If you’re asking me—the guy who spent a month scrubbing white dust off his bookshelf—go with reverse osmosis. It’s more upfront effort, but it’s the kinder, smarter choice for daily use. Distilled water is great for occasional use or if you have a tiny humidifier and a strong back for carrying jugs.
Plot twist: You can actually use tap water filtered through a basic Brita, but only if you have an evaporative humidifier and you’re feeling rebellious. Most Brita filters don’t remove enough minerals to stop ultrasonic dust. I tried it. The dust laughed at me.
So here’s my final, slightly ironic advice: treat your humidifier like a spoiled goldfish. Give it the purest water you can, clean it regularly, and don’t overthink it. Your sinuses, your plants, and your future self (who won’t be scrubbing furniture) will send you a thank-you note. Now go hydrate your air, you beautiful moisture-loving weirdo.
