Keeping your humidifier clean is crucial to ensure that it won’t defeat its purpose. Still, deep-cleaning this device can be a chore, especially if it has a complicated design. This is the same reason why many end up having moldy and smelly devices. So if you’re a reluctant cleaner, you’re better off using one of the best low maintenance humidifiers in the market.
A humidifier’s ease of maintenance highly depends on its design. A unit that’s easy to disassemble is often the most convenient to clean. The placement of the tank will also affect the unit’s maintenance level.
If you’re still scouting for a humidifier of your choice, these five models will not disappoint:
| HUMIDIFIER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Vicks V4600 Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier |  | Check Price |
 | LEVOIT Classic 100 Cool Mist Humidifier | | Check Price |
 | Crane Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier | | Check Price |
 | Honeywell HUL570W Cool Mist Humidifier |  | Check Price |
 | Miro NR07G Modular Ultrasonic Humidifier |  | Check Price |
5 Best Low Maintenance Humidifiers
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Vicks V4600 Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Product Name: Vicks V4600 Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best low maintenance humidifiers, you should consider the Vicks Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier. This one has a manageable 1.2-gallon tank that’s safe to use all over your home, including baby rooms and kids’ rooms. Moreover, this is a filter-free unit, so there’s no added cost and you don’t have to think about replacement schedules. There’s also a single control knob to adjust the mist settings. Overall, it has a straightforward design with no bells and whistles.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Aside from that, the tank has a round shape, which takes out corners where dirt may harbor. It also has a clear color, so you can see the water level and you can spot dirt while cleaning. I also like that this is compatible with Vicks VapoPads, which can help soothe congestion and coughing. Each refill will also last for 30 hours, which is added convenience on your part. Overall, this Vicks humidifier is reasonably compact with its 12” height and 8.5” diameter. It can fit on most tables and shelf tops.
Pros
It has an auto shut-off feature. It runs long. The round shape and large opening make it easy to clean. Compatible with Vicks VapoPads
Cons
No night light like other Vicks humidifiers, but not a biggie. It’s slightly louder than other models but still tolerable.
RUNNERS-UP
LEVOIT Classic 100 Cool Mist Humidifier
Another low maintenance humidifier I recommend is the LEVOIT Classic 100 Cool Mist model. This is a 0.7-gallon unit, which is perfect for small rooms in your house. It’s also safe to use in nursery rooms, thanks to its micro-mist technology.
This technology ensures that the water is diffused into the air in small particle sizes. It prevents moisture from getting into walls, floors, and furniture.
Aside from that, it has a round and transparent tank, which is easy to clean. Its tank is also made of BPA-free material, which means it doesn’t have any foul smell. Aside from that, this has a relatively quiet motor that only emits 21 dB. It won’t wake a sleeping baby and it’s also a good choice for light sleepers.
Moreover, this humidifier has a 360-degree rotating mist nozzle. There’s also a basic dial where you can adjust the intensity of the mist.
Overall, this can cover up to 290 sq. ft. of area and each refill runs for 24 hours. For this price range, this is already a steal, considering that LEVOIT is an established brand known for its high-quality humidifiers.
Crane Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
If you’re looking for a classic raindrop humidifier, you should consider the Crane Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier. It uses a 360-degree mist lid to ensure optimal humidification of your room.
Aside from that, this has a slot for an optional demineralization filter. It’s up to you whether you want this additional expense or not.
Moreover, the Crane Cool Mist Humidifier has a 1-gallon tank with an easy-grip handle. You can also detach the cord for easy cleaning. Each refill of this humidifier can last for up to 24 hours. Don’t worry because it has an automatic shut-off feature to ensure your safety once the unit runs out of water.
I like that this humidifier has a variable control knob to adjust the mist settings. It’s also considerably quiet, which is hard to find for a humidifier of this size.
Due to its safety features and adjustable mist settings, this humidifier is safe to use in nursery rooms. I also like that the tank is translucent, so you can monitor the water level. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, which is a great pick for those who consider humidifier maintenance as the greatest bane of their lives.
Honeywell HUL570W Cool Mist Humidifier
Are you tired of bringing your humidifier tank to the sink for refills? If so, you should consider the Honeywell HUL570W. This cool-mist humidifier has two refilling methods.
You can remove the tank and refill it in the sink or simply pour the water into the humidifier, thanks to its top-fill design. It has a wide top opening to prevent spills while refilling and for cleaning ease.
Moreover, this has a directional mist outlet that ensures even humidification throughout your room. It also has an auto shut-off feature once the unit runs out of water.
Aside from that, each refill of the 1.25-gallon tank lasts for up to 36 hours. There’s also a mist level dial to let you adjust the humidification speed.
However, some users complain that the motor tends to produce a gurgling sound. This can be fixed by cleaning the fan housing and applying a lubricant to the fan. However, make sure that you don’t mess up the core windings because it will ruin the motor.
Miro NR07G Modular Ultrasonic Humidifier
If you have the budget to splurge, I highly recommend the Miro NR07G Modular Ultrasonic Humidifier. This is a 1-gallon humidifier suitable for rooms up to 600 sq. ft. and can run continuously for more than 24 hours per refill.
Moreover, this has a tea kettle cap complete with a noise muffler. This keeps the humidifier quiet, so you can sleep soundly while the unit runs.
Aside from that, this has a top-fill design, making it convenient to clean and refill. And since it’s modular, you can disassemble every part for swift deep cleaning.
Another thing I like about this humidifier is its universal electrical adapter. You can run it in either 220v and 110v outlets, not to mention that this is UL certified for added safety.
The Miro NR07G Humidifier is complete with an auto shut-off feature that will shut the unit once it runs out of water. This prevents the risk of fire and it also makes the unit safe for your baby’s room.
How to find the best low maintenance humidifiers
There are many humidifiers in the market, but not all of them are easy to maintain. To ensure that you’re getting a model that’s easy to clean, here are a few aspects you should think about:
✔️Think about the shape
There’s a very good reason why manufacturers prefer the raindrop or rounded shape for their humidifiers. Aside from its aesthetic appearance, the raindrop shape has no corners where molds and bacteria can be trapped.
The problem with non-raindrop shapes is that you don’t really get into the corners. Unless you use a special cleaner, traces of microbes can remain and proliferate after.
But with a raindrop or circular shape, you can wipe all the sides. There are no corners that could trap dirt.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that non-raindrop shape humidifiers are goners. If you prefer this type, make sure that the tank is easy to remove, so you can deep-clean it properly.
✔️Opt for simple designs
Humidifiers with complicated designs tend to be the most difficult to maintain. As much as possible, there should be minimal parts it should be removable for washing.
I always recommend a humidifier with a tank that lifts off the base and has a wide opening. This way, you can wash the insides without too much effort.
Sometimes, the extra bells and whistles make the humidifier a chore to maintain. So if you want an easy-to-maintain option, you should be willing to trade off these extras.
✔️Consider a top-fill design
If possible, you should purchase a humidifier with a top-fill design. This design often has a wider opening, which allows for fast cleaning.
Also, you no longer have to remove the tank if you need to refill the humidifier. You can simply carry a glass of water and pour it into the tank.
✔️Try to get a clear material
It’s easier to clean a humidifier with a transparent tank since you can see where the dirt is. This way, you won’t miss any molds or contaminants when you wash the tank.
Nevertheless, this part is purely optional, but it surely does give you added mileage when it comes to maintenance.
✔️Consider a smaller humidifier
A small humidifier is easy to maintain since you only have to clean a small tank. Overall, 1-gallon is reasonable when it comes to the maintenance aspect. But once it gets bigger than that, you’ll have to exert more effort.
Overall, the design and shape of the humidifier may somewhat compensate for this part. Nevertheless, it would be much more convenient if you can tick all of the points discussed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any humidifiers that don’t require cleaning?
A: All humidifiers, regardless of design, need to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, it will harbor bacteria, molds, and pathogens. The good news is that you can use humidifier tablets to help neutralize these contaminants. Still, it’s not a substitute for deep-cleaning periodically.
Q: How often do I need to clean my humidifier?
A: It’s important to replace the water and clean your humidifier’s tank once a week. Meanwhile, deep-cleaning can be done once a month to clean the parts and filters inside the humidifier. Failure to do this will turn your humidifier into a bacterial cesspool. Over time, it can cause sickness, including respiratory irritations, frequent asthma attacks, and runny noses.
Q: Can I use vinegar through my humidifier?
A: It’s not ideal to run vinegar through your humidifier. Vinegar in mist form will sting the eyes and open wounds. Also, it will give off a sour smell in your room. If you wish to clean your humidifier with vinegar, simply soak the tank, but don’t turn it on. Once the tank has been soaked after a few minutes, you should rinse well before using your humidifier.
Q: Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my humidifier?
A: Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive solution to get rid of molds in your humidifier. Still, you should only use a few drops on your humidifier tank. This amount is safe to diffuse and won’t harm your humidifier. Nevertheless, you should still clean your humidifier regularly to avoid mineral and bacterial buildup.
Q: Can a dirty humidifier make you sick?
A: Dirty humidifiers can make you sick since they can harbor bacteria, viruses, and molds. You might experience flu-like symptoms, including a runny nose, light fever, itchy throat, and even headaches. So if your family seems to be having these symptoms regularly, it’s best to think about the last time you actually cleaned your humidifier.
Final words
The best low maintenance humidifiers will balance the moisture in the air without being a pain to clean. With the right design option, you can save yourself from the hassle. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that devices like humidifiers still require some level of maintenance to ensure their optimal function.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
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