One thing a humidifier that stops producing mist has taught me is not to panic. If you are reading this article, it only means you are in the same situation I was a few days ago.
Some issues can be solved easily by just following a few simple steps. However, certain issues might be a lot more technical for you to handle on your own and might need the help of a professional
But why is my Vicks Humidifier not producing mist??
Your humidifier is probably not producing mist because of mineral deposits at the bottom of the humidifier’s tank; heating facets are worn out or taking too long to warm up. It could also be because of less water, or the humidifier filters need replacement.
My humidifier suddenly stopped producing mist, and I had no idea what to do. Like you, I started looking for solutions online and calling friends for help. You wouldn’t believe what the solution was.
All I had to do was thoroughly clean the humidifier’s tank to get rid of the mineral grit at the bottom of the tank. The grit was acting as a blockage preventing the humidifier from functioning efficiently. My experience with a malfunctioning humidifier led me to write this article so that you, too, can also benefit from my knowledge
This article is to give helpful knowledge about what causes the humidifier to stop producing mist. Among the topics I have discussed are Reasons Vicks Humidifier is not Producing Mist, Should I See Mist Coming Out of the Humidifier? How do I know my Humidifier is Working? How to Remove Mineral Build-Up from Vicks Humidifier, Prevent Mineral Buildups, and Know when your Humidifier needs to be Replaced. Frequently asked questions about humidifiers have also been answered at the end of the article.
Reasons Why Vicks Humidifier is not Producing Mist
Table of Contents
As discussed earlier, several reasons can prevent your humidifier from producing mist as it should, below are detailed explanations for the mentioned reasons.
1. Presence of Mineral Deposits at the Bottom of the Humidifiers Tank
Mineral deposits are usually due to the usage of hard water. When hard water is used by the humidifier, the water continuously deposits grit at the bottom surface of the humidifier.
The grit blocks the operating system of the humidifier, making it stop functioning completely. The only solution to this issue is to wash the humidifier as frequently as possible.
However, specific guidelines should be followed to ensure you do not damage your humidifier during cleaning.
2. The Heating Facets are Worn Out
Usually, when the heating facets are worn out, it only means the humidifier has served you well, and it’s time to give it a rest. However, you can also look for professional help and see if you can do something about the worn-out facets and continue enjoying your humidifier’s services.
3. The Heating Facets too Slow
The mist might not come out of your humidifier because the heating facets are not working as fast as they should. Usually, the heating facets’ slow function is because they have been covered with a mineral deposit. Heat could struggle to get through the mineral deposits to get to the water to produce mist. Again, the solution is to wash the minerals off as often as possible.
4. The humidifier filters need replacement
It reaches such a point when your humidifier filters need to be replaced. It is better to call a professional to do it for you, or you can also do it yourself if you are a professional.
5. Less water
Ensure the water in your humidifier is at the appropriate level. Less water in the humidifier will only cause it o stop producing mist. The only solution is to ensure the humidifier has enough water before putting it on.
Should I See Mist Coming Out of the Humidifier?
No, you do not have to see mist coming out of the humidifier, but you can feel it. As the humidifier works, it produces a cool mist that can easily be felt on our skin. It works by mixing water and air to form a cool environment that is relaxing and where you can feel comfortable when breathing.
The mist is moisture form introduced into the air to reduce the dry state of the air. Dry air can cause serious health issues to your skin like itchiness, flaking, tightness around the joints, eczema, and acne.
Therefore the mist from the humidifier cannot be seen but can be felt. The primary purpose of the humidifier is to create a cool environment and protect your skin from harmful skin conditions brought about by dry air. The mist also brings relief to your nasal and skin passage that the presence of dry air might cause.
How do I Know my Humidifier is Working
It is very easy to know whether your humidifier is working or not. Once you turn the humidifier on, there will be a recognizable click and then the sound of a fan. The water will begin to run from the humidifier’s reservoir to the drain tube. Immediately, the environment’s atmosphere will begin to change as more moisture is introduced into the air.
How to Remove Mineral Build-Up from Vicks Humidifier
You can always rinse the humidifier every time you are done using it. Daily cleaning will prevent the build-up of minerals. However, if you haven’t done the cleaning for a while and the humidifier is clogged with mineral build-ups, you must follow the following steps to remove it.
Requirements
- Lukewarm water
- Solution of distilled white vinegar and water.
- a clean cloth
- toothbrush
Procedure
- Prepare a flat surface to clean the humidifier.
- Make sure you unplug the humidifier so that you do not get electrocuted during the cleaning process.
- Empty the water from the humidifier.
- Pour some lukewarm water into the tank, sway it around or give it a good shake and allow it to sit aside,
- Plug in the humidifier’s base and let it run for 15 minutes to eliminate all the moisture. However, if the base does not run, you can go to the next step. It only means the humidifier is only designed to work with its tank on.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of a mixture of 3 cups of warm water and 3 cups of distilled white vinegar in a bowl.
- Soak a clean piece of cloth into the bowl containing the solution and use it to wipe the inside of the humidifier’s tank gently.
- Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the bottom surface and the parts that the piece of cloth cannot wipe efficiently.
- Repeat the wiping process inside and outside of the humidifier tank.
- Use warm water to rinse the tank and also to get rid of any remaining vinegar residue.
How to Prevent Mineral Buildups
Why should you wait until the mineral build-up is too much to interfere with the functioning of a humidifier when you can do the following to prevent it?
1. Do not let water remain stagnant in the reservoir
Stagnant water will lead to mineral buildup in your humidifier and contribute to the growth of bacteria and mold. The best way to handle this is to empty the reservoir and wipe it if possible.
2. Clean the humidifier each time you are done using it
Daily cleaning will not give a chance to the existence of grit, mold, or bacteria in your humidifier.
3. Avoid using hard water
It is better to use distilled water than hard water. Distilled water is pure and has no traces of minerals that will cause build-up on the surface of the humidifier.
How to know when your Humidifier needs to be Replaced
It reaches a point when a humidifier is no longer suit to continue working. Usually, at this point, it has worked for a long, and it is time for you to replace it. The following are some factors to consider when figuring out if it is time to replace your device.
1. The age of the humidifier
If your humidifier has served you for over ten years, it’s time for you to start thinking of replacing it soon. Usually, a humidifier has a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
2. An old humidifier that has never undergone service
Suppose your humidifier has served you for years without servicing it; when a glitch happens, it might be too late to start servicing it. It is therefore essential to clean and disinfect your humidifier as often as possible so that it can at least stand a chance of being repaired when it malfunctions
Video on How to Fix Vicks Humidifier that is Not Producing Mist
FAQS On Why Vicks Humidifier Is Not Producing Mist
1. Does a cool mist humidifier make room cold?
No, a humidifier does not change a room’s temperature too cold. What it does is release cool moisture into the atmosphere to reduce the dry state of the environment. The device’s primary purpose is to bring relief to your nasal and skin passage so that the presence of dry air doesn’t cause harm.
2. Should I run my humidifier all night?
Yes, you should run your humidifier all night. It will help you sleep better by improving your breathing and relieving snoring. However, ensure the humidity is in good condition and that it is filled with water to the appropriate level.
3. What does red light mean on Homedics humidifier?
The red light on the homedics humidifier indicates that your device is running low on water and needs a refill as soon as possible. If the tank is filled with water and you can still see the red light, it means the water in the tank is too much and needs to be reduced before it damages the humidifier.
4. Why is ultrasonic humidifier not producing mist?
Mineral deposits causing blocked diaphragm, worn-out heating parts, a defective humidifier, a low level of water, or improper installation of the humidifier are among the reasons why an ultrasonic humidifier might not produce mist.
5. Why is Vicks vaporizer not heating up?
Using distilled water can slow down the heating of a Vicks vaporizer. Hard water contains minerals that stir up the heating process causing the water to heat up too fast.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that when a humidifier suddenly stops producing mist, it can be something that can give you a headache. However, this article has cleared the air and assured you that most issues could be easily solved from home. You only seek professional help when the humidifier parts are worn out, or the filters need replacement.