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Based on our testing, we recommend looking for an easy-to-clean humidifier and using distilled water when possible.
The Spruce
This humidifier produced a very fine mist during testing and left no residue on surrounding surfaces.
It has the perfect balance of effectively humidifying an area without leavingexcess water droplets on the plant’s leaves.
However, this could help ensure plants do not receive too much moisture.
PHOTO: Amazon
This model also has a water reservoir where circulated water is dispensed and must be disposed of.
Despite all this, we dont think you could score a better ultrasonic humidifier than this Honeywell pick.
Its demineralization cartridge means no minerals from the water will land on the leaves of your plants.
The removable water tank on the Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier makes it easy to fill in a sink.The Spruce
We noticed a difference in moisture level from as far away as 4 feet from the humidifier.
The humidifier’s nightlight changes colors (it has seven different hues), which is a fun bonus.
Like our best overall pick, this humidifier requires extra effort to clean.
The Honeywell Cool Mist humidifier was so simple to set up, turn on, and refill with easy-to-understand instructions.PHOTO: The Spruce
In addition, we found some minor calcification on other parts that were easy to remove with vinegar.
From unboxing to cleaning, we repeatedly noted how easy this model is to understand and use.
However, the process for descaling and thoroughly cleaning is pretty straightforward.
Your plants wont suffer from excess minerals being deposited on their leaves thanks to this humidifiers demineralization filter.
The filter removes minerals from the water before it’s distributed into the air.
Water Tank Capacity:3.79 liters (1 gallon) |Run Time:Up to 24 hours |Coverage Area:500 sq.
Toggling between the warm and cold mist is as easy as pressing a button.
We really enjoyed this feature, as it allows for remote operation even while you’re not home.
We found that using a small brush and cloth made it easier to remove mineral buildup from crevices.
Everything else was simply wiped out with a mixture of vinegar and water.
Water Tank Capacity:6 liters (1.5 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 60 hours |Coverage Area:550 sq.
Plus, the under $50 price point is hard to beat.
Setting up this humidifier was little more than removing plastic packaging and plugging it in.
The top-fill design also made this humidifier easier to clean and ensured that everything was wiped down completely.
We recommend keeping this humidifier just a few feet away from any plants youre trying to target.
Water Tank Capacity:3 liters (0.79 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 25 hours |Coverage Area:290 sq.
The leaves were curling less and the air felt much less dry.
After 3 months, we still use this smart humidifier every single day.
Our plants are thriving, even in the cold of the wintertime.
Water Tank Capacity:4 liters (1.06 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 32 hours |Coverage Area:300 sq.
It doesnt get much more hands-free than that.
A detailed instruction manual and quick start guide made the setup a breeze.
We found this model required almost 40 minutes to soak in vinegar during the descaling process.
This made our testing area and our hands smell, which was slightly unpleasant.
PHOTO: Amazon
Water Tank Capacity:4.5 liters (1.19 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 45 hours |Coverage Area:430 sq.
We moved back two feet and discovered that it was more comfortable.
Because of its light function, this humidifier would also be a great option in a baby’s nursery.
Although it is small, we like that the HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier has a clear tank to easily monitor the water level.The Spruce
The provided cleaning brush made short work of cleaning the nozzle, so we were grateful for that.
Water Tank Capacity:1.8 liters (0.47 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 24 hours |Coverage Area:250 sq.
We did find it a little more complicated to refill and clean.
The time setting on the HoMedics Total Comfort Humidifier is handy—you can choose how long it runs for so you don’t waste water.PHOTO: The Spruce
After using it for 3 months, we still think it’s a great budget-friendly personal humidifier.
Water Tank Capacity:1.70 liters (.45 gallons) |Run Time:Up to 9 hours |Coverage Area:220 sq.
Once confirmed, we reviewed our testing data to focus on ultrasonic models that excelled during testing.
We monitored them overnight, checking their humidity levels after one, four, and eight hours.
This helped us better understand how important it is for humidifiers to be cleaned regularly.
We also noted how they held up over time and how easily they maintained and cleaned.
This model is our best smart pick and excels at delivering live humidity levels via its screen.
Warm mist is especially beneficial for tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid climates.
Your environment will also determine the mist temperature you may need for your plants.
And on the opposite end, dry climates can benefit from using humidifiers for their plants.
Its also important to note that not every plant enjoys a humid climate.
Optimal levels are between 40 to 60 percent.
If you only have a few plants in your home, we recommend sticking to a compact humidifier.
Care and Maintenance
Humidifiers require regular cleaning to function properly and prevent bacteria growth.
We recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
It generally does not matter what throw in of humidifier to use, Root says.
This mist settles on plant leaves and functions as immediate low-moisture relief, especially for tropical plants.
A cool-mist humidifier can help level the temperature of plants and add humidity back into your space.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Asheis an associate editor for The Spruce who has researched and tested humidifiers for several years.
Our experts:
Levels of Noise.American Academy of Audiology
PHOTO: Amazon
We like that the Crane 4-in-1 Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier has an adjustable spout so you can angle the mist where you need it.The Spruce
We swabbed the inside of the machine to check for any buildup or bacteria—luckily, it came back clean.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
We liked how quiet the Dreo Smart Humidifier was, measuring about 44 dB, about as quiet as a library.The Spruce
The Dreo Smart Humidifier has a clear but simple control panel and we love its smart features too.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
We tested all settings, but found the Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier was most effective when the dial was on max.The Spruce
The Levoit Dual 150 Humidifier produces a powerful mist perfect for your bedside or large plant collection.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
The Dreo 4L Smart Humidifier has a top-fill design so it was easy to fill with a water pitcher or at a sink.The Spruce
You can track the humidity level on the control panel or on an app.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
The Levoit OasisMist 450S Smart Humidifier takes about 40 minutes to clean but the open top tank makes it easier to clean inside.The Spruce
The Levoit OasisMist Smart Humidifier has an easy-to-adjust rotating misting nozzle on the lid.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
We lied the adjustable mist nozzle on the Pure Enrichment PureBaby Cloud Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier that lets you adjust the direction and amount.The Spruce
The Pure Enrichment PureBaby humidifier might be intended for children’s rooms, but it works great for plant babies, too.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
While it doesn’t have a top-fill design, the Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier’s water tank is easy to remove and fill on the bottom in a sink.The Spruce
The Raydrop Cool Mist Humidifier doesn’t have an adjustable mister, but its small enough to keep close by.PHOTO: The Spruce
While testing the functions of the humidifier, we also tracked humidity levels in our lab.The Spruce
Some tanks are easier to disassemble and clean than others, as we learned in our testing.The Spruce
Bacteria growth can be a problem with warm-mist humidifiers, so we tested the water to make sure none was present.The Spruce
