We’ve seen a lot of new smart devices recently that are helping us monitor our air quality, but I’ve often wondered what to do with this info — short of a major HEPA filter installation — if the monitors tell me my air quality is bad. So when we found out about the new portable AirWasher 2-in-1 air purifier and humidifier, we were excited to give it a try.
During those rough months of horrible allergies and cold after cold with our kids, a device like the AirWasher could be a huge help. It cleans the air of the allergens that are making us sneeze and wheeze and then adds humidity into the air that helps so much at night with chest colds. And given their success in Europe (which is actually where they are made), I’m definitely pleased that they’re available stateside now.
Once you get it set up, which takes all of a minute or two, there are three very quiet settings for the fan. I’ve kept mine on the lowest setting unless I’m cooking something kind of stinky in the kitchen and need a little extra help clearing the air out. I would also turn it up to put in the room with sick kids overnight, or if you’ve got someone with pretty bad allergies. The largest model can actually cover a fair amount of space, so if you’ve got a family with severe allergies (or say, a pet), you might want to keep it on the highest setting, especially if they spend a lot of time in that part of your house.
The big thing with the AirWasher is that there are no filters to change. Cleaning just requires a solution that’s available on their site, but other than that, you’re not changing parts or searching the web for extra filters. Sweet.
Now, I have noticed that even on this lowest setting, I’m still refilling the water every other day at least, which is kind of a headache because it takes two full pitchers of water to fill the large model. But hey, it’s an easy chore for the kids. And while they might seem pricey, keep in mind that they actually function as two gadgets in one, so you’d probably spend that much separately on a humidifier and an air purifier.
I’m definitely doing way less dusting (for real) since now my living room doesn’t seem to be coated in quite the same layer of dust it used to. And Kristen, who also tried one out, reports the same, plus not as much sneezing from her allergy-ridden kids. So, less dusting and fewer tissues? Worth a try.
You can find the Venta AirWasher in white or gray at their website or our affiliate Amazon.
