Hard water can be extremely harmful and can even ruin the appliances that use it. A humidifier is no exception to the rule – the device is supposed to add moisture to your home’s air, so the water needs to be high-quality, so to speak. This is where the best humidifiers for hard water can help you.
Hard water contains a lot of minerals, and when a humidifier disperses them into the room, you’ll be exposed to them and this could cause respiratory issues. Not to mention that the minerals could also end up clogging the unit.
A humidifier made specifically for hard water will be a good choice in this regard, as it can filter the water and make sure the minerals don’t negatively impact your life.
Since it’s so important to buy the right humidifier for hard water, this guide will show you some amazing products that you can get. In addition, you can check the buying guide to see how you can select the best humidifier yourself.
Humidifiers for Hard Water Comparison Table
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top Humidifiers for Hard Water Reviews (Updated List)
1. Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier – Best Bacteria Killer
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re someone who often deals with discomfort during sleep or has nasal congestion, then this is a product that caters to your needs. The Honeywell humidifier can keep the moisture levels in your house between 40% and 60%, and also make sure you feel more comfortable when breathing. Nasal congestion will not be an issue anymore, and if your skin is dry, you can rest assured that this device will offer it the moisture it needs.
Since you want a humidifier that could deal with hard water, this one is a good choice thanks to the UV technology. It can kill 99.9% of bacteria in your water, making sure that the mist it evaporates is safe to inhale.
Not only that, but it operates quietly too, which is a plus for those who are not fans of a noisy environment. You can allow the device to operate while you’re napping, reading, watching a movie, or just doing anything else – there will be no sound to distract or disturb you.
Pros
- Great for adults, but also children and babies
- It will help people suffering from allergies
- Quiet operation
- It will deal with the bacteria and minerals in the water through the UV technology
Cons
- The filter is not the best quality
2. Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Humidifier – Best for Large Rooms
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have a larger room that needs to be humidified, then you may not want to say no to this Vornado unit. It can add moisture to rooms that are up to 700 square feet. With that being said, it will cover every corner of the room.
What makes this device so amazing, though, is the easy-to-push button panel. You will have easy access to the humidifier’s features, and thus be able to pick the humidity level you want. You can also select the fan speed.
And if you are a busy person and don’t want to have to refill the tank all the time, you don’t have to worry. The device has a big enough tank that can hold a good amount of water – meaning that it can hold enough to run without requiring to be refilled too soon.
Pros
- It is easy to configure the device
- It has a very nice and sleek design
- It doesn’t require frequent refilling
- It is great for large rooms
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons
- May start leaking after a while
3. Air Innovations High Performance Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier – Amazing for Long Operation
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In a normal humidifier, hard water would influence the mist quality. However, this one has the ability to produce clean mist by getting rid of impurities. So, it is healthy and safe. This is thanks to a ceramic filter that does the job and doesn’t need any replacement. As such, if your house has hard water, you may benefit from this humidifier if you need to add some moisture to the air.
To maintain proper humidity levels, the device comes with a built-in humidistat that checks the level of moisture. It’s programmable, meaning that you can set it to operate at any time. On average, it can run for a full 70 hours. You can program it to shut off whenever you want to.
The tank is big enough to allow for easy cleaning. Filling it is also a piece of cake – the wide opening will make sure you don’t have to struggle to fill the tank. Moreover, if it runs out of water, there’s an auto-shut off feature to maintain safety.
Pros
- Easy to fill and clean
- Big tank that allows for long, continuous running without needing a refill
- It can be programmed
- It operates quietly
Cons
- May be too heavy to move after filling it
- The mist nozzle is hard to remove
4. TaoTronics Multipurpose Ultrasonic Humidifier – Best for Night Use
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Using such a device during the night may be necessary for people who need a more humid air, and that’s where this TaoTronics can help. It can operate during the night because it has a sleep mode. Through it, you can either completely shut off the LED light or just turn on the nightlight.
In terms of safety, this unit may be what you’re looking for if you’re worried about accidents. As soon as the water runs out, the humidifier will shut off. Also, the filters will allow the mist produced to be free of any bacteria or minerals from hard water – you just need to make sure the filters are changed every 4-6 months.
People with coughs and congestion could benefit from this unit as well – the humidifier will bring relief for people who deal with these issues, so they can breathe normally.
Pros
- It’s a very safe device to use
- Great for light sleepers
- It has a large tank capacity
- You can customize it depending on the preferred mist level
Cons
- You’ll have to keep paying for new filters
5. Elechomes SH8820 Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier – Dual-Mist Humidifier
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do you want something that offers both cool and warm mist? This is a great humidifier in that regard, which makes it suitable for use during both summer and winter. During summer, the house can be kept a bit cool while your skin gets moisturized. During winter, it can help warm your room and unclog your sinuses.
Aside from the amazing benefits of being a dual-mist humidifier, it is also perfect for people who hate noise when they’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. The product has a whisper sleep mode incorporated, so it only produces 20-32 dB of noise. Thus, it’s amazing if you want it to operate while you’re resting. A screen-off setting can also be selected so you don’t see any light during the night.
Furthermore, if you have a large room, you can rest assured that this humidifier will do the job and cover the room evenly. The large capacity 5.5L water tank will be enough to deal with a room up to 755 square feet.
Pros
- It’s very easy to use
- The noise levels are low
- It has a sleep mode to ensure you get a good rest
- It can be used during summer and winter
- Amazing for large rooms
Cons
- It may be a little pricey
- Cleaning it is not that easy
6. HUMERE Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifiers – Best Budget Hard Water Humidifier
Last update on 2020-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In case you’re looking for something within a small price range, Humere has the right humidifier for you. But don’t let the small price fool you – this device is still an amazing one. It operates quietly and doesn’t disturb your sleep or other activities. Add that to the fact that the soothing night sleep mode will help improve sleep. Of course, you also have the option to turn it off.
Probably one of the best things about this humidifier is that although it uses a filter, it doesn’t have to be replaced as it’s reusable. You just have to remove it and clean it every now and then, especially if you’re dealing with hard water.
The tank filling will allow the humidifier to work for up to 16 hours, even on the maximum settings. What’s more, it’s very easy to reach inside the tank and clean it to maintain the good functioning of your device.
Pros
- Reusable filter included
- It has a very beautiful look
- You can easily clean and refill the tank
- Great for use while you sleep
Cons
- Various customers complained about the humidifier leaking after a while
Best Humidifiers for Hard Water Buying Guide
Why Do You Need a Special Humidifier for Hard Water?
You may be wondering “Why buy a special humidifier for hard water instead of a normal one?”. Well, it’s not that complicated. Most people deal with hard water in their homes, but the issue with it is that it has a lot of mineral content. This is not beneficial for anyone’s health. Moreover, when the hard water mist gets in contact with your sinuses, it can be the cause of multiple diseases. Some conditions where hard water is one of the culprits include diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Hard water is also known to build up bacteria – which is something you don’t want to inhale. White dust is also produced when using hard water in a humidifier. This will be dispersed into your home’s air and contribute to the health problems listed above. It can also cause irritations. This is the last thing you’re looking forward to when humidifying your home.
A humidifier for hard water has the ability to get rid of the mineral content through filters. Therefore, it is safer to use as the mist created will not be harmful when inhaled. Of course, filters have to be changed or washed once in a while, as dirt might accumulate on the surface.
Apart from the health problems it can lead to, hard water can also damage a typical humidifier after long-term use, as build-up may form inside the device. This build-up could affect its ability to operate and you would have to buy a new humidifier – that’s definitely not something you want if you’re on a budget.
Therefore, the best humidifiers for hard water come as a blessing in this aspect. Not only do they prevent the white dust and bacteria, but they also stay in good condition for longer. As long as you maintain the device properly, you can enjoy its benefits for an extended amount of time.
What Causes Water to Be Hard?
The water becomes hard because of the various minerals accumulated before the water exits through your faucet. High mineral content in some parts of the country might cause water to become hard, and the higher the mineral content is, the harder the water is going to be.
Basically, the minerals generally found in someone’s water are magnesium and calcium. They are caused by the groundwater that usually flows through limestone, or over it. Considering that water has to move through rock and soil, mineral content is dissolved in it and is maintained inside the liquid.
Over time, there will be mineral buildup on fixtures, which will make the water even higher in mineral content and thus harder. Water hardness can be of two types: temporary or permanent. Temporary one is caused by bicarbonate minerals, such as magnesium bicarbonate or calcium bicarbonate. The permanent one is caused by calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride. While temporary hardness may be improved through boiling, it’s more difficult to get rid of permanent hardness.
Although it’s not always considered a risk for people’s health, hard water can lead to various conditions or worsen existing ones if is drunk or inhaled from a humidifier.
Types of Humidifiers for Hard Water
When you’re looking for the best humidifiers for hard water, it’s important to bear in mind that you can choose from various types of units. Selecting the right one can lead to a better experience overall. So, here are some of the best types of humidifiers for hard water:
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Cool-Mist Humidifier with Filter
As previously mentioned, a humidifier with filters is ideal for hard water because it can get rid of the mineral content and bacteria before the mist is being released. Cool-mist humidifiers with filters are a great option when you want clean house air because the moisture they produce will be free of any potential risks.
You should only keep in mind that you can find cool-mist humidifiers with washable or non-washable filters. Washable ones are a better choice in the long run as you only have to wash them and then reuse them. Non-washable versions are meant to be thrown away after some time, which is a costlier investment considering the price of the filters.
Filters can clog up very quickly due to the minerals in the water, which is why washing, or replacements are a must.
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Humidifier with Demineralization Cartridge
As the name already suggests, a demineralization cartridge will help get rid of the minerals in your water, making it safer for turning into mist and being released.
You will only have to commit to the fact that you will have to change the cartridges from time to time, just like you do with the filters. The only difference is that cartridges are cheaper compared to filters.
Keep in mind that demineralization cartridges are not a good option to use with a warm-mist humidifier – so, you should only use them with a cold mist unit.
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Humidifier with Water Distiller
A water distiller can be a good investment in the long-run, and not only for the humidifier. The distiller will do a great job of getting rid of the mineral content from your water, and because of that, using your humidifier will be safer.
With a distiller, it’s not necessary to change the filters – which is a plus. However, you should still clean and maintain the distiller.
Another benefit is that you can also utilize it with other appliances that use hard water.
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Warm-Mist Humidifier (Filter or Frequent Cleaning)
Warm-mist humidifiers are also great options. If you need to humidify your home’s air most of the time, then a warm-mist unit is something to consider. People who need the device during the night will be able to sleep uninterrupted as warm-mist devices are quieter than cool mist ones.
Moreover, it’s less expensive and will be great for the winter season as it warms up the room as well. Just keep in mind that warm-mist humidifiers are quite dangerous with children around. So, only get one if you don’t any kids.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Hard Water Humidifiers
If you want to find the best humidifiers for hard water, you must pay attention to some factors. Here are some of the most important considerations:
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UV-C Light
UV-C light is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a humidifier for hard water. This feature will help reduce the number of germs and bacteria that are found in the tank. As a result, they will not be released into the air of your room.
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Filters
Filters are responsible for clearing the water and reducing the mineral level before it’s being dispersed into the air. Not having filters would only be detrimental for your device and your health, so stay away from humidifiers without filters if you are going to use hard water.
Moreover, you will have to pick between washable and non-washable filters.
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Ease of Cleaning
No matter what, buildup will still be there. It is all due to the mineral content in the water. That’s why ease of cleaning is so important in humidifiers. If you don’t want the buildup to affect the quality of the water used, you will have to clean the tank quite often.
With that in mind, the tank must be easy to clean. The opening should be large enough for a brush or any cleaning utensils to pass through. Otherwise, maintenance could easily become a nuisance and you may not even be able to reach all areas of the tank.
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Noise Operation
Nobody likes a noisy unit – so, you should pay attention to the amount of noise your humidifier produces. Particularly in the case of cool-mist devices, noise is a potential issue that you want to avoid if the humidifier operates while you sleep. Look for a unit that lists the noise levels and determine if it’s what you’re looking for.
FAQs
Do you still have some curiosities about finding the best humidifiers for hard water? Here are some questions commonly asked by people:
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Is hard water buildup dangerous for my health?
Hard water buildup may indeed be dangerous for someone’s health, depending on your exposure to it. At the same time, it isn’t guaranteed that every person ingesting or inhaling hard water vapors will deal with health issues.
Some studies have shown that hard water can cause kidney stones. According to some other studies, it may also be possible for the risk of Alzheimer’s to increase if the aluminum concentration is more than 0.11 mg/l. Still, there is no definite evidence for it.
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How can I tell whether the water in my house is soft or hard?
Water hardness can be determined by testing it. You can ask a professional to perform a proper test of the water in your house to find out how hard it is. Moreover, you can test it yourself, by filling a clear container with water, squeezing some pure liquid soap in it, and shaking it. Then, you should wait to see if the water is clear and if there are any suds. If the water is cloudy and there are no suds, it means you have hard water.
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Can I use a filter-free humidifier with hard water?
You shouldn’t use a filter-free humidifier with hard water because this kind of unit may not be able to eliminate the mineral content from your water. You can only use one with a distiller or a demineralization cartridge.
Wrap Up
Getting the best humidifiers for hard water is possible, but only if you know what to look for in a good product. We hope our guide was informative and helpful, and you’re ready to go shopping. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of browsing various online shops, you can just pick one of the top-notch humidifiers on our list.
