More than 20 million humidifiers are purchased each year across the U.S. Humidifiers are incredibly helpful devices, but like any other household piece of equipment, they require cleaning.
Cleaning a humidifier requires disassembling the different components and the replacement of any filters. The humidifier type, the number of components requiring disassembly, whether it is dishwasher safe or has a filter determines how easy it is to clean. A cool mist humidifier, that requires little to no disassembly, and is dishwasher safe is the easiest to clean.
This guide will take you through how easy (or hard) it is to clean humidifiers, what type of humidifiers are the easiest to clean, and list the top humidifiers that are easy to clean.
Which humidifiers are hard to clean
Humidifiers can be hard to clean as some have so many parts to disassemble and hard-to-reach spots that they encourage mold growth or mineral deposits inside the water tank and reservoir.
However, humidifiers with less parts to disassemble and wide openings are easier to clean.
Some other factors can make cleaning of humidifiers a little challenging, including:
- Type of humidifier
There are different types of humidifiers. The most common ones are the cool mist and warm mist humidifiers. When it comes to cleaning, cool mist humidifiers are easier to clean compared to the warm mist humidifiers.
Warm mist humidifiers have a sophisticated internal fan and are also less energy efficient as a result.
- Number of parts
If your humidifier has many components to disassemble, clean, and reassemble it is harder to clean.
- Whether it is dishwasher safe or not.
A dishwasher safe model, or one with dishwasher safe parts is easier to clean as you can just pop them in and press start!
- Whether it has a filter or not.
Some of the different humidifier parts that require cleaning include the reservoir, fan, filter, ceramic plates and rotating disks.
To clean your humidifier, you will first need to disassemble it, clean them one by one, and dry them before reassembling them back together for the next use.
Disassembling is essential by allowing every spot to be reached and cleaned, and to avoid mold growth, bacteria, and any mineral build-ups in the future.
To clean your humidifier:
- Rinse it with clean water and dry it after every use.
- Disassemble every part to thoroughly clean it once or twice every week.
- Each time you use your humidifier, empty, rinse and dry it. Before storing the humidifier for any period of time, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Note: To limit the spread of minerals in the air, use distilled water in your humidifier. The mineral concentration of distilled water is lower than that of tap water meaning that if it is used, your humidifier is less likely to release white mineral dust into your indoor air, and that dust is less likely to enter your lungs. Using distilled water keeps your humidifier clean in general.
Top 20 Humidifiers that are easy to clean
1. Pure Enrichment HumeXL humidifier
The Pure Enrichment HumeXL is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a 5-liter water tank that shuts off when the water level falls below a certain level.
The humidifier is simple to clean since the 5-liter water tank includes a big hole that allows you to hand wash the inside of the tank to remove any buildup and keep the humidifier running at optimal effectiveness.
It’s also simple to clean because it’s made up of only three parts: the humidifier base, a 5-liter water tank, and a water tank cap.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Automatic shut off feature.
- Filterless.
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe.
The Pure Enrichment Hume XL humidifier is available direct from Pureenrichment.com, or via Amazon.com.
2. CarePod Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The CarePod 21P Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a filterless humidifier with a water tank capacity of 2.8 liters. The automatic shut off feature of the Carepod humidifier turns the appliance off when the water level falls below a certain level, saving energy and protecting the oscillator from damage.
This model is one of the few humidifiers that can be easily disassembled and cleaned.
CarePod is simple to clean because there are only three parts to disassemble and clean. The water tank, the oscillator, and the body cover.
Its translucent water tank has rounded corners, ensuring that mold, bacteria, or foreign material cannot grow, conceal, or build up, and it is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
- Filterless.
Cons:
- Some consumers complain its mist dispersion decreased over time.
3. Crane Cool Mist Humidifier
The Crane Cool Mist Humidifier is a filter-free humidifier with a 1.2 gallon tank capacity. This humidifier functions as a diffuser and works with any essential oil brand or Crane’s humidifier liquids.
The Crane Cool Mist Humidifier is simple to clean because it just needs three parts disassembled: the lid, cap, and mist chamber. The parts are simple to remove, and the tank is large enough to wipe out with a cloth to clean the inside.
This humidifier is very easy to clean because the Mist Chamber, Lid, and Mist Cap are all removable and dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Filter free.
- Affordable.
4. VOCOlinc HomeKit Cool Mist Humidifiers
With a capacity of 2.5 liters, VOCOlinc is a smart cool mist humidifier that may also be used as a diffuser. The device can be controlled through voice commands and is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
Cleaning and filling are made simple with the brand’s top-fill design. It’s simple to clean because there’s just one item to take apart.
Its large tank makes cleaning simple because you can easily slide your palm inside the reservoir to wipe it off with a cloth.
Pros:
- Easy to fill and wash.
- Easy control with an App on Wi-Fi.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Filter free
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it does not dissipate much.
5. Xburan Cool Mist Humidifiers
The Xburan Cool Mist Humidifiers is a 3.5-liter cool mist humidifier that can also serve as an essential oil diffuser. Unlike other brands, the brand is simple to fill and clean because it only has one item to disassemble (the lid) from the water reservoir.
Another reason this humidifier is easy to clean is because of the wide-open water tank with no hard-to-reach locations, which makes cleaning a breeze because the tank is large enough to wipe clean with a towel.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that the humidifier stopped misting.
6. Honeywell Mistmate
The Honeywell HUL520B Mistmate humidifier emits a cool mist and has a big tank opening for easy refilling and cleaning. The humidifier can run for up to 20 hours on a single filling and has an auto shut-off mechanism when the tank is empty.
The humidifier is simple to maintain.
It has no filter and only has two parts to disassemble and clean (the top section lid and the reservoir) compared to other humidifier models.
All these parts are easily accessible via an easy-grip handle. The water tank/reservoir is large enough to wipe clean with a towel by hand and is dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Easy to fill and clean.
- Filter free.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Auto shut off feature.
Cons:
- Some reviewers say that it started making a loud buzzing noise.
7. UmideLead humidifier
The UmideLead humidifier for the bedroom is a 2.2-liter cool mist humidifier with an automatic shut-off mechanism that lasts up to 32 hours on the lowest setting.
The brand has a huge opening design that makes cleaning and filling easy by allowing you to fit your hand into the water tank.
There is only one part to disassemble and clean on the humidifier. To clean, simply remove the lid, place your hand in the reservoir, and wipe it down with a towel.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- BPA-free.
- Filterless.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it makes a gurgling noise.
8. Raydrop humidifier
Raydrop is a 2.2-liter ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that will automatically shut off and display a red light when it runs out of water.
The Raydrop humidifier is easy to clean on the inside because it has a 9.5 cm wide opening that makes it simple to access and refill. Unlike other models, the Raydrop simply requires the removal of the cap before cleaning, making it simple to clean.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Auto shut off feature.
- No filter.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it leaks water.
- Not dishwasher safe.
9. MOOKA Cool Mist Humidifier with Humidistat
MOOKA is a 4.5 liter ultrasonic smart control cool mist humidifier with a built-in humidity sensor that detects room humidity and adjusts mist output to keep your preferred humidity level.
This humidifier is significantly easier to clean and refill because of its large opening tank and top fill design. It just has a one part that can be disassembled for cleaning (just the lid).
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- No filter.
- Large capacity.
- Auto shut off feature.
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Some reviewers complain about leaks.
10. Ledonti humidifier
Ledonti is a 4 liter capacity Smart ultrasonic cold and warm mist humidifier for the bedroom with a ceramic filter that can also be used as an essential oil diffuser.
The device can be connected to the Tuya App, allowing you to control the mist settings remotely. The function makes it simple to set up schedules, alter humidity levels, and activate Sleep Mode.
The broad opening on the top of the gadget allows you to pour water directly into the water tank without having to remove it. It’s extremely simple to clean because all you have to do is pull the lid off the base and wipe it down with a towel.
Pros:
- Auto shut off feature.
- Easy to clean.
- Large capacity.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain that it doesn’t produce a warm mist.
- Not dishwasher safe.
11. Aixiqee Humidifier
Aixiqee Humidifier is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a capacity of 2.4 liters. The humidifier includes three mist modes that may be adjusted and an auto shut-off option.
This brand features several parts to disassemble; The tank, cover, mist pipe and atomizer, and nozzle all of which are easy to disassemble, making the humidifier simple to clean. The large opening also makes it simple to clean the humidifier with your hand.
Pros:
- BPA-free.
- Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL-listed).
- Easy to clean.
- Auto shut off.
Cons:
- Some reviewers claim that the mist does not come out unless on high misting mode.
- Not dishwasher safe.
12. Miro humidifier
The Miro NR07G humidifier is a powerful and long-lasting ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a capacity of 4 liters. Because of its waterproof design, the Miro is one of the easiest humidifiers to clean.
The humidifier comes apart in one motion when it’s time to wash it. Every surface is visible and washable as there are no pumps, and no moist filters to replace. It’s also simple to clean because it’s easy to disassemble and doesn’t require any special equipment or harsh chemicals.
It can also be washed in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Easy to fill and wash.
- BPA-free.
- Filter free.
- Dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Some reviewers say that it may be a little hard to understand how to assemble once disassembled.
13. Susenc Cool Mist Humidifier
Susenc is a top-fill ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a 3.5-liter capacity that may also be used as an essential oil diffuser. The humidifier offers an adjustable mist setting and an automatic shut-off feature when the water runs out.
Susenc humidifiers are among the easiest to clean because they have few pieces to disassemble for cleaning than most other manufacturers (Only the lid). It features a large rectangular opening design making it easy to clean all of the marks, and it’s dishwasher safe.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe.
- Few pieces to disassemble and hence easy to clean.
- Auto shut off feature.
- Filterless.
Cons:
- Some reviewers claim that the mist doesn’t work when you fill the tank to the max water level line.
14. Winix Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Winix is an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a 0.6 gallon water capacity. The brand has a mist setting that can be adjusted and an automated shut-off mechanism when it runs out of water.
It’s simple to clean because there’s only one item to disassemble for cleaning – the lid. It also has a big hole that allows you to view and reach all of the places while cleaning with your hands.
Pros:
- ETL certified.
- Easy to fill and clean.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Automatic shut-off function.
- Filter free.
Cons:
- Some reviewers say that the mist is not that strong.
15. Roto humidifier
Roto is a top-filling, two-in-one ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that may also be used as an essential oil diffuser. The brand’s water tank carries 2.5 liters and can cover areas up to 300 square feet for up to 22 hours before shutting off automatically.
Roto has a large opening that makes cleaning a breeze. All you have to do is remove the cap and clean the tank directly, and you’ll be done in no time.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Filter free.
- Automatic shut off feature.
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe.
- Some reviewers say it produces loud screeching noises.
16. Taylor Swoden Humidifier
Taylor Swoden Humidifier is an ultrasonic warm and cold mist humidifier with a 5 liter capacity and a filter. The humidifier is simple to use and maintain, with a large aperture of about 7.4 inches, making it simple to clean inside with the cleaning brush included in the packaging at the time of purchase.
The humidifier also has a top-fill water tank that can be removed for easy filling and cleaning.
Pros:
- Easy to use and clean.
- Auto shut off feature.
- Features a remote control.
Cons:
- Some consumers say it is hard to find replacement filters.
17. KOIOS 4L Humidifiers for Bedroom
KOIOS is a 4 liter ultrasonic cool mist humidifier and essential oil diffuser in one. This brand is one of the easiest humidifiers to clean because it only has three parts to disassemble for cleaning. The humidification device is detachable, making cleaning the water tank easy.
It is also dishwasher safe and allows you to reach every corner within the water tank to clean it completely.
Pros:
- Easy to wash.
- Dishwasher safe.
- BPA-free.
- Automatic shut off.
- Can help with aromatherapy.
- Filter-free.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain about mold.
18. Livatro humidifier
Livatro is a 4-liter ultrasonic top-fill cool mist humidifier with a revolutionary anti-leakage mechanism that lets you fill the tank without removing the top cover.
It’s a simple humidifier to clean because the lid can be removed, and the empty tank is wiped clean with a wet cloth through the wide opening.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Affordable.
- Automatic shut off function.
- Filter free.
19. MayPal humidifier
MayPal is a 1 liter capacity cool mist ultrasonic humidifier that is wireless with an inbuilt battery that takes 3-4 hours to charge. The humidifier has four timing options, may run for up to four hours, and shuts off automatically.
The humidifier is simple to clean because it has a wide opening that allows you to easily clean the reservoir and only one item to disassemble – the top.
Pros:
- BPA-free.
- Easy to refill and clean.
- Auto shut off function.
Cons:
- A few reviewers claim that it does not work.
20. Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Vicks is a filter-free ultrasonic cool mist humidifier with a 1.2 gallons capacity that is easy to clean. The brand is easy to clean as it has fewer parts to disassemble and a wide tank opening, which allows for easy filling and cleaning.
Vicks is exceptionally easy to clean, thanks to its large tank opening and lack of mold hiding areas. All of the sides are spherical, so there are no hard-to-reach corners.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Filter free.
- Automatic shut off feature.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complain about mold in the base and the top valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Levoit humidifiers easy to clean?
Levoit humidifiers are relatively easy to clean. The Levoit range are easy to disassemble, and most components are dishwasher safe. For instance, the Levoit LV600HH humidifier, which is the simplest of them to clean, features a large tank opening, is easy to disassemble for cleaning and most importantly, is dishwasher safe.
The following table shows some of the Levoit humidifier models, their features, and remarks on if they are easy to clean;
| Model | Features | Remarks |
| Levoit 6L humidifier | Easy to disassemble with a large tank opening. | Easy to clean. |
| Levoit 3L ultrasonic | Dishwasher safe. | Easy to clean. |
| Levoit LV600HH | Easy to disassemble, has a wide tank opening, and is Tdishwasher safe. | Easy to clean. |
| Levoit Classic 100 | Water tank is wide open and is easy to disassemble. | Easy to clean. |
| LV600S smart control | Wide opening and dishwasher safe. | Easy to clean. |
From the table above, we can see that Levoit humidifiers are relatively easy to clean.
Plentiful Air has complete instructions on how to clean a Levoit humidifier available here
Are there any humidifiers that do not need to be cleaned?
All humidifiers require cleaning, there is not yet a humidifier that does not require cleaning. Cleaning is important because it helps prevent mold, bacteria, and scale from building up in the humidifier. Emptying, cleaning, and drying the humidifier’s reservoir is crucial for both your health and the humidifier’s longevity.
Luckily, some humidifiers have been advanced to prevent mold growth.
For instance, the Vicks’ Germ-Free Humidifier keeps microbes, bacteria, and mold from developing in the water within the humidifier’s plastic casing and being vaporized into the air. But even this humidifier requires cleaning.
Is there a humidifier that won’t get moldy?
There are humidifier models that will not get moldy. An example of such is the Vicks’ Germ-Free which employs an ultraviolet beam to keep mold from developing in the humidifier’s water and also prevent mold from being dispersed into the air.
Other models of humidifiers without this unique feature will grow mold if not cleaned and maintained properly. They then spread into the air with the mist, causing a number of sinus illnesses. Cleaning your humidifier is the only method to keep mold from forming in it.
