Using a humidifier requires a minimal amount of maintenance and attention. Basic cleaning and regular changing of the humidifier filter is really all the appliance asks of its owner and still there are people who fail to do so. The frequency a filter should be replaced really depends on usage and manufacturer guidelines that are included in the packaging should tell you exactly how often to change the filter. Even rarely used humidifiers should have their filters replaced at least once a year. This is to get rid of any accumulation of bacteria or mold spores that might have grown in the filter.
For those who do not want to change their filters on time can always look for a filterless humidifier. These devices do not use the wick filter of typical evaporative humidifiers which means there is one less place for mold and bacteria to grow. The water tank will still be another important consumable to watch, however and it is important to rinse the water reservoir and replace the sitting water with fresh water every so often.
Instead of using a filter saturated in water, a filter less humidifier passes the air through a screen that carries an electro-static charge. When the air first enters the appliance it is charged with an opposite charge to that of the screen. The opposite poles cause the particles in the air such as dirt and debris to stick to the screen. Cleaning is easy since it is a matter of pulling out the screen and wiping it with a cloth. Of course this really doesn’t help those looking to avoid cleaning the humidifier. There is just no way around it but the filter less option is slightly more economical in the long run given that replacement filters are no longer an ongoing expense.