Hard water does a number on everything from your kitchen appliances to your hair, and it makes simple purchases like a humidifier especially complicated. If you’re in the market for something that’s supposed to add moisture to the air, you must take into account hard water’s high mineral content. The best humidifier for hard water will be an evaporative cool mist model with a wick filter. Keep reading to learn why this type of humidifier wins out — and for my top product picks.
Evaporative Vs. Ultrasonic
To take a step back, there are two main types of humidifiers: ultrasonic and evaporative. While ultrasonic models are popular for being extra quiet, they aren’t good humidifiers for hard water since they are generally filterless (which means unwanted minerals can get into the air). Ultrasonic humidifiers work by using vibrations to create a microfine mist (along with the minerals in it), which creates that infamous “white dust” associated with humidifiers. An evaporative humidifier, on the other hand, draws water into a wick filter, which helps trap those minerals, and then a fan blows the water vapor through to disperse.
Warm Mist Vs. Cool Mist
Warm mist or cool mist are other humidifier terms you’ve probably encountered in your search for the perfect model. For hard water, cool mist humidifiers are the way to go for one simple reason: they’re easier to clean. A warm mist humidifier (sometimes called a vaporizer) has an additional heating component to deal with and leaves behind more mineral deposits in the tank. A cool mist humidifier has the additional benefit of requiring less energy to operate since it doesn’t heat up, and is approved for safe use around kids and pets, too.
Shop The Best Humidifiers For Hard Water
In a hurry? These are the best humidifiers for hard water on Amazon:
- The Overall Best Humidifier For Hard Water: Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
- An Easy-Fill Humidifier That Can Cover Larger Rooms: Vornado EV200 Evaporative Whole Room Humidifier
- The Best Humidifier For Kids: Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier
- A Large Humidifier For Your Whole House: Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier
These are the four best evaporative cool moisture humidifiers on Amazon. They’re sized for every type of room, and one of them can even tackle a whole house.
1
The Overall Best Humidifier For Hard Water
Featuring evaporative technology, this cool mist humidifier has amassed legions of fans (think 13,000+ Amazon reviews). It’s designed for medium-sized rooms with a 1-gallon capacity that runs for up to 24 hours without needing a refill. The removable tank comes with a wide opening, making it easy to fill and to get inside and clean thoroughly. This humidifier earns bonus points for boasting UV technology that kills over 99% of bacteria. Since it’s an evaporative model, it does use wick filters that will eventually need to be replaced (replacements can be found here), but you can take comfort in the fact that they’re catching the mineral deposits found in hard water. “Sure, you have to change filters regularly, but it doesn’t over-humidify your room or force whatever’s growing in your tap water into your air,” one shopper noted.
One reviewer wrote: “I have tried about six different humidifiers over the years and have never been completely pleased. This one is a real standout and I would give it 6 stars if I could. […] No slime build up. No hard water deposits. It’s very easy to fill and maintain.”
Recommended room size: Medium (Up to approximately 500 sq. ft., according to reviewers) | Water tank size: 1.1 gallons | Colors: 2
2
An Easy-Fill Humidifier That Can Cover Larger Rooms
Another great humidifier for hard water, this evaporative unit has a 1.5-gallon capacity that covers up to 700 square feet. The brand’s SimpleTank system was designed for ease of use: you can pop out the two tanks for simple top-filling, and the wide opening lets you scrub from any angle when it’s time for a clean. The tank lids screw on securely and feature a built-in handle that’s a thoughtful addition for easy carrying. It features three different fan settings with six humidity output levels, and the signature “vortex action” circulates comfortable air at every level of your room. While it’s technically not a cool mist humidifier, the air that is circulated is cool. And when it comes time to change the filter, replacement wick filters come in a twin pack so you have a backup.
One reviewer wrote: “The BEST humidifier I’ve ever owned! […] I have owned MANY humidifiers over the years. I usually start running it in late fall through late winter. I can’t breathe or sleep well if the bedroom is too stuffy and dry. I have to clean the inside of the reservoir frequently due to hard water, calcium buildup, and let’s face it-they get some gunky slime if left go too long. Gross right? […] The Vornado EV100 has a reservoir with a mouth wide enough to fit my hand it very comfortably with room to spare. I can get the whole thing clean with very little effort. […] I also like the sleek design. If this humidifier ever breaks down, I will definitely purchase another one!”
Recommended room size: Up to 700 sq. ft. | Water tank size: 1.5 gallons | Colors: 1
3
The Best Humidifier For Kids
This compact humidifier, with a fun projector night light, has an antimicrobial filter that traps up to 95% of bacteria for a germ-free cool mist. It’s an evaporative model that’s designed for medium to large rooms. Plus, it’s compatible with therapeutic Vicks VapoPads that create a soothing menthol-infused mist for additional relief when your child is sick. Its 1-gallon tank will last through the night (it can run on low for up to 24 hours), and there’s an automatic shut-off if you accidentally leave it on. It has a wider opening on the bottom to refill the tank — although the tank doesn’t detach, shoppers reported it’s still pretty easy to clean. It comes in two color options: blue and pink. And you can grab these extra water filters while it’s on your mind.
One reviewer wrote: “I absolutely love these humidifiers! We got one for our first baby when she got her first cold and then it became something we used every night for her. We got one for ourselves too. […] It has a white noise effect which helps by husband and our second sleep better. It keeps the room cool but not wet since it’s an invisible mist which is my favorite part.”
Recommended room size: Up to 400 sq. ft., according to the seller | Water tank size: 1 gallon | Colors: 1
4
A Large Humidifier For Your Whole House
This extra-large evaporative humidifier boasts a 4-gallon tank capacity that can operate on full blast for up to 24 hours of cool moisture and cover up to 1,000 square feet. Three fan speeds and a built-in humidity control let you dial in your preferred settings, and its intelligent sensors monitor the ambient humidity and adjust accordingly to maintain just the right balance. The twin removable no-leak, spill-proof tanks have built-in handles for easy carrying and filling. The tanks do have pretty narrow openings, so you can’t reach inside, but reviewers were satisfied with how relatively easy it was to clean them. Pick up a two-pack of replacement wick filters here.
One reviewer wrote: “I’m so grateful to have discovered the Vornado Evap. Humidifier. We recently moved to an area with the driest, hottest climates, with unbelievably low humidity levels 5-18%. We tried several humidifiers, and I am amazed that somehow this manages to add fresh air into our home. Which is quite remarkable considering how dry it is here. Another added benefit, because we deal with horrible water quality, we have extremely hard water, the filters take care of that! So no white mist all over the house as other mist humidifiers put out. […] I am considering buying a second one because I love how well this performs.”
Recommended room size: Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | Water tank size: 4 gallons | Colors: 1
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