Vicks V188 Warm Steam Vaporizer User Manual

Vicks V188 Warm Steam Vaporizer

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT
For the most effective and safe use of your appliance, please READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS…especially those regarding the addition of salt to the water. In “soft water” areas, salt may be needed in the water to generate steam. In “hard water” areas, the vaporizer will operate without the addition of salt.

1. The appliance should always be placed on a firm, flat, waterproof surface at least four feet away from the bedside, six inches from the wall, and out of reach of patient, children, and pets. Be sure the appliance is in a stable position and the power cord is away from heated surfaces and out of the way to prevent the Vaporizer from being tipped over.
2. The appliance should not be left unattended in a closed room since air could become saturated and leave condensation on walls and furniture. Leave the room door partly open. Do not aim the mist nozzle directly at children, walls, or furniture.
3. Place the appliance in an area that is out of the reach of children.
4. Before using the appliance, extend the cord and inspect for any signs of damage. Do not use the unit if the cord has been damaged.
5. The appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) as a safety feature. This plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.
6. CAUTION: To avoid the risk of fire, shock, or personal injury, plug the appliance directly into a 120V AC electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
7. The appliance should always be unplugged and emptied when not in operation or while being cleaned. Unplug the vaporizer and allow it to cool before moving. Do not move or tilt the vaporizer while it is in operation. Plug and unplug the unit with dry hands. Never pull by the cord.
8. Do not operate the appliance without water. Unplug the unit when the tank is empty.
9. The appliance requires regular cleaning. Refer to and follow cleaning instructions.
10. Do not operate outdoors; this appliance is intended for indoor use.
11. Do not cover or insert objects into any openings on the unit. Do not pour liquid inhalants into the safety vents.
12. Do not attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or mechanical functions on this appliance. Doing so will void your warranty.
13. Do not touch skin with exposed Vicks VapoPads® or place on furniture, fabrics, bedding, or plastics.
14. Do not remove the appliance head during operation or within 20-30 minutes after it is unplugged. Serious injury may result.
15. Do not touch the steam vapor. Steam can cause burns. Do not add liquid inhalant or VapoPads® when the appliance is plugged in or operating.
16. Do not pour liquid inhalants or oils into the VapoPads® slots or the steam outlet.
17. Carefully read instructions in the owner’s manual and on the inhalant packaging/bottle before adding any medications (e.g. Kaz Inhalant or Vicks VapoSteam® ) directly into the appliance or medicine cup area.
18. Do not immerse the appliance head in water or other liquids (unless following the care and cleaning instructions). Do not pour water into the steam outlet or the VapoPads® slots.
19. Do not attempt to carry the appliance by the head. The appliance should only be moved when it is unplugged and has been allowed to cool for 20-30 minutes. The appliance should be carried by the tank only.
20. For residential use only.
21. Do not place the appliance directly on wood furniture or other surfaces that could be damaged by water. Protect by placing the appliance on a non-metallic waterproof surface.

Vicks® Warm Steam Vaporizer

Using Your Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer

Instructions

NOTE
Mineral content in water can vary greatly by region and could affect the performance of your unit. Steps to ensure your vaporizer functions properly are explained in step # 7 and the Troubleshooting section.

1. EXTEND POWER CORD FULLY BEFORE USE. Failure to do so could cause overheating and possible fire hazards. Always unplug the cord from the electrical outlet before removing the steam unit or when not in use. Allow the vaporizer to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before handling.
2. FILL THE WATER CONTAINER. Use finger grips located on the sides of the steam unit when handling this part. The steam unit will come in the locked position. Remove the steam unit from the container by turning the steam unit to the unlock symbol. Lift the steam unit from the vaporizer bowl and set the steam unit aside. Fill the container with tap water to WATER LEVEL MARKING on the bowl. DO NOT OVERFILL. Use fresh water each time a vaporizer is used.
3. LOCKING STEAM UNIT. Hold down the steam unit for ten seconds to allow water to enter the housing and sit properly in the water container. Be sure to lock the steam unit into place on the container by aligning the arrow on the steam unit with the lock symbol on the container. If the steam unit floats, the container is overfilled.
4. PLACE THE VAPORIZER IN A SAFE POSITION. Vaporizers should always be placed on a firm, flat surface at least four feet away from the bedside and out of the reach of the patient and children. Be sure the vaporizer is in a stable position and the power cord is out of the way to prevent the vaporizer from being tipped over. Protect the floor, rug, or furniture by placing the vaporizer on a non-metallic, waterproof, heat-resistant surface.
5. VAPORIZER INHALANTS AND SCENT PADS If you choose not to add scent pads or liquid inhalants to the product please continue to step 6. INHALANTS:

IN U.S.
For best results fill the medication cup on the steam unit (located directly below the nightlight and in front of the steam outlet). Vicks VapoSteam® can also be added directly to the water container (see Vaposteam package directions before using).

IN CANADA: For best results fill the medication cup on the steam unit (located directly below the nightlight and in front of the steam outlet) with one tablespoon of Vicks VapoSteam®.

NOTE
In Canada, Vicks VapoSteam® cannot be added directly to the water.

If you use Vicks VapoSteam® please pay careful attention to the added cleaning directions in the Daily Maintenance and Care and Cleaning sections. Do not fill the medicine cup above the pour level indicator line.

VapoPads®
Your Vicks Vaporizer includes a Scent Pad heater so that you can enjoy Vicks Soothing Menthol vapors to increase your comfort. Vicks VapoPads work with heat to gradually release soothing aromatic vapors. One complimentary menthol VapoPad is included with your unit.

1. Open the scent pad pouch at the notch to expose the pad. Do not touch the exposed pad directly. If you do touch a pad, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Insert the scent pads into the slots located on the top of the steam unit behind the steam outlet.
3. Vapor intensity can be controlled by using 1 or 2 pads. Insert 1 pad into one slot for moderate scent release and insert another pad into the second slot for maximum scent release.
4. Before changing or removing the pads unplug the steam unit from the outlet and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes. Pads should be replaced after 8 hours of use.

Recommended Usage for the Vicks VapoPads (VSP-19 / VSP-19-CAN):

• Not recommended for infants under 10 pounds.
• For children between 10-22 pounds do not use more than 2 pads in 24 hours

Replacement VapoPads® can be purchased at most mass and drug retailers or online at www.vickshumidifiers.com. Use only the Vicks® VapoPads® models: In the US, VSP-19, VVP-6, or VBR-5. In Canada, VSP-19-CAN. Other brands of replacement scent pads may not be compatible with this vaporizer.

1. PLUG-IN. Plug the power cord into 110-120 Volts AC outlet in good condition fused for at least 15 Amps. Do not use extension cords or power strips. This product has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) as a safety feature. This plug will fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THIS SAFETY FEATURE. The vaporizer will produce a gentle flow of steam within a few minutes. If steaming does not start within ten minutes, you may need to add salt. Please see step 7 and the Troubleshooting checklist. The vaporizer will automatically stop producing steam when the water has reached a minimum level (about 3/4 inch from the bottom of the container). The night light will remain on, indicating that the vaporizer is plugged in. ALWAYS unplug the steam unit and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes before removing it from the water container. Under conditions of rapid boiling and near the end of each operation, steam may emerge from SAFETY VENTS (above and on both sides of the steam vent). This condition is normal, preventing over-boiling by relieving steam pressure. Do not lift or move the vaporizer while it is in use.
2. IF YOUR VAPORIZER FAILS TO STEAM AFTER 10-15 MINUTES YOU MAY HAVE LOW MINERAL CONTENT IN YOUR WATER. For areas where tap water has low to moderate mineral content ADD SALT. For tap water of low to moderate mineral content, ADD 1 TO 2 PINCHES (1/8 teaspoon) of ordinary table salt to the water and mix thoroughly. After 10 minutes if your vaporizer still does not produce steam add another pinch or 2 of salt. Salt does not affect the purity of the steam or medication.
3. USE FRESH WATER AND MEDICATION each time the vaporizer is used.
4. AFTER EACH USE. Once the vaporizer has been allowed to cool, empty any unused water from the water container. Shake the container gently back and forth to remove any remaining water. Rinse the container thoroughly, drain, and wipe with a dry, clean cloth.

Special Notes

Discoloration/Black Particles
After use, the water residue in the bottom of the container may contain black particles, and in some areas, the water in the bottom of the container may discolor. These conditions are normal and do not affect the purity of the steam or medication. The container is easily cleaned with soap and water. Thoroughly rinse and dry the container after cleaning.

Ventilation
When the vaporizer is used in closed or small rooms, check periodically for proper ventilation, as excessive humidity can cause condensation stains on walls.

Condition of Sale
As a condition of the sale, the purchaser assumes responsibility for the proper care and use of this appliance according to  our printed instructions.

Care and Cleaning

• ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PLUG FROM THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND ALLOW UNIT TO COOL FOR 20-30 MINUTES BEFORE CLEANING. REMOVE STEAM UNIT, LETTING ALL WATER DRAIN BACK INTO THE CONTAINER.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISASSEMBLE THE ELECTRODE HEATING UNIT. DOING SO WILL VOID THE WARRANTY AND COULD DAMAGE THE VAPORIZER OR CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

Daily Maintenance
Unplug the unit before performing any maintenance. Empty any unused water from the water container. Rinse the container thoroughly with water, drain, and wipe with a dry, clean cloth.

Weekly Maintenance

1. Unplug the unit before performing any maintenance. Empty any unused water from the water container. Rinse the container thoroughly with watdraindrai,n and wipe with a dry, clean cloth.
2. With the steam unit safely unplugged, soak the steam unit in 4 inches of white vinegar for 10 minutes. Then, over a sink, with fingers covering the bottom hole of the steam unit, add tap water into a steam outlet. Cover the Steam outlet with the other hand, shake the steam unit back and forth, do not shake it up and down, then empty the water through the steam outlet. Repeat several times until black particles are no longer emitted and the vinegar odor is gone. If using Vicks VapoSteam®, make sure any residue is cleaned off the steam unit using a mild detergent.
3. Rinse the area under the steam guard to remove any dust or dirt particles. With a long toothpick, you can gently poke through the steam outlet and drain hole if they’ve become obstructed.
4. Disinfecting the Reservoir: Fill the reservoir with water and add 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. Swish to wet all inner surfaces. Let stand for 20 minutes. Then empty the reservoir and rinse with tap water until the bleach smell is gone. Dry with a clean cloth.

End-Of-Season Maintenance/Storage
Follow the Weekly Maintenance procedure at end-of-season or when the vaporizer will not be used for several days. Be sure to dry all parts and store them in a cool, dry location. DO NOT STORE UNIT WITH WATER INSIDE.

Troubleshooting: What To Do If

A. Vaporizer does not operate or steams too slowly

1. Make sure the vaporizer is plugged in and the night light is lit. If the nightlight ligare is not on, you may have a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a defective electrical outlet. Try a different outlet. You may want to contact an electrician to check the potentially defective outlet.
2. If the vaporizer is plugged in and the nightlight is on, the fault may be the low mineral content of the water in your area. Unplug the vaporizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Remove the steam unit allowing the water to drain out, add one or two PINCHES (1/8 tsp) of salt to the water and mix thoroughly. Replace the steam unit and plug in the vaporizer. It should steam within 5 minutes. Add salt only by the PINCH, since too much salt can cause excessive boiling or blow a fuse.
3. If the vaporizer has been operating normally and is now failing to steam, it needs to be cleaned. See the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions.

B. Vaporizer operates too fast, fuse blows
Overboiling, flickering lights, blown fuse, or heavy steam flow from Safety Vents generally indicates one of the following causes.

1. Too much salt was added to the water. To correct the condition: Disconnect the vaporizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Pour out the water and rinse the container. Rinse the steam unit as described in the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions. Refill with fresh water but DO NOT ADD SALT. If the vaporizer now does not operate or steams too slowly, see directions in Section A above.
2. You live in a “hard water” area and minerals in the tap water are causing the vaporizer to steam too rapidly. To correct the condition: Disconnect the vaporizer from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool. Remove the steam unit allowing hot water to first dribble out, pour out water, and rinse the container. Rinse the steam unit as described in the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions. Refill with fresh water but DO NOT ADD SALT. If the unit still steams too rapidly, use ½ distilled water and ½ tap water. Food and drug stores usually stock distilled water. In “hard water” areas it is advisable to clean the unit every few days by the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions.

C. The vaporizer is making crackling/buzzing/humming sounds or the water container is unusually hot

1. You may have added too much salt. See section B above.
2. You may live in a “hard water” area. See section B above.
3. This condition can happen when the water level in the container is low. Disconnect the vaporizer from the electrical outlet, allow it to cool, and remove the steam unit allowing water to first dribble out. Fill the container with tap water to water level marking.
4. This may be an indication your vaporizer needs cleaning. Refer to the “Weekly Maintenance” section of Care and Cleaning Instructions.

3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

You should first read all instructions before attempting to use this product.

• This 3-year limited warranty applies to repair or replacement of products found to be defective in material or workmanship. This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from commercial, abusive, unreasonable use, or supplemental damage. Defects that are the result of normal wear and tear will not be considered manufacturing defects under this warranty. KAZ IS NOT LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product from the original date of purchase.
• At its option, Kaz will repair or replace this product if it is found to be defective in material or workmanship.
• This warranty does not cover damage resulting from any unauthorized attempts to repair or from any use not by the instruction manual.
• This warranty does not cover the filters, pre-filters, UV bulbs, or other accessories (if included) except for material or workmanship defects.

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