6 Best Easy-To-Clean Humidifiers 2024 – Bought and Tested

When the dry season arrives, a humidifier can be a real blessing. While many individuals are aware of this, some still hesitate to acquire one due to concerns about the maintenance it requires.

If you are one of those, this post is precisely what you’ve been searching for. We’ve rigorously tested a variety of humidifiers and selected the top 6 humidifiers that are easiest to clean. With these choices, you can bid farewell to annoying upkeep.

The Crane 4-in-1 Drop humidifier  is our favorite. It stands out with its sizable water tank opening, shallow base, and detachable mist tube. When it comes to evaporative models, the Canopy humidifier takes the spotlight as it’s dishwasher safe and has the convenient ability to self-dry.

But I am sure you can get more insights by continuing to read.

Why you can trust this review: We purchased these humidifiers with our own money, took pictures, and spent at least two weeks testing them with a hygrometer, a scale, and a sound level meter. We also cleaned them to test the ease of cleaning.

How to determine if a humidifier is easy to clean? 

Through my practical knowledge, determining which humidifier is easy to clean solely based on its appearance can be challenging. There are a few crucial parts you should pay attention to when purchasing it. 

The size of the water tank opening 

Typically, a humidifier with a large water tank opening tends to be easier to clean. This design allows you to access the interior without the need for a small brush.

You can easily wipe away mineral buildup or grime using a soft cloth by inserting your hands into the humidifier.

In addition, the water can be filled and emptied more quickly, a feature that you’ll appreciate if you’ve used a humidifier on a daily basis.

Can you access the mist tube easily? (for ultrasonic models)

The mist emitted from an ultrasonic humidifier carries minerals, and dust and dirt can accumulate within the mist tube. Consequently, this is an area that you should clean regularly.

If the mist tube is hard to access, it will become the source of bad smell and mold growth. 

The Crane Drop humidifier on our list is exceptional due to the fact that one side of the mist tube can be removed, enabling thorough interior cleaning. Similarly, the Levoit LV600HH is also noteworthy since its mist tube is entirely detachable.

Can you access the fan easily? (for evaporative models)

Evaporative humidifiers utilize a fan to expedite the evaporation process. Since the fan is exposed to the air, it tends to accumulate a significant amount of dust and dirt. 

However, based on my observations, the fan in many humidifiers can be difficult to access unless you unscrew certain components.

Luckily, both the Canopy and the Vorndao EVDC500 come with a thoughtful design, allowing you to clean the blades directly.

Dishwasher safe

Dishwasher-safe functionality can be a valuable feature for a humidifier, even though it’s not very common in the market. The Canopy humidifier on our list boasts this capability.

However, it’s important to note that the body or the base cannot be placed in a dishwasher. 

UV light

UV light can help with killing microorganisms. With fewer molds and bacteria thriving inside, your humidifier becomes easier to maintain. This can certainly be a beneficial feature. You can find it incorporated in the Canopy humidifier mentioned earlier.

Best Easy-To-Clean Humidifier – Our Top Picks

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Crane has many models that are popular in the market, but this 4-in-1 drop one is my favorite and I find that it is super easy to clean. 

First, it features a top-fill feature. When you remove the big nozzle on the top, you can refill the water directly. The opening is generously wide, allowing me to easily fit my entire hand inside.

This is great because I can directly use a soft cloth to wipe down all the dirt and dust inside the water tank effortlessly. 

Another standout feature is that one side of the mist tube is actually made of plastic, and you can effortlessly remove it yourself.

I’ve got to say, I haven’t really seen this kind of design anywhere else, and it makes reaching into that tube’s interior for a thorough cleaning an absolute breeze!

Additionally, the float in the base is easily detachable. A simple lift is all it takes. The base’s interior is very shallow and small, which means cleaning it won’t spend too much time.

Overall, I believe the manufacturer has genuinely considered the ease of cleaning in the design of this product. Even better, it boasts numerous other excellent features and offers commendable humidifying performance.

Based on our test results, the output per hour on the high setting is approximately 148 ml, making it a suitable choice for small to medium-sized rooms. Additionally, it offers three mist levels to choose from, a nightlight, and a button for white noise.

The nightlight can shift from red to blue, and there are three types of white noise available.

The mist level indicator light can automatically turn off after a few seconds. I believe this is a nice touch, especially for those who are sensitive to light while sleeping.

The only downside I observed is that a small portion of the mist can escape through the gap between the nozzle and the mist tube. However, personally, I don’t find this to be a significant issue.

When using an ultrasonic humidifier, regardless of how easy it is to clean, I suggest you use it with distilled water. Otherwise, you will need to clean it frequently. If you insist on using tap water, then an evaporative humidifier is definitely a better choice. (Check our list of the best evaporative humidifier.)

This Canopy humidifier is an appealing evaporative model. What I bought is the one with a light green color but there are an array of beautiful colors available.

Best part? Unlike those bulky evaporative humidifiers, this one’s compact and fits right on your nightstand. Plus, it’s super light, so when it’s time to clean, just whisk it to the sink.

Since it has a wick filter inside, it can filter out most bacteria, mold spores, and other impurities. Therefore, you don’t need to worry too much even if it is filled with tap water. UV light can also help with killing pathogens.

Humidifiers can be hard to clean when pink mold and black mold thrive in them. Because I know that it will turn on automatically when there is water in the tray, I don’t need to be concerned when I forget to empty the water. 

All these aspects together make cleaning this model a breeze. But it has another perk you will like – it is dishwasher safe!

You can simply toss the water tank and tray into the dishwasher. And when it comes to the body, the fan area, where dust tends to gather, is a cinch to reach. Just give it a wipe-down with a soft cloth.

I find this model is easy to maintain but you should remember to replace or clean the filter regularly.

This model is suitable for a small room. But it also has a plus version to cover a large space. 

What might give you pause is the higher price tag, and on top of that, the replacement filters can also be a bit pricey. Meanwhile, there is a iron grate between the fan blades and the grill on the top which could accumulate dust and dirt.

Honestly, warm mist humidifiers often require a bit more maintenance compared to cool mist humidifiers. The heating element can accelerate the buildup of scale, which adds to the upkeep. 

This Levoit LV600S model can produce both cool and warm mist, and despite this, cleaning it remains quite straightforward. I’ve noticed a few thoughtful details while using it.

Upon removing the nozzle, you’ll find a convenient handle that makes carrying it a breeze. The water tank opening is generously sized. However, what truly impresses me is the detachable mist tube and air flume. They can be washed separately, which eliminates the hygiene blind spots that humidifiers often have

Even better, it has an absorption pad on the heating element. This is for filtering out the mineral, reducing your cleaning time on descaling.

This model also boasts advanced features. You can operate it using an APP, and it includes a humidistat for managing the indoor humidity level. What’s more, you have the flexibility to set the timer for up to 12 hours.

In addition to these attributes, I’m particularly fond of its quiet operation. Despite its high output of 279 ml in cool mist mode and 399 ml in warm mist mode, it operates without any noticeable noise.

Yes, it is also a perfect option for large rooms. In addition to the high output, it also has a 6L water tank. Plus, the inclusion of an aroma pad lets you relish the advantages of essential oils.

Considering all these advantages, you might have anticipated that it comes with a slightly higher price tag. However, I can assure you, it’s worth it. 

Just a reminder, you need to replace the absorption pad and aroma pad. But it is much cheaper than the wick filter in evaporative models. 

I couldn’t help but fall in love with this adorable humidifier as soon as I unpacked it. That little blue tail is just so cute that I can’t resist touching it. My little nephew loves it too. 

This model is a great option for children and busy parents. Its whale-shaped appearance and blue and white color make it an appealing gadget in the room. 

Crafted from BPA-free plastic, you can rest easy knowing that safety concerns are covered. Moreover, it keeps things simple without any complex functions. Just a twist of the mist level knob or a press of the nightlight button is all it takes.

When it comes to cleaning, it’s a breeze. With a spacious opening similar to the Crane model we discussed earlier, you can easily slip your entire hand into the water tank’s interior. The base is also devoid of any tiny components. Based on my own experience, the entire cleaning process is exceptionally smooth.

However, I have to remind you that this is a model for small rooms. The output is only 118 ml and the water capacity is 2.5L. But the good news is it is pocket-friendly.

This is another good model that is suitable for those of you who don’t care about the bells and whistles. But it has a higher output, allowing it to cover a medium-sized room, like a regular bedroom. 

Similar to most models on this list, it features a generously sized water tank opening and a straightforward base design.

Although the mist tube isn’t detachable, its large size allows for easy access from both the top and the bottom. Furthermore, being filterless eliminates the need for replacement purchases. When I clean it, I don’t find any parts that are hard to reach.

Like other Vicks humidifiers, it has a 3-year warranty, which is longer than most competitors. Meanwhile, it is compatible with other Vicks products, such as Vapopad or Vaposteam. It has a small slot for you to insert the aroma pad. 

If you don’t bother using it, then all you really need to do is give the large knob in the center a twist.

There’s a downside that doesn’t quite sit well with me. The indicator light on the knob can’t turn off while the humidifier is working, which may disturb your sleep at night.

While the Levoit LV600S is a good model for large spaces, this Vornado EVDC500 can cover up to 1000 sq. ft. Aside from that, it is an evaporative model. 

It comprises two water tanks, a base, a power head, and a body. Surprisingly, each part can be easily lifted up. While it’s not dishwasher safe, you can clean them separately, which makes the cleaning task much simpler.

I have to admit, for a humidifier designed for such a spacious area, it does come across as a bit bulky. However, the fact that I can wash these components separately definitely makes life much easier.

Furthermore, the fan tends to be the trickiest part to clean in an evaporative humidifier. However, I can easily access every fan blade of this humidifier by simply flipping the power head upside down. 

Now that cleaning is not an issue, let’s talk about other aspects of this model. 

It incorporates Energy Smart Technology, which can automatically adjust the fan speed, a fantastic energy-saving feature. Additionally, it comes equipped with a humidistat that manages the humidity level on your behalf.

In our testing, it demonstrated an output of 250 ml, surpassing the majority of evaporative models we’ve evaluated. The 5-year warranty is also one of the big disadvantages. 

However, there are a few downsides to consider. For instance, the light cannot be turned off, and it tends to be noisy in the high setting. I also want to address that it makes use of two wick filters. It means that you may need to spend more on filter replacement. 

Honestly, most travel humidifiers are easy to clean due to their simple construction. I chose to include this snow mountain humidifier in our list because it offers many other perks.

Instead of a regular mist tube, it utilizes a cotton stick to draw in water, and the atomizer at the top generates mist that is released directly into the air.

When it comes to cleaning such a device, your main tasks would be removing the scale from the atomizer and regularly replacing the cotton stick.

Given the small water tank, you won’t hesitate to refill and clean it on a regular basis. As for removing the scale, a bit of distilled vinegar or citric acid will do the trick. 

This model comes with a snow mountain-shaped head, which is quite captivating, particularly when the nightlight is illuminated. This adds to a soothing ambiance during the nighttime hours, which personally helps me feel more relaxed. The light can be set to display continuously or in an intermittent mode.

Moreover, it boasts a 73ml/h output and is capable of operating for approximately 9 hours, which is notably high when compared to other similar devices.

Just make sure not to place anything too close to it, as I’ve noticed that at times, it can cause surrounding items to become damp.

Other considerations when purchasing an easy-to-clean humidifier

Except for the ease of cleaning, there are many other factors you should also consider. I want to name a few here.

Coverage

Take a look at your room and estimate the size of it. Never purchase a humidifier that’s too small for the space, regardless of how simple it is to clean.

For larger rooms, consider options like the Levoit LV600S  and Vornado EVDC 500 . On the other hand, if you have a smaller bedroom, the Crane 4-in-1 Drop  and Canopy models are more suitable choices.

Noise level

If you are a light sleeper, this is an important factor for you to consider. In most cases, evaporative humidifiers tend to produce more noise than their ultrasonic counterparts. Most ultrasonic ones are quiet.

Light

Again, for a light sleeper, a humidifier that has a light that can’t be turned off could be problematic and this is the case for some of the models on our list as well.

If you desire a completely dark nighttime environment, both the Crane 4-in-1  and the Taotronics BPA-free humidifier are excellent options.

Price 

Humidifiers generally aren’t excessively expensive. However, evaporative humidifiers typically come at a slightly higher price point than ultrasonic humidifiers.

Additionally, keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in the cost of filter replacements.

Warranty 

Many humidifiers typically come with a 1-year warranty. If you’re seeking a unit with an extended warranty, consider exploring models from brands like Vicks or Vornado.

How to make a humidifier easier to clean? 

Clean it regularly

As a person who has cleaned humidifiers more than 100 times, I have to say the best way to make your humidifier easier to clean is to clean it frequently. 

In this way, the minerals in the water will not turn to stubborn buildup, and mold spores will not have time to grow. 

Use distilled water

Since distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals, you don’t need to worry about the mineral buildup and white dust problem. Meanwhile, microorganisms will not proliferate as rapidly as they typically would.

Replace the filter frequently

Filters can filter out impurities but they can also become the breeding ground of bad smell and mold spores. Therefore, you should replace it frequently or let it dry if you don’t plan to use the humidifier on a daily basis. 

Recap

Finding a humidifier that is hassle-free is not a walk in the park. I personally purchased and tested numerous popular models on the market, striving to identify the models that are the easiest to clean.

For ultrasonic options, I’d recommend considering the Crane 4-in-1 Drop  and Levoit LV600S  models. On the other hand, in the evaporative humidifier category, the Canopy and Vornado EVDC500  are standout choices.

At last, don’t forget to check the water tank opening, mist tube, and fan. These are crucial components that significantly impact how easy a model is to clean.

Last update on 2024-04-27 at 10:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API