Vicks Humidifier: how to choose, use, and clean

In winter, we spend more time indoors, with windows closed and the heating on. The result is drier air, which many people feel on their skin, lips, and nose, especially when waking up. A humidifier helps restore air moisture and makes the room more comfortable, both day and night.

In this guide, we explain how to choose a Vicks humidifier, where to place it, what humidity level to maintain, and how to clean it so it works well for a long time.

Why air gets dry in winter

Cold outside air has little moisture. When it is heated indoors, the relative humidity drops even further. Heaters, air conditioning, and fireplaces accentuate this effect. In general, it is recommended to keep indoor relative humidity between 40% and 60%.

Cool mist: what it means

Vicks Cool Mist humidifiers are ultrasonic: they turn water into a fine, cool mist without heating it. This means quiet operation and no hot surfaces, making them suitable for adult, child, and baby bedrooms, always kept out of the reach of little ones.

Our humidifier: Vicks Cool Mist Sweet Dreams

The Vicks Cool Mist Sweet Dreams VUL575 was designed for children's bedrooms, but it works in any room of the house.

• 3.8 L tank, translucent, so you can easily see the water level.
• Up to 24 hours of operation on one fill, enough for the whole night and the following day.
• Filter-free, so there are no parts to replace.
• Projects 9 dream-inspired images, which make bedtime more peaceful for little ones.
• Wide opening for easy filling and cleaning.

When choosing any humidifier, consider the size of the room, how many hours you want it running, and who will be using it.

Where to place the humidifier

• On a stable, flat surface, at some height from the floor, and out of reach of children and pets.
• At a distance from the bed, so the mist does not blow directly onto the face of the person sleeping.
• Away from curtains, walls, wooden furniture, sockets, and electronic devices.
• On a base that won't be damaged by moisture and with the cord neatly tucked away.

How to use, step by step

1. Unplug the device before filling the tank.
2. Fill with clean water up to the indicated level. Follow the manual regarding the type of water: water with high limescale content may leave a white powder on furniture.
3. Never put essential oils, perfumes, or other products inside the water tank.
4. Turn on the device and adjust the mist intensity, if your model allows it.
5. Close the bedroom door to maintain humidity and avoid leaving the humidifier running without water.

What humidity to maintain (and how to measure it)

The goal is to stay between 40% and 60%. Below that, the air remains dry; above it, condensation may appear on windows and dampness on walls. The simplest way to monitor this is with a hygrometer, such as the Vicks 2-in-1 Thermometer and Hygrometer, which shows the room's temperature and humidity on a large screen.

If you see drops on the windows or the hygrometer goes above 60%, lower the intensity or turn off the device for a while and ventilate the room.

Cleaning and maintenance

Every day

• Empty any leftover water, rinse the tank, and let it dry before refilling.
• Do not leave stagnant water in the device when it is not in use.

Every week

• Clean the tank and base following the manual's instructions to remove limescale and residue.

Before storing

• At the end of winter, clean it well, let it dry completely, and store it in its original box.

What about VapoPads?

VapoPads are Vicks aromatic pads that are placed in a special slot, never inside the water tank, to release a gentle aroma into the environment. They only work with compatible Vicks devices, so always check your manual to see if your model has a VapoPad slot.

If you like aromas in the bedroom, the Vicks Essential Oil Vaporizer already includes 2 menthol VapoPads, and you have the Vicks Menthol VapoPads (7 count) refills for when they run out.

Humidifier or aroma vaporizer?

These are different devices. A humidifier is used to increase air humidity. An aroma vaporizer or diffuser is mainly for scenting the environment and releases very little humidity. If your goal is to combat dry air, choose a humidifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the humidifier on all night?

Yes, if your model's manual allows it. The Sweet Dreams VUL575, for example, runs for up to 24 hours on a single fill. Monitor the humidity with a hygrometer so as not to exceed 60%.

Is the humidifier noisy?

Cool Mist ultrasonic models are silent, so they are well-suited for the bedroom.

Can I use the humidifier in a baby's room?

Yes, cool mist models are suitable, provided they are kept out of the child's reach, with the cord tucked away and at a safe distance from the crib.

Prepare your home for winter

See all products at Vicks and complete your kit with a thermometer from our thermometer page.

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always follow the instructions in your device's manual.