vonFretka Osmond
Candace Osmond is the #1 best-selling author in the world and USA TODAY, and an award-winning blogger and screenwriter. She spends her free time testing and reviewing quality products for Homedit while living on Canada's rocky east coast with her husband, two kids, and a drooling bulldog.
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z 6
Cool Mist Ultrasonic Desktop Humidifier 169 square feet
1 gallon gal. 278 square meters
1 gallon gal. 278 square meters. ft
1.4 liters. Warm Mist Ultrasonic Desktop Humidifier
Ultrasonic desktop humidifier with cool and warm mist
Homedic humidifier
Big or small, there is a Hodics humidifier for everyone
Since breathing dry air can pose a serious health risk, choose one of theseHomedic humidifierincrease the humidity in the room? Each of the humidifiers on today's list is worth the money because it has good features, a reasonable price, and a user-friendly design. So let's get straight to the topic.
Top 3 picks
Overall best:1.4 liters. Warm Mist Ultrasonic Desktop Humidifier
This 1.4-gallon humidifier from Homedics uses ultrasonic technology to release a fine mist into the room and features everything from a high-quality design to an intuitive user interface.
Best Deal:Cool Mist ultrasonic desktop humidifier
When money is at a premium, this Cool Mist ultrasonic humidifier comes to the rescue.
Best for Kids:1 gallon humidifier
With seven color changing colors, a compact and portable design and an automatic safety shut-off function, this Hodics humidifier is perfect for parents who want the best for their children.
Is Homedics a good brand?
Hodics is a company founded in 1987 by a Detroit family to improve the lives of others. With home care solutions backed by proven research and advanced technology, the company has become a recognized leader in wellness.
Although the company has improved significantly in recent years, it is still a Detroit-based family business. They remain committed to improving the lives of our consumers and adapting to the demands of an ever-changing world.
Today, Hodics manufactures and sells everything from massagers to aromatherapy products to air purifiers and humidifiers.
Benefits of using humidifiers
A humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air and prevent the dryness that can irritate many different parts of the body. Humidifiers can be especially helpful in relieving a dry mouth, nose, or throat, but they can also help relieve certain symptoms of the flu or a cold.
While overuse of the humidifier can occur (raised humidity is not necessarily recommended), there are many benefits to using humidifiers, such as:
make your cough more productive
Dry air can cause a dry and unproductive cough. Throughgood humidifierThey help with coughing by moisturizing the airways.
Reduction of snoring
When the air in your home is dry, a person's airways become constricted and scratchy, which can make snoring worse. Using a humidifier while sleeping can increase humidity levels, reducing snoring.
Flu virus prevention
zeeA study by this team of virologists, high humidity can destroy viruses such as flu by inactivating their molecules.
Keep your skin healthy
According toNational Eczema Associationsymptoms of dry skin can be exacerbated by a weakened skin barrier and irregular moisture levels. A moisturizer in combination with creams can help patients retain skin moisture, reduce itching and promote better healthsleep better.
Protect your furniture and plants
The living environment also suffers if the air in the house is too dry. Cracks in furniture and dead plants can be prevented by humidifying the air.
Related:The best floor dehumidifiers for better air quality in your home
Do you have a problem with your Hodics humidifier that does not work?
Humidifiers can be wonderful products, but they can also fail from time to time, either due to improper use or manufacturing defects. If your Hodics humidifiers stop working, we've discovered four common problems and their solutions.
Problem:My humidifier will not turn on/mist.
Solution:Possible reasons for this problem include, but are not limited to, devices that are not connected to a power source, no power at the outlet, the water level in the tank is too low, there is already enough moisture in the inlet, or the device automatically closes.
Problem:My humidifier is too noisy.
Solution:This usually happens when the humidifier is not on a level surface or when the water level in the tank is low. Fixing these issues will most likely fix the problem of excessive noise.
Problem:There is white dust on my furniture.
Solution:Dust formation is normal if you use hard water instead of distilled water. These humidifiers also come with demineralization cartridges to remove minerals and contaminants from the water. So check whether the cartridge needs to be replaced.
Problem:My humidifier smells funny.
Solution:If your appliance is brand new, remove the lid from the water tank and leave it in a cool place for about 12 hours. If the device has already been used, it may happen that the water in the tank has become stale or the tank has not been cleaned for a long time, leaving a smelly residue that is also hazardous to health.
Related:Why choose a pump dehumidifier?
Filter type humidifier Hodics
Hodic ultrasonic humidifiers use replaceable wicks that need to be replaced from time to time according to the instructions in the user manual. Their wicks are made of cotton and help filter the fine white dust that is removed from the mouthpiece and becomes visible on furniture.
Their wicks promise about six to eight weeks of water purification performance, sidestep the dangers of hard water and ensure that the mist you breathe is mineral-free.
How to clean a humidifier
While humidifiers can be useful in many ways, it's important to keep them clean. Mold and bacteria are known to thrive in dirty humidifiers. As they begin to grow they are released into the air and chances are you will breathe them into your body.
Cleaning your humidifier is critical to the health and longevity of your humidifier. Therefore, the following steps are required to clean the device:
- Make sure the humidifier is unplugged to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Remove the water tank and pour out all the water.
- Add a cup or two of white vinegar (depending on the tank size) to the humidifier's water reservoir.
- Swirl it back and forth to make sure the vinegar completely wets the inside of the tank.
- Place the water tank back into the humidifier with white vinegar in it.
- Leave for 20 minutes as this loosens the mineral deposits.
- After 20 minutes, remove the water tank from the machine.
- Using a small brush, start scrubbing the crevices of the water tank to remove any mineral deposits stuck to it.
- Be sure to clean smaller parts (such as the step cap) with a sponge or cloth dipped in vinegar.
- Rinse the water tank and other removable parts that you previously cleaned.
- Allow everything to dry before reassembling the humidifier.
The best humidifiers from Hodics
1.7 liters. Ultrasonic desktop humidifier with cool and warm mist
Our first offering is a large humidifier with a water tank that can hold up to 1.7 liters of water and offers both cold and warm mist humidification options. This humidifier is designed to operate with minimal noiseHomedics-bestsellerIt offers all the features you would expect from one of the good products on the market.
It has an automatic shut-off protection that prevents the internal components from overheating when there is no water left in the tank. It comes with demineralizing cartridges which are essential to avoid the fine white mist that usually floats in the air. With one filling, the device promises an operating time of 80 hours.
Other interesting features include clean tank technology that reduces the risk of mold growth, a night light and a choice of hot and cold mist delivery.
Advantages:
- 2 demineralization cartridges are included in the delivery.
- The tank can be easily removed.
- Integrated automatic shut-off function.
inconveniences:
- No remote control.
1.4 liters. Warm Mist Ultrasonic Desktop Humidifier
Here is a product that offers excellent value for moneyHomedics 1.4 Gallon Humidifier. Ultrasonic technology diffuses a fine mist into the room that can be warm or cool, depending on the setting you choose. The controls for operating this machine are located on the front of the machine and are easily accessible and easy to understand.
The keys, arranged in a circle, surround a small display that shows the current humidity in the room. There is a knob that allows you to adjust the volume of mist produced and you can also set the unit to automatically turn off when the desired humidity level is reached. For safety, it has an automatic shut-off function and contains essential oils.
Advantages:
- They contain essential oils.
- Adjustable fog output.
- It has the function of cool and warm mist.
inconveniences:
- The filled tank is difficult to replace.
1 gallon gal. 278 square meters. ft.
There's nothing better for a small bedroom1 gallon humidifier. It has a runtime of 45 hours and an automatic shut-off after 12 hours and can cover up to 25 square meters in a soothing mist. Choose from three mist settings to best suit your needs using the built-in night light.
With the three included essential oil inserts, you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. The Clean Tank technology traps mold and mildew in the top fill tank, while the Clean Transducer alerts you to refill. The device is equipped with a demineralization cartridge that prevents the formation of hard water.
Advantages:
- Tank with handle for easy filling.
- A night lamp is included.
- 3-part essential oil tray.
- Contains a demineralization cartridge.
inconveniences:
- It only covers a small area.
1 gallon gal. 278 square meters. ft.
If you are looking for a compact but very effective humidifier for your child's nursery or bedroom, this product is definitely worth it. It is a color-changing cold mist humidifier that allows you to create a soothing atmosphere and is also impractical.
EsIt has a 0.5 liter tankThis guarantees up to 25 hours of operation before it needs to be refilled again. It also has an automatic shut-off function that turns off the device after 12 hours or when no water is detected in the tank. There are two mist settings to choose from, a handle for easy carrying and three essential oil inserts.
Advantages:
- Changing colors and integration of night lighting.
- Extremely compact and portable.
- Automatic shut-off function.
inconveniences:
- A little noise can disturb your baby's sleep.
Cool Mist Ultrasonic Desktop Humidifier 169 square feet.
If you're short on cash, products like this humidifier are a little treasure worth looking out for. Because this humidifier with a cool mistit is small and portable, perfect for small offices and hotel rooms. In addition, the ultrasonic technology creates a fine mist and is almost silent during use.
This Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier does not have a water tank, you need to attach a water bottle to it. It promises to last about 9 hours from a 20 oz bottle and is incredibly easy to set up.
Advantages:
- Very easy to set up.
- Very handy.
- Silent operation.
inconveniences:
- Requires a water bottle.
Safety tips for humidifiers
If you think of a humidifier as a machine that uses both electricity and water, you can assume that improper use can lead to dangers. For this reason, you should know some basic safety tips for using a humidifier.
Not all water is good
The health risk of using a humidifier is that it releases particles into the air that are not water. Humidifiers, especially cold foggers, can emit harmful mineral particles. Distilled water contains fewer minerals and can be purchased for humidifiers.
Filters need to be replaced
Some humidifiers have filters and other parts that need to be cleaned or replaced. Make sure these filters are regularly maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. This information should be in the product manual.
Provide constant humidity
Do not saturate the room with moisture. The humidity in the room should be kept constantly around 50 percent. When the humidity exceeds this percentage, mold and bacteria can thrive. This can make respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma worse. Use a humidifier only when necessary, not always.
Watch out for white dust
Both tap water and bottled water can contain minerals. Although they do not pose a health hazard in the aquatic environment, minerals can be hazardous if they are released into the air we breathe.
Minerals are not the only problem. Any mold or bacteria in the humidifier will also be released into the airwebmdfound that models of antibacterial humidifiers are not particularly effective.
When you use certain chemicals to clean your humidifier, these toxins also end up in your lungs, sometimes with disastrous results. Hundreds of children in South Korea have been injured or died after inhaling dangerous humidifier disinfectant. Basically, use distilled water.
Steam humidifiers are not intended for children
These types of humidifiers work by heating water and releasing warm steam into the air. It goes without saying that these devices can be quite dangerous around children and pets.
Steam humidifiers have the great advantage of heating the water just enough to kill any germs. However, they can get very hot and burn you if you are not careful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HoMedics a Good Humidifier?
Hodics, one of the most recognizable brands in the wellness products industry, specializes in making some of the best air quality control products on the market and is still considered one of the best options. Their humidifiers are well built, easy to use and affordable.
How do I set the humidity level on my HoMedics humidifier?
This depends on the model, but instructions for this option are in the owner's manual. For example, on the WM85, you can adjust the internal humidity controller in one percent increments from 35 to 60 percent using a button on the device.
How often do you replace the filter in your HoMedics humidifier?
For Hodics humidifiers that require filter replacement, a new one is usually required after every 30 or 40 fills.
Hodics Humidifier Conclusions
If that's what you wantthe best humidifier from Hodics, the 1.4 gallon unit is the perfect choice as it offers solid construction, user-friendly interface, easy cleaning and all the features you would expect from such a product without breaking the bank. Still not convinced? Check out oursTips for humidifiersHere.
FAQs
Does the size of a humidifier matter? ›
“Since high humidity leads to its own set of problems, avoid buying the largest humidifier and instead pick the one designed for the size of your space,” says Misha Kollontai, the engineer who leads Consumer Reports' humidifier testing.
Can I use small humidifier for a large room? ›If you choose a small humidifier for your spacious and big room, it won't do the job well. You won't notice any benefits from your humidifier. And, the same is true with a humidifier that is too large for your small room. It is harmful to the health of your family.
Are bigger humidifiers better? ›Every humidifier is designed for a certain coverage area in square footage. Use that as a guide, measure your own space, and match the humidifier to this area. Don't oversize the unit; you'll likely end up with excess moisture problems. It's better to err on the smaller size.
Are small humidifiers effective? ›Owning a portable humidifier would benefit your home and office environment since they release needed moisture into the air, which increases humidity. While the portable humidifier may appear small, they truly make a difference.
What size of humidifier do I need? ›| Square footage | Gallons | |
|---|---|---|
| Small room | < 400 square feet | < 1.5 gallons |
| Medium room | 400-1,000 square feet | 1-3 gallons |
| Large room | 1,000+ square feet | 3 gallons+ |
On average, a tightly sealed home of 1,500 square feet should require a humidifier output of 3.2 gallons per day. An average home of the same size would need a humidifier output of 5.5 gallons per day, while a loose home would need 7.0 gallons per day.
Where is the best place to put a humidifier? ›With a whole house humidifier, choose the most central room in your home, which is usually the living area. The idea is to get the unit where it can distribute the most humidity into the largest areas of the house. Placing the unit near a cold air return will help distribute the humidified air more thoroughly.
Which humidifier is best for stuffy nose? ›Hot water might also cause burns in the event of a spill. Humidifiers add moisture to the air. Cool-mist humidifiers may help ease coughing and congestion due to a cold.
Can I use tap water in humidifier? ›Many people automatically use tap water in a humidifier as it is easy and accessible but this does not come recommended by manufacturers. This is because tap water contains many invisible minerals, including magnesium, which can create buildup in your humidifier, resulting in limescale and mould.
Is it OK to always sleep with a humidifier? ›The short answer is yes: it is healthy to sleep with a humidifier in your room. Sleeping with a humidifier can have several health benefits, even if you don't have asthma.
Should you sleep close to a humidifier? ›
Specifically, we recommend that you keep your humidifier at a distance of around 3 feet from your bed – although there's no inherent harm in placing it closer, if you're restricted on room. This distance is recommended for a variety of reasons.
Is it good to have a humidifier on all day? ›If you're monitoring the humidity levels in your home, it's relatively safe to run your humidifier around the clock. You should take special care not to leave anything running while you're out of the house.
How do I choose a humidifier for my house? ›- Operating Design.
- Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist.
- Humidifier Size and Capacity.
- Control Precision.
- Runtime.
- Handling and Maintenance.
- Noise Level and Settings.
- Safety and Health Features.
A warm mist humidifier heats water to produce steam that humidifies the air. A cool mist humidifier releases tiny water droplets into the air.
Will a small humidifier work in a bedroom? ›A small humidifier can work in a bedroom, while a whole-house humidifier can deliver moisture to a large space.
What does a mini humidifier do? ›Portable room humidifiers are small but mighty devices that help increase moisture level in the air and raise the humidity, no matter where you are. Not to be confused with an essential oil diffuser, these room humidifiers come in many different forms, depending on your preferences.
How do I know if my room needs a humidifier? ›- Dry and Itchy Skin. Your skin is one of the best indicators that your home humidity levels are off. ...
- Congestion and Nose Bleeds. Listen to your nose, too. ...
- Too Much Static Electricity. Humidity goes a long way in blocking static electricity and buildup.
Your humidifier run time is typically about 10 to 15 minutes, which is the average length of a heating cycle. If you notice condensation on windows or surfaces indoors over the winter, this is an indicator that there is too much humidity and you will want to adjust to prevent excess moisture.
What not to put in a humidifier? ›Only water should be put in the tank of the humidifier. With most humidifiers, adding essential oils to the tank can breakdown the tank plastic and ruin the internal parts of the humidifiers. As an alternative, use Vicks VapoPads and Vicks VapoSteam with select humidifiers to get soothing Vicks vapors.
Can you over humidify a room? ›High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces. Condensation can trigger the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups.
Do you use hot or cold for whole house humidifier? ›
Connect the humidifier's water line to the home's hot water line. The humidifier works better with hot water, so avoid connecting it to the cold water line.
Does bacteria grow in humidifiers? ›Humidifiers are a great way to moisturize the air in your home as outside temperatures plummet, helping with chapped skin, allergies and cold and flu symptoms in children and adults. But without regular upkeep, humidifiers can breed dangerous mold and bacteria and do more harm than good.
Does a humidifier help with cough and congestion? ›A cool-mist humidifier may help soothe cough and congestion symptoms. Moisture in the air can thin and loosen mucus, helping you to have more productive coughs and be less congested.
What can I add to my humidifier water to prevent mold? ›Hydrogen Peroxide. An antibacterial and anti-fungal, hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and works very well. Half a teaspoon in the water reservoir every time you fill it should prevent mold from growing and bacteria.
Does a humidifier reach the whole room? ›Does it really get the entire room? There are some humidifiers that can spread moisture throughout larger spaces, like a cool mist humidifier, then there are others, like a warm mist humidifier, which are limited in their reach. Nonetheless, you can get benefits from whichever room humidifier you choose.
What are the 4 types of humidifiers? ›- central humidifiers.
- evaporators.
- impeller humidifiers.
- steam vaporizers.
- ultrasonic humidifiers.
The type you choose is ultimately up to you, but in general, cool mist humidifiers are the safest option (especially if you have children or pets around), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Warm mist humidifiers, meanwhile, run hot and have the potential to cause burns if you get too close.
What is the most common type of humidifier? ›Cool mist humidifiers are the most common type of humidifier. Warm mist: Best for colder climates, warm mist humidifiers don't just help to make the air more moist but also can add heat to the room.
What is better for sinus warm or cool mist? ›Warm mist humidifiers tend to work well for easing symptoms like congestion that come with a cold or allergies. However, if you have a child at home, it's safer to use a cool-mist humidifier. While they might not be as effective, they don't have hot water that can cause burns.
Do humidifiers help unclog sinuses? ›Using a humidifier in the home can help relieve a stuffy nose and can help break up mucus so you can cough it up. Humidified air can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu.
Do humidifiers help with sinus problems? ›
Sinusitis experts agree that adding humidity to the air with a humidifier is generally good for sinus health. "Humidifiers can help nasal congestion in that they provide for more moisture and humidity within the nose," says Mark A.
How long can water sit in humidifier? ›Sitting water is a breeding ground for bacteria, microorganisms, and more. Never use your humidifier if the water has been sitting in the tank for longer than 24 hours. Rinse out your humidifier water tank and wipe down with a clean cloth after each use.
What happens if you don't have distilled water in a humidifier? ›You can switch to using purified water in your humidifier, or you can use an evaporative humidifier. Evaporative humidifiers use wicks rather than nebulizers to humidify your air. This wick traps the minerals in your water before it's released into the air, so you won't get white dust.
What is the safest water for humidifier? ›There is no doubt that distilled water is the best water for your humidifier. Your humidifier will require less upkeep, smell better, and it may even extend the life of your machine. It is also healthier as it will not release mold or mineral dust into the air.
How close should a humidifier be to your face? ›Also, don't hold your face directly above the appliance. Dr. Hartman suggests placing a humidifier at least 3 feet away. "The humidifier should be aimed to release moisture into the air so that the benefit is felt by the skin all over the body," he says.
How often should I clean my humidifier? ›Most humidifier manufacturers recommend a weekly cleaning cadence. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that you clean and disinfect a humidifier every three days.
How do I check the humidity level in my room? ›Using a hygrometer is the easiest way to measure the humidity in your home. The device measures humidity and temperature and is easy to use as a simple thermometer.
Should a humidifier be on the floor or table? ›The higher up off the floor the humidifier is placed the better. It produces a mist that has to get mixed with the air. When the humidifier is placed on the floor, the mist has no chance to get mixed with the air and it causes wet floors. Try to put it on a nightstand or a table.
What are the pros and cons of humidifiers? ›- Advantages: They're cheap, quiet and energy efficient, and they won't burn.
- Disadvantages: They aerosolize not just water, but everything in it, such as bacteria and minerals.
Distilled or regular tap water can be used in your humidifier. Some tap water is high in mineral content and will cause a mineral build-up, so distilled water is preferred.
Who should not use a humidifier? ›
While using a humidifier can help with dry sinuses, it can also cause harm. Dust mite and mold growth is promoted more in humid environments, so if people are allergic to dust and mold, or if they have asthma, using a humidifier could aggravate these conditions.
How do I know if my house air is dry? ›- Increased static electricity.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Dry skin.
- Chapped lips.
- Dry throat and nose.
A humidifier is a necessity during the winter because the heated air from a furnace is dry. That dry air has a low humidity level that will absorb moisture from you and everything inside your home.
Can you buy too big of a humidifier? ›While it's tempting to choose a large-capacity unit, this may be a bad idea. If the humidifier is too large for the room, condensation will appear on the inside of the windows, and bacteria and mildew could grow in this environment. Take measurements to determine the correct room size you are looking for.
What to look out for when buying a humidifier? ›Energy consumption and noise level are two important operational factors to consider when buying a humidifier. Humidifiers with low noise levels are ideal for use during the night due to noise levels averaging 30 decibels, which is close to the sound of a whisper.
What kind of humidifier do I need for stuffy nose? ›Cool-mist humidifiers may help ease coughing and congestion due to a cold.
Is it OK to sleep close to humidifier? ›Specifically, we recommend that you keep your humidifier at a distance of around 3 feet from your bed – although there's no inherent harm in placing it closer, if you're restricted on room.
How long should you run a humidifier in a bedroom? ›Your humidifier run time is typically about 10 to 15 minutes, which is the average length of a heating cycle. If you notice condensation on windows or surfaces indoors over the winter, this is an indicator that there is too much humidity and you will want to adjust to prevent excess moisture.
How do I know if I need a humidifier? ›Dry and Itchy Skin
Your skin is one of the best indicators that your home humidity levels are off. If it's itchy and cracking, dry air could be to blame. A humidifier can help alleviate these issues better than lotion or lip balm.
Choose cool mist or warm mist (or both)
Cool mist humidifiers don't boil the water (they just vaporize it), so they are more energy efficient and don't present the burn risk and fire hazard issues of warm mist models.
How much does a good humidifier cost? ›
These can be as low as $450 but cost closer to $700 on average. You can also opt for a higher-end model with a more extended warranty for up to $1,850. Many high-end models guarantee little or no mold growth in your ductwork. Steam humidifiers work by heating water in a reservoir.
How much should I spend on a humidifier? ›Humidifier Type
For example, a flow-through humidifier costs between $200 and $950 for materials and installation. A drum model is more affordable with a material and installation cost range of $100 to $300.
Though an air purifier cannot help an existing cold, it might ease your symptoms by removing other respiratory irritants from the air. According to the NIH, a humidifier may help relieve a stuffy nose and the discomfort of colds or flu. The right level of humidity may also provide a protective benefit from viruses.