An Easy To Clean Humidifier
Look no further. You need a humidifier that is easy to clean.
We found one.
Just Want The Humidifier? The new version is available on Amazon here.
Here's how the humidifier situation used to go down in my house:
Someone comes down with a cold and you know it's gonna be a bad one. So you dig out your trusty, old humidifier - only to find it's cracked. Or smells funny. Or it has enough greenish-black mold and mildew in the tank to grow a swamp.
Just imagine what's growing in the bowels of that humidifier, in all those parts you can't get to. If you can't picture it, try cutting up a rubber ducky to see what hangs out in moist environments. Ew, gross. (You can trash that the duck now.)
The solution seems simple. A quick click on Amazon or a trip to your big-box retailer solves the problem. For $30-60 you've got yourself a brand-spankin' new humidifier.
You've also bought yourself a mold-making machine.
The Problem With Cheap Humidifiers
Vick's, Crane, Safety 1st, or a generic store brand are the typical baby humidifier options you'll come across. And they should solve the problems of dry air, congestion just like they promise. Right?
Wrong.
Don't click or pay just yet.
The Solution Is A Humidifier That Is Easy To Clean
Now if I know you, you've already read about the dangers of warm-mist humidifiers. You know all about the importance of cleaning the tanks and innards properly to cut down on mold and other nasty gunk production inside of your humidifier.
The goal of a humidifier is to soothe people – not spread disease.
The Biggest Problem
You can't clean every piece of most humidifiers. It's impossible.
We've tried.
Sure, you can run water and vinegar through them, but that doesn't solve the buildup problem. Think about the grout around your shower or tub. They're humid places with lots of steam, like humidifiers. If you don't give them a good scrub every once in awhile, gross stuff starts to build up.
Like mold.
Splashing vinegar in the corners of your shower won't solve the problem and it won't clean a humidifier properly, either. Only scrubbing will clean your shower.
And your shower has whole lot more airflow than the typical humidifier.
Do You Even Need A Humidifier?
There's another problem. It's debatable whether or not you even need a humidifier. (Hey, this is Lies About Parenting. We're dedicated to being honest.)
Research suggests that a baby humidifier will NOT help baby (or you) get over your cold or illness any faster. Doctors and medical experts say there is no marked improvement in cold duration when using a humidifier.
Okay, fine. We agree with the science. But... if you know what it feels like to wake up with a parched throat and a tongue that feels like the Sahara Desert, then you know you want a humidifier that is easy to clean around the house.
Soothing can be just as helpful as curing.
So, Which Humidifier Is Easy To Clean?
I've used every kind of baby humidifier on the market and it wasn't until 2015 that I found THE ONE.
I tried the others. We had a couple of Cranes, borrowed a Vick's, and hijacked a friend's cute frog-shaped Crane. The frog had me at hello. But the cracked plastic and blackish stuff growing in it had me saying goodbye!
The research began. My daughter came down with a nasty upper respiratory infection, and as an Amazon Prime member, I knew I could get a baby humidifier that is easy to clean delivered within a day or two and spend a lot less than a trip to Walgreens, Walmart, or Target would cost me.
2023 update: I'm loving the latest version of the Miro! While this review was for the original Miro CleanPot, which had a bowl-style tank, the newer versions are even better! Plus, they're SO PRETTY! (I test and review humidifiers, updating this article annually.)
Meet Miro
Enter the Miro Luma Cool-Mist Humidifier and Aroma Oil Diffuser
. The modern, kick-ass design is what caught my eye.
Just look at this thing! (I've updated this article to reflect the most recent version, as the original was made even better.)
I'll admit it. I like pretty things.
Want a Different Shape?
We get it. It's not for everyone. Here are our top picks of easy to clean cool mist humidifiers that have tanks in a more traditional style while still being easier to keep and keep mold-free:
XASLA Top Fill 5L Evaporative Humidifier for Baby Nursery Bedroom, No Mist Humidifier
Evaporative humidification technology dramatically reducing the discharge of white residues typically produced by ultrasonic humidifiers. The filter of this evaporative humidifier can effectively filter out impurities in the water is washable and replaceable, which helps with cleanliness. Big 5L tank, too!
4.3 of 5 stars
4L Top Fill Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier for Large Room, 3 Timers, Easy to Clean, Black
Over 1.06 gallon of water lasts for 12-50 hours working time on a full tank. The ultrasonic system makes it much quieter than traditional humidifiers. Easy to read LED display.
5 of 5 stars
GOLDFOX 2.2L Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom with Essential Oil Diffuser
Long Running Time: High Mist Intensity: Up to 11 hours; Low Mist Intensity: Up to 22 hours; Sleep Mode Intensity: Up to 36 hours. Cute color-changing options and essential oil
4.5 of 5 stars
How does the Miro manage to stay clean?
All The Parts Come Apart
Also known as a tankless humidifier, this baby and room humidifier is ultrasonic, tankless, and 100% cleanable. Every piece can be scrubbed, with lids to avoid tips and spills.
It Will Last A Long Time
Yes, it costs more than a cheap humidifier, but I still regularly use my original Miro that I purchased in 2015 <---8 years ago!
You Can Clean It (For Real)
No more pretending that swishing vinegar or bleach around is actually killing all the gross stuff hiding out in your humidifier. With a Miro easy to clean humidifier, you can dissemble it to see and touch inside the humidifier, making it much easier to clean.
The Downside To A Humidifier That Is Easy To Clean
Originally, you had to be careful of the ultrasonic bit and the pieces had to be put together properly to function. User error had me filing a complaint a few weeks after purchase.
I put it together, turned it on, cranked the dial-up and – nothing.
No mist, no aromatherapy, no soothing sensation.
I was MAD after spending over $100! Turns out I (and a lot of other reviewers on Amazon) should have paid more attention to reassembling the humidifier that is easy to clean.
I contacted Miro's support team, and within 72 hours had a new ultrasonic part on my doorstep (with a free aromatherapy oil thrown in for my "patience").
It gets better. Turns out the part was never broken... my partner put it together the next time, and I had the ultrasonic thingy off balance. That's why it wasn't making mist or vapor. It was all me.
User Error No Longer An Issue - 2023
The Miro is a user-friendly humidifier that is easy to clean, once you get the hang of it. I've been using them since the beginning and each update makes it easier to clean and safer to use.
Customer service has been of the highest quality. Note I use Eden's Garden essential oils and it only takes a couple of drops to to scent the room.
And it looks freaking awesome.
Let's Recap
They have a couple of different styles now. I like this one for households like mine, with children and pets.
Note for people who are skimming, not reading: This is a bowl of water with a humidifier floating in it. Put it somewhere children can't reach.
Tankless
The newest version has removable ring around the water bowl, which eliminates any spillage we experienced with the original.
Easy To Clean
You can clean the entire thing. Every part can be disassembled for washing.
Attractive Design
As far as humidifiers go, we think it's one of the best -looking ones on the market.
Long Lasting
Built to last. Yes, it costs more than a cheap one. But it won't in the long run.
Check out the Miro
If you have Amazon Prime, you can always send it back if you don't like it. But we've been thrilled with ours!
Looking at the reviews, the bad reviews seem to be from people making the same mistake I did — not taking the time to actually read the instructions (my bad).
Give it a try. It's the best humidifier that is easy to clean that I've found after 8 years.
I was not compensated in any way for this review, by the way, and purchased the Miro as a consumer, just like you. All opinions are my own.
hey great article for An Easy To Clean Humidifier
amazing post…
Hey, the article on the humidifier that is easy to clean is up to date, which definitely helps a novice like me. An easy to clean humidifier was really new to me and possibly for some other people as well.
Thanks for the recommendation! Do you use distilled or tap water? Also I've seen some reviews about needing to replace the fan every year. Have you run into that with parts needing to be replaced frequently?
Hey, Nisa! To answer your questions: I’ve always used tap water and have never had a problem with the fan (or anything else, for that matter). The only issue I had was 100% user error (I didn’t set it up properly the first time). We’ve been really happy with ours!
NICE POST!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING….
Thanks for the info. I bought one just now, hope it will work out!
Celeste,
I hope you love it as much as we do!
Happy Holidays 🙂
Ashley
I found this researching humidifiers on doctor’s instructions because of my allergies. My search criteria included “easiest to clean” because past models got very gross very quickly even with cleaning them per their instructions. I had never heard of this tankless type before I found this – I am very grateful for this information.
Lorraine, I’m glad it helped! We’ve been really happy with ours.
I don’t get it. This is listed on Amazon for $349!! YIKES!
Hi, Rosemarie! I think the $349 price tag is for the larger, commercial grade one. If you click the link at the top of the pages, it should be less than $150. We’ve had ours for years now and love it.
Thank you for doing this. Humidifiers are the bane of my existence. You mentioned you clean it everyday. What is involved in the daily cleaning? Even when I have been good with the humidifiers I have had (rinsing daily before work and letting them dry), I’d still see some mold after time. I don’t have a ton of time in the morning, so I am just curious.
Hi, Josh! I certainly understand the no-time issue 🙂 I try to take mine apart and clean it with warm, soapy water as often as possible, but… I would say I regularly clean it on a weekly basis. You can start to see when it’s past time to clean it, as a pale pink scum will start to appear. Gross, but they all do it (you just can’t see it with most humidifiers…one more reason I love the Miro).
Your best bet, I think, would be what we do pretty often: Empty it in the morning and let it dry out during the day, while everyone is out of the house. Wash it well when you remember (I keep a baby bottle brush in the kitchen for those harder to reach places).
I refill and restart (cleaning if necessary) when we’re all home in the evening. Seems to work for us… and is the quickest solution I’ve discovered so far. Plus, I should be changing the water daily anyway.
Hope this helps!
Ashley
Hi, Ashley- HELP!!! Why is this humidifier not available anywhere? My house is dry, we are all coughing and I can’t stand humidifiers that can’t be cleaned. Even the one you listed as an alternative to the Miro cannot be cleaned other than sloshing with vinegar. What is a momma to do?
Anna, I know!! 🙁 I found some still available at TheGrommet.com!! https://www.thegrommet.com/miro-cleanpot-humidifier-white?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3b3gBRDAARIsAL6D-N8XEJzlRSx1Fc4fuqtDhuBirh_RjFYPFC_ncMS5IT8LIXy6_D1LmTUaArzgEALw_wcB
Hi! Do you know where I can buy one? I can’t find it anywhere online and it’s almost winter!
It appears they have discontinued it! I am SO SAD, Mehnaz. If you head back to the top of the article you will see some alternatives I recommend. Such a bummer.
Mehnaz, I found some CleanPot humidifiers still available at TheGrommet.com!! https://www.thegrommet.com/miro-cleanpot-humidifier-white?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3b3gBRDAARIsAL6D-N8XEJzlRSx1Fc4fuqtDhuBirh_RjFYPFC_ncMS5IT8LIXy6_D1LmTUaArzgEALw_wcB
I am completely sold on this humidifier and want to buy two of them! However, I am having trouble finding it. Bed Bath and Beyond looks to have discontinued it.
I’ve been looking into getting one of these as I’m concerned about the amount of mold and buildup with my current humidifier. This one looks to be a great solution and I’ll probably buy it next month. I’ve been wondering if anyone with cats has had a problem with the cat drinking the water? I’ve been thinking that if my cat tries it, I could maybe put some saran wrap over the water, but then I haven’t seen the product in person yet, just watch a couple of videos on YouTube.
Hi, Sharlie! This humidifier certainly does prevent mold! I’ll even gently scrub the insides with a soft-bristled toothbrush to make sure there’s not build up. I have never heard about an issue with cats…but I’m not a cat owner. You could probably stretch saran-wrap over the top and cut a hole for the top. Or maybe one of those stretchy bowl covers that are like reusable wrap? Once you cut the whole, it should last for a good long while. Hate to see you messing with Saran-wrap every day. Let me know what you decide!
Just cleaned my Miro Luma Touch for the first time and it was truly a joy to be able to really clean a humidifier. I just put it together not quite two weeks ago and wanted to take it apart, clean it and put it back together just because. It was so easy. I bought the new model that has a ‘hat’ or something of a lid so I really don’t have to worry so much about my cat getting her hair in it and definitely don’t have to worry about her trying to drink from it. So all problems solved! I started to put my old humidifier up in my apartment complex community room on the giveaway table but decided to just throw it out. I live in a complex with senior citizens and I didn’t want to pass that mold on to someone else who probably wouldn’t pay attention to the buildup as I did and take a Q-tip to cleaning out all of the crevices that I could reach. And heaven forbid to think about the areas that couldn’t be reached. I haven’t had the Miro long enough to make any final judgment but thus far, I’m really pleased with it. I’m so glad I found your website to get educated about the Miro. Thanks again!
Sharlie, thanks so much for updating us about your purchase! I’m so glad you’re happy with the Miro — it’s made such a difference for us, too. Happy humidifying! 🙂
Links have been updated to the Miro Luma. From what I’m seeing of the reviews, it’s still the same user error concerns. If you don’t put it together properly and get the right amount of steam, then you can see moisture collecting around the unit. I’ve never had this problem, but I always put a clean kitchen or hand towel on the table where I set ANY humidifier — wood and water do not mix! 🙂 I can’t wait to update this post with fresh pictures, but in the meantime, Miro still tops our list!
Ashley
Hi! Your link to the Miro is broken; unfortunately, they have a newer model that is $169 on Amazon… you’ve convinced me to try it for my 5 month old, though. Thanks! 🙂
Courtney, thanks for the heads up!!! I’ll get it changed ASAP. Really appreciate you letting me know. I’m a year into using the Miro and I love it. Once you get used to setup, it’s a breeze. If you have any questions, let me know. Good luck!
Ashley
FINALLY I’ve found someone that addresses the fact that you can’t really clean most humidifiers. I’ve searched and searched and haven’t found one yet (until now). THANK YOU!! It’s amazing how so many companies can sell these (at such high prices, too!) and not make them easy to clean.
EB, thanks for noticing! 🙂 We’ve been really happy with the Miro and I feel like, as far as humidifiers go, it’s the easiest one to clean. Truly clean, not half ass clean. If you know of any others, please let me know in the comments!
Ash
Nice write up – I’m going to check it out. One comment is low humidity dries our mucous membranes and inhibits our body’s natural defense against airborne viruses, like influenza and the common cold. Just like skin cracks when dry the insides also develop dryness cracks where viruses can enter the body – that’s my understanding. So humidifiers will help prevent someone getting sick.
I hope you like this humidifier as much as we do, Bill. That’s great info about our body’s natural defenses; thanks!
How often do you need to take it apart to clean it?
Hi, Jessica! I use my Miro for night time humidity and helping with colds and illnesses, so I clean it every morning that I use it. I let it dry during the day and put fresh water in at night (which you’re supposed to do with every humidifier anyway, though we often don’t). The ability to take the whole thing apart and ensure it’s clean is the best feature, for me. Hope this helps!