How to Clean Vicks Cool Mist Humidifiers

Written By
Whitney Coy
Whitney Coy
Published: Feb 13, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

The V3500N Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier uses scented pads to encourage easy breathing. Both should be cleaned regularly to keep them working their best and help them last longer.

V400 Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Daily Cleaning

  1. Remove the DynaFilter before each use and look for particle accumulation. If there is a noticeable buildup, the filter should be replaced.

  2. Turn off and unplug the humidifier. Remove the top housing of the humidifier and set aside in an upside-down position.

  3. Wipe the base clean with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

  4. Wipe the top housing with a dry cloth and return it to the base.

V400 Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Weekly Cleaning

  1. Turn off and unplug the humidifier. Remove the top housing of the humidifier and set aside in an upside-down position.

  2. Wipe the base clean with water and dry it with a soft cloth. Empty any water that may be left in the base.

  3. Remove the pickup tube from the top housing. Do this by rotating the tube toward the "Off" arrow. Soak the pickup tube in white vinegar for 20 minutes.

  4. Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and wipe the base and pickup tube.

  5. Rinse the base and pickup tube in warm water to remove vinegar and check to assure no scales or particles remain.

  6. Wipe the top housing with a dry cloth. Disinfect the base before replacing the top housing.

Advertisement

V400 Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Base Cleaning

  1. Mix 1 gallon of water with 1 tsp. of bleach and fill the base with this mixture. Add the pickup tube to the base and let them both sit for 20 minutes, stirring periodically.

  2. Rinse the base and pickup tube with warm water until you can no longer detect the smell of bleach. Dry both pieces with a soft cloth.

  3. Reassemble the humidifier.

V3500N Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Daily Cleaning

  1. Turn off and unplug the humidifier.

  2. Remove the water tank and fan housing from the base. Empty all water from the base.

  3. Rinse and wipe the base and tank, using water and a cloth. Dry both components with another dry cloth. Be careful when cleaning around the wick filter.

  4. Return the fan housing and tank to the base.

V3500N Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Weekly Cleaning

  1. Empty all water from the base and tank, then reassemble the humidifier.

  2. Turn on the humidifier and leave it on until the filter is completely dry. Once the filter is dry, turn off and unplug the humidifier.

  3. Remove the tank and fan housing, followed by the filter. Be careful not to damage the filter.

  4. Fill the base with white vinegar and let it stand for 20 minutes.

  5. Wipe the surface of the tank and fan housing with a dry, clean cloth, while the base soaks in the vinegar mixture.

  6. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and wipe out the base, rinse with warm water, then disinfect the base.

Advertisement

V3500N Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier Base Disinfecting

  1. Fill the base with water and add a 1/4 tsp. of bleach. Let the mixture sit in the base for 20 minutes, stirring periodically.

  2. Rinse the base with warm water, continuing to rinse until you can no longer detect the smell of bleach.

  3. Reassemble the humidifier.

Things You Will Need

  • Soft cloth
  • Undiluted white vinegar
  • Bleach
Whitney Coy

Whitney Coy has been a professional journalist since 2000, working first as a reporter then later as an editor for Columbus Messenger Newspapers in Columbus, Ohio. She received her bachelor's degree in mass communications from The Ohio…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.