9 Humidifiers That Actually Clean the Air

When temperatures drop outside, the air in your house can get very dry. That means humidifier season. There are basically two types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist. They both add moisture to the air, but some newer models also promise to purify the air and kill bacteria, which is a common concern with these always-damp machines. Others have special technology in place to keep the machine relatively germ- and mold-free. Here's a look at nine machines that clean the air while they humidify it.

Crane's Germ Defense humidifiers have small natural antimicrobial silver particles that help prevent bacteria, viruses and mold from growing inside the tank. This technology helps the humidifier to disperse a clean, germ-free mist. The filter-free humidifier can be used as either cool or warm mist and is billed as whisper quiet. (Crane Germ Defense Ultrasonic Cool Mist/Warm Mist Humidifier EE-8065, $58.99)

This Honeywell humidifier features UV technology that claims to kill up to 99 percent of bacteria, mold, fungus and viruses in the water. The large 1.5-gallon tank is designed for medium-sized rooms and is advertised as 30 percent quieter than most other humidifiers. It comes with both an air washing filter and an antimicrobial treated filter. (Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier HCM-350, $54.99)

This cool mist humidifier uses a microporous ceramic cartridge that filters water from micro-organisms, plus calcium and magnesium ions. The cartridge is easy to clean and shouldn't need to be replaced. The humidifier is billed as silent and comes with a sleep mode that turns off all LED lights to let you sleep more easily. (TaoTronics Ultrasonic Humidifier TT-AH001, $64.99)

The Venta Airwasher humidifies the air while simultaneously removing dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. Airwashers, which don't use filters, are available for rooms beginning at 200 square feet. They don't produce the white mineral dust that's common with ultrasonic humidifiers. (Venta Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier & Air Purifier LW15, $205)

This Sharp machine lets you choose between "clean air" or "clean air and humidity" for a room as big as 254 square feet. It uses "plasmacluster technology" to remove bacteria, germs, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, dust, odors and other irritants from the air, while adding humidity when you want it. (Sharp KC-850U Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Humidifying Function, $305)

The Dyson wins for coolest-looking humidifier. Its unusual design comes with patented technology that distributes hydrated air evenly. Ultraviolet cleanse technology kills bacteria before hygienic mist and hydrated air is sprayed into the room. Other features include climate control and a sleep timer. (Dyson 303515-01 Humidifier, $499)

The Dreval Air Purifier seems to do it all. It has a high-efficiency HEPA filter that promises to eliminate 99.97 percent of airborne particles larger than .01 micron. It has UV sterilizing light to destroy bacteria and negative ion release to help remove airborne pollutants. Those features work in conjunction with a humidifier function, which can be used with oils for aromatherapy. (Dreval Air Purifier D-850 , $399)

This high-end combination humidifier and air purifier runs the water inside the machine over a collection of discs that are engineered to remove large particles such as dust or dander from the air. The sleek, minimalistic machine cleans and humidifies a space up to 860 square feet in size. (Stadler Form Robert Humidifier and Air Purifier, $615)

This two-in-one machine humidifies and purifies the air in a room up to 600 square feet. It uses special humidifier discs that turn through the water, removing impurities such as dust, pollen and other particles in the air naturally. Those discs should never need replacing. Like most humidifiers, it switches off when the water base is empty. (Air-O-Swiss Automatic Air Washer 2055A, $299)