Vicks Humidifier Orange Light? – (7 Easy Fixes)

Vicks humidifier orange light can be tricky to deal with as there are various possible causes.

Most often, this orange or amber light tells you that the device is due to refilling, but it could be due to a hardware fault.

To fix your Vicks Humidifier orange light, start by checking the water levels and cleaning the water tank. Next, ensure there are no blockages around the vents and filter gasket. 

Now that you have a rough estimate of the fixes we will try let’s first attempt to understand the underlying causes of this issue: 

What Causes Vicks Humidifier Orange Light?

Vicks humidifiers can have an orange or amber light come from their power button or appear on a separate indicator.

These lights, depending on your exact Vicks model, can be simply an indicator that your device is on standby or there is a setup issue.

Here are the top causes of the Vicks humidifier’s orange light blinking:

Now that you understand what causes an orange light, we can start trying to fix it.

How to Fix Vicks Humidifier Orange Light?

Tip: Always have your Vicks humidifier placed on an even surface.

1. Check Water Levels

The primary cause of an amber or orange light is that your humidifier is signaling a low or depleted water level.

Since your device won’t work until this warning light is removed, you must ensure it has sufficient water. 

Here is how to check your Vicks humidifier water level:

1. Turn off your Vicks humidifier and unplug it from its power source. 
2. Open the water tank and check if there is enough water.
3. Look for a water level indicator when refilling your tank.
4. Close the water tank securely, ensuring a proper seal.
5. Plug in your humidifier and check if the orange light issue is fixed.

Many Vicks humidifiers will stop working when water is low to avoid damage.

If you refill your water tank while the Vicks is still plugged in and the tank in place, you need to reset it.

This will enable your water intake to open and water to properly disperse.

Note: When refilling your Vicks water tank, ensure your device is powered off.

2. Clean The Humidifier Water Tank And Base

If your Vicks humidifier water level sensor is obstructed from mineral plaque buildup, it can cause incorrect readings.

This can also trigger a false orange or amber light to appear, even though your water level is adequate. 

Here is how to ensure your Vicks humidifier is properly clean:

1. Unplug and power down your Vicks humidifier. 
2. Disassemble the unit by removing any top or side panels. 
3. Remove the water tank and visually inspect it.
4. If you notice that your water tank walls are dirty, mix one part vinegar and one part distilled water together. 
5. Use the mixture to thoroughly brush your water tank using a soft cloth. 
6. Rinse the filter thoroughly to remove the residue and let it dry.

After you have cleaned the water tank, it’s also vital to clear the intake ports as well.

Use a mild detergent like soap water to rinse off any debris on your Humidifier intake or venting ports.

Note: Never mix or dilute essential oils, medicines, or strong chemicals with water in your Vicks device.

3. Check For Blockages

If your water intake port or valve is obstructed, your Vicks humidifier won’t continue working.

Even if you have water in the tank, it can be hard to get cycled through the pump.

To ensure this is not the issue, you must clean the spot where the water tank gasket connects to the base.

Here is how to check your Vicks humidifier for blockages:

1. Turn off and unplug the humidifier. 
2. Remove the water tank and inspect the water inlet for any blockage.
3. Clean the inlet with a moderately hard brush whilst ensuring you don’t damage the rubber seal.
4. Rinse the inlet with water, let it dry, and reassemble your device.

After these steps, fill up the water tank and power the Vicks humidifier on to see if the orange light is gone now.

Note: Don't plug a humidifier with wet hands into a power outlet to avoid electric discharge.

4. Ensure Proper Assembly

Some Vicks humidifiers have a safety measure that won’t allow them to run unless the water tank is correctly placed.

To ensure your Vicks humidifier can work properly, you should visually confirm that all its components are snugly placed and not misaligned.

Here are the steps on how to ensure your Vicks humidifier has a proper assembly:

1. Unplug your Vicks humidifier from the wall outlet.
2. Remove any panels to access and remove the filter.
3. Ensure all parts are properly aligned and assembled according to the Vicks manual.
4. Ensure the water tank or wick filter is correctly placed and firmly snapped on.
5. Reassemble the Vicks device and plug it back again to see if the amber light is gone.

Note: If you notice that the water tank is wrapped or has an alignment issue, consider ordering a replacement. 

5. Check the Power Source

If there is an issue with your Vicks humidifier power delivery, its sensors might malfunction, triggering a faulty orange light indicator.

To ensure your humidifier has sufficient power, you have to check its power cord and test your electrical outlet for issues.

Here is how to check your Vicks humidifier for power issues:

1. Ensure the power outlet you are using is functioning as intended.
2. Plug the humidifier into a different outlet to rule out a power source issue.
3. If the orange light persists, try using an extension cord and plug it into another outlet.
4. Check if a circuit breaker was activated during an intense power surge and shut off power to an area of your house.
5. Visually inspect your Vicks humidifier power cables or adapter for fraying or tearing. 
6. If the power cable is damaged, don’t use your device before replacing it.

Note: If you have too many adjacent electrical devices on the same power strip, there might be insufficient power for your humidifier.

6. Check the Float Valve And Gasket

An orange light on the Vicks humidifier is frequently caused by a non-watertight seal.

The gasket insulating your water tank is usually a rubber or silicone seal that prevents leaks.

You must ensure there are no signs of damage, wear, or cracks on your water tank seal. 

Here is how to verify that your Gasket is watertight: 

1. Power off your Vicks humidifier.
2. Remove the water tank and fill it with water to its required level whilst holding it.
3. If you notice leaking or droplets forming, it means your gasket is compromised and needs replacement.
4. Silicone o-rings are very inexpensive to replace, so check with the Vicks instruction manual for their right size.
5. After getting the replacement part, ensure it is properly seated and creates a tight seal.
6. Assemble your device, fill it with water, and check if the orange light is now gone.

Note: Always order replacement parts directly through official and certified Vicks vendors.

7. Check the Positioning

If your Vicks humidifier is obstructed or placed incorrectly, it can overheat and cause a fast depletion of water levels.

This is especially important if you have a warm mist humidifier. Furthermore, nearby electrical appliances can also contribute to overheating.

Here are some tips to ensure your Vicks humidifier is properly set up:

1. Ensure your Vicks humidifier is placed in a central position and the water vent is not facing a wall or other obstructions.
2. Check if there is at least a 3-foot clearance in each direction of your humidifier.
3. If there are other running electronics next to it, consider moving them elsewhere.
4. If the room you are using it in is too hot, try relocating your Vicks device to a different spot.

Note: Always use distilled water for your humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup on the water tank or internal components.

Quick Recap

To fix the Vicks humidifier’s orange light, first, check if the water level is right and the water tank is properly maintained.

Next, check the valve and gasket for damage, and contact Vicks support if needed.