It’s true that humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly because bacteria, mold, and microbes love mist just as much as you do. In fact, most humidifiers need to be cleaned at least once a week. And real talk: When a humidifier isn’t easy to clean, you’re probably way less likely to use it, because you have plenty of other things to do than spend time meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny. That’s why, when it comes to adding moisture to your space, an easy-to-clean humidifier is the holy grail. You get your desired humidity levels without all the upkeep.
As for what makes a humidifier easy to clean, there are a few things to look for. A humidifier with limited components makes disassembling and reassembling easier. If those components also happen to be dishwasher safe, they’ll be less of a pain to wash. A large, removable, top-fill water tank is also easier to refill and clean. In addition, filterless designs keep the maintenance to a minimum because you don’t have to worry about cleaning or changing a dirty filter. Plus, they’re generally quieter and ultimately cost less since you won’t be buying replacement filters.
Humidifiers can help the whole family breathe easier during allergy and cold seasons, as well as during the winter months when the air is dry by adding moisture to the air. Babies, in particular, can benefit from a humidifier, especially when they have a cold. The best type of humidifier for babies is a cool-mist humidifier, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It can help thin out the gunk in their noses, and it’s safer for little ones than a warm-mist humidifier because it doesn’t use hot water that’s a burn hazard.
If you go with a cool-mist humidifier, you’ll need to choose from ultrasonic and evaporative, however most are ultrasonic. Both get the job done, but most ultrasonic humidifiers lack filters and can leave a chalky residue on nearby furniture. It’s harmless, but it can be annoying to deal with. Evaporative humidifiers don’t produce a white dust, but they do require more energy and space, and they tend to be a bit noisier.
With all that in mind, check out our picks below.
Easy-to-Clean Humidifiers for Baby
Best Filterless Humidifier
A transparent tank allows you to see when the Winix L100 needs to be refilled. But when it does run out of water, it’ll automatically shut off. There are five mist levels to choose from, and if set to the lowest level, the mist output can last up to 40 hours on one gallon. While this ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifier has a simple design and is easy to operate, the machine includes two pre-soaked aromatherapy pads — lavender or eucalyptus — which can aid in sleep or help clear sinuses. The unit also offers the option of an adjustable nightlight that glows through the water. Best of all: Amazon shoppers report that the unit is a cinch to clean.
Self Cleaning Humidifiers
SHOP THE STORY
A transparent tank allows you to see when the Winix L100 needs to be refilled. But when it does run out of water, it’ll automatically shut off. There are five mist levels to choose from, and if set to the lowest level, the mist output can last up to 40 hours on one gallon. While this ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifier has a simple design and is easy to operate, the machine includes two pre-soaked aromatherapy pads — lavender or eucalyptus — which can aid in sleep or help clear sinuses. The unit also offers the option of an adjustable nightlight that glows through the water. Best of all: Amazon shoppers report that the unit is a cinch to clean.
