step further and disinfect the base tank by adding one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water and mixing it together.

You can use the solution to clean the Vicks tank thoroughly. 

Since ordinary vinegar solutions can’t kill all the mold or harmful bacteria, chlorine bleach solutions can do both and will ensure your unit is safe.

Alert: Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar; always ensure you properly clean the tank after every step. 

If you thoroughly wash the tank with water, you won’t get a reaction from residual chemicals.

2. Check the Water

A brand new Vicks humidifier not steaming can be alarming. When a new device has steaming issues, it’s primarily due to one reason:

The water type used can have a significant effect on the functionality of your Vicks filter. If you use the incorrect water type, your filter will get worn out incredibly fast. 

To prevent mineralization from blocking the Vicks steamer components, you must process your water in a special way.

Here are the steps on how to check your Vicks humidifier water:

1. When filling the water tank, ensure you are not overfilling it with water above its marked maximum water level.
2. Use distilled or demineralized water in your Vicks humidifier. Regular tap water contains a high amount of trace minerals. 
3. Mineral water is also inappropriate as it can cause a build-up to congest your filter and reduce lifespan.

Note: To preserve the lifespan of your Vicks device, don't pour water that is too extreme in temperature.

3. Examine the Filter and Wick

If there is an issue with your Vicks humidifier filtration system or wick, it can struggle to produce steady steaming.

To ensure your device is appropriately operating, you must check for signs of apparent damage or plaque buildup.

Here are the proper steps to check your Vicks filter and wick:

1. Carefully remove the filter or wick from the Vicks humidifier and put it away.
2. Inspect the filter for signs of discoloration, hardening, or calcium buildup.
3. If you notice that the filter is damaged or dirty, simply replace it with a new filter/wick.
4. Reassemble your Vicks humidifier with the new filter and check if the issue persists.

Tip: When performing these examinations, work in an area you can quickly clean and disinfect, such as the kitchen sink or bathroom.

4. Ensure Proper Humidifier Placement

If you place your humidifier too close to a surface, or if it’s obstructed, you won’t get the desired results.

Even if your steamer is working as intended, your humidifier must be in the correct position.

Here are some guidelines on ensuring proper Vicks humidifier placement:

1. Place the Vicks humidifier somewhere on a flat and leveled clean surface.
2. Check to see if there is at least a 1-foot clearance on all sides from your Vicks to ensure proper airflow.
3. Remove obstructions or objects around the unit, such as plants or furniture. 

Tip: Avoid over-humidifying your home, which can lead to health issues and foster mold growth. 

Set up a humidity meter to monitor your humidity levels. Anything above 50% is considered too high and potentially harmful to human health.

5. Check Electrical Connections

Since humidifiers have only a few primary components, the issue is most likely power-related if everything is in order with the filter and water.

To ensure your Vicks is steaming correctly, you must check if it is receiving the power it needs. 

Tip: If you are handling live wires or attempting to repair a damaged cable by yourself, always use safety gear and insulated equipment. 

Here are some ways to check your Vicks electrical connections for issues: 

1. Unplug your Vicks humidifier from the power socket.
2. Inspect the cord for damage, fraying, or visible creasing.
3. If you notice that your humidifier has a damaged power cord, don’t attempt to repair it; you need to replace its whole power unit.
4. Plug the Vicks humidifier unit into an electrical outlet.
5. Test the outlet with another electronic device to ensure it’s functional.

Note: Store your Vicks humidifier properly, as over time, if you bend its power cable during storage too much, it can create creases that lead to cable damage.

6. Reset The Vicks Unit

Humidifiers, like any electrical device, are prone to electrical issues that can prevent your device from fully functioning.

One common issue is static electricity buildup that can interfere with your Vicks electronic component functionality. To prevent this, a simple reset will help.

Here are the steps to reset your Vicks unit:

1. Unplug your Vicks humidifier from the electrical outlet and power it off if applicable.
2. Wait at least 5-6 minutes so any static electricity can discharge safely.
3. Replug your humidifier to a working power socket and power it on.
4. Check if your Vicks device is now properly steaming.

Note: You can perform this step regularly, as it can increase your device's lifespan. Leaving your humidifier running too long can cause overheating and hardware damage.

7. Check The Manual

As there are multiple different types of Vicks filters, there could be a different workflow or troubleshooting procedure for that specific model.

If you have the original manual, look for the maintenance and troubleshooting area for further information.

Note: You can usually find a copy of the Vicks humidifier user manual online.

Quick Recap

To fix your Vicks humidifier not steaming, thoroughly clean its water tank and inspect its filter.

Next, ensure it’s appropriately placed and reset the unit. Lastly, check your instruction manual for device-specific fixes.

In case you have manually cleaned your Vicks and checked its power, but it still doesn’t work, it’s best to get in touch with Vicks customer support.