RainMate Air Purifier Reviews: Why You Should Buy It?

I’m sold on the Rainbow RainMate air purifier, and you should be too! This sleek, water-based device isn’t just a pretty face—it freshens your home, tackles odors, and adds a touch of humidity.

Perfect for anyone craving cleaner, better-smelling air without the hassle of traditional filters, it’s a game-changer for small spaces. Trust me, once you experience its quiet hum and refreshing scents, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

Let’s explore why this gem deserves a spot in your home.

My Experience With The RainMate Air Purifier

When I first unboxed my Rainbow RainMate, I was skeptical.

A water-based air purifier?

No HEPA filter? It sounded too simple to work.

But after setting it up in my living room, I was hooked.

The setup was a breeze: fill the basin with water, add a few drops of Rainbow’s eucalyptus fragrance (my favorite), plug it in, and flip the switch.

Within minutes, my stuffy apartment felt fresher, like a window had been cracked open after a spring rain.

I placed it on a side table in my 200-square-foot living room, and the gentle hum reminded me of a small fountain—calming, not intrusive. I have two cats, and their dander usually leaves my guests sneezing.

But after running the RainMate for a few hours, the air felt lighter, and my friend with allergies didn’t complain once. I even caught her sniffing the air, asking, “What’s that clean smell?” Score one for the RainMate.

What surprised me most was its dual role as a humidifier. Living in a dry climate, I often wake up with a scratchy throat. The RainMate’s water vapor added just enough moisture to ease that discomfort without making my space feel muggy.

I also love the LED lights that illuminate the swirling water—it’s like a mini light show at night, perfect for unwinding.

But it wasn’t all perfect. The first week, I overfilled the basin, and water sloshed out when I moved it. Rookie mistake. And while it freshened my small space, I noticed it didn’t tackle heavy cooking odors from my kitchen as well as I’d hoped.

Still, for a compact device, it punched above its weight, and I’ve been using it daily for months now.

Pros of The Rainbow RainMate Air Purifier

No Filter Replacement Costs: One of the biggest wins with the RainMate is its filter-free design. Traditional air purifiers like my old Coway had me shelling out $50 every six months for HEPA filters. With the RainMate, you just use water as the “filter.” Dump it out, refill, and you’re good to go. Over a year, that’s serious savings, especially if you’re on a budget. Plus, it’s one less thing to order or track.
Compact and Stylish Design: This thing is tiny—about 9 inches tall and wide—yet it doesn’t scream “appliance.” Its minimalist blue basin and sleek top blend into my decor, whether on a bookshelf or nightstand. I’ve moved it from my bedroom to my office without it looking out of place. Compare that to my clunky Levoit, which looks like a robot reject. The RainMate’s LED lights also double as a nightlight, adding a cozy vibe to any room.
Aromatherapy Bonus: The RainMate isn’t just an air purifier; it’s an aromatizer. Add a few drops of Rainbow’s fragrances (or compatible essential oils), and your room transforms into a spa. I’m obsessed with the peppermint scent—it’s like breathing in a candy cane forest. This feature sets it apart from brands like Dyson, which focus solely on purification without the sensory perks. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in my daily mood.
Quiet Operation: If you’re like me and hate noisy gadgets, the RainMate’s your friend. Its soft hum is barely noticeable during the day and blends into the background at night. I’ve fallen asleep with it running in my bedroom, and it’s never disturbed me. Compared to my Blueair, which sounds like a jet engine on high, the RainMate’s sound is soothing, almost like white noise for light sleepers.
Adds Humidity to Dry Spaces: Living in a desert climate, I struggle with dry air. The RainMate releases water vapor, which subtly humidifies the room. It’s not a full-blown humidifier, but it’s enough to keep my skin from feeling like parchment. I noticed fewer nosebleeds and less static in my clothes after using it consistently. For small rooms, this dual-purpose feature is a major plus.

Not-So-Good Parts of The Rainbow RainMate

Limited Air Purification Power: Let’s be real: the RainMate isn’t a heavy-duty air purifier. It uses water to trap dust and odors, but it doesn’t capture 99.97% of particles like HEPA filters do. I tested it during a smoky wildfire season, and it struggled to clear the air compared to my Coway Airmega. If you need serious filtration for allergies or pollution, you might need a stronger unit for larger spaces.
Small Coverage Area: The RainMate is designed for small rooms—think 180 to 360 square feet. I tried using it in my open-plan living-kitchen area (about 500 square feet), and it couldn’t keep up with cooking smells or pet dander across the space. It shines in a bedroom or office, but if you’re purifying a whole apartment, you’ll need multiple units or a bigger purifier like the Blueair 311i+ Max.
Water Maintenance Can Be a Chore: While there’s no filter to replace, you’re not off the hook. The water basin needs daily refilling and cleaning to prevent mold or bacteria buildup. I forgot to change the water once for three days, and it got a bit funky. It’s not hard—just rinse and refill—but it’s a step you can’t skip. If you’re lazy like me sometimes, this might feel like a hassle.
Questionable Sales Tactics: I didn’t love how the RainMate is sold. Rainbow relies on door-to-door demos or “free” giveaways tied to vacuum pitches, which can feel pushy. I bought mine secondhand on eBay to avoid the sales spiel, but friends who sat through demos felt pressured to buy a $3,000 Rainbow vacuum. It’s a shady tactic that taints the product’s reputation, even if the RainMate itself is solid.

Maintenance Tips For Your Rainbow RainMate

Daily Water Changes: To keep your RainMate running smoothly, change the water every day. Stagnant water can breed bacteria, and trust me, you don’t want that smell in your home. I make it a habit to dump the old water and refill the basin each morning while my coffee brews. Use fresh, clean water, and never let it sit for more than 24 hours.
Weekly Deep Cleaning: Once a week, give the basin a thorough scrub. Unplug the unit, remove the basin, and wash it with mild dish soap and a sponge. For hard water stains, soak it in a mix of water and white vinegar for 10 minutes. Rinse well and let it air dry before reassembling. This keeps the unit odor-free and prevents mineral buildup.
Use Recommended Fragrances: Stick to Rainbow’s fragrances or manufacturer-approved essential oils. I tried a cheap off-brand oil once, and it left a sticky residue in the basin that took forever to clean. Rainbow’s scents are pricier, but a little goes a long way—five drops max per fill. Check their website for compatible oils to avoid damaging the unit.
Check the Rotating Disk: The RainMate’s rotating disk creates the mist, so handle it carefully. If it gets stuck or dirty, the unit won’t work properly. During your weekly clean, inspect the disk for debris and gently wipe it with a soft cloth. Never touch it while the unit’s running—it spins fast and could pinch your fingers.
Store Properly When Not in Use: If you’re traveling or not using the RainMate, empty the basin and let it dry completely before storing. I learned this the hard way when I left water in it for a week and came back to a musty smell. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth and keep the unit in top shape.

Comparison of RainMate Air Purifier with Other Brands

I’ve put the Rainbow RainMate head-to-head with the CHIVALZ Air Purifier, Scentsy Air Purifier, and MOOKA Air Purifier to see how they stack up. Below, I compare each pairing directly, focusing on purification power, design and features, maintenance costs, and noise levels.

Having used all these devices myself, I’m sharing real insights to help you pick the right one for your home. Let’s break it down, product versus product.

Rainbow RainMate Vs. CHIVALZ Air Purifier

Purification Power: The RainMate uses water to trap dust, pet dander, and odors, freshening small spaces (up to 360 square feet). It made my bedroom air feel cleaner, but it struggled with heavy kitchen smells. Without a HEPA filter, it misses fine particles like smoke, as HouseFresh tests showed it didn’t clear PM1 pollutants. CHIVALZ, with its H13 HEPA filter, captures 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles, perfect for allergies or dusty environments. I used CHIVALZ during a renovation, and it cleared my 400-square-foot living room fast. For serious filtration, CHIVALZ wins, but RainMate’s humidifying adds versatility.
Design and Features: RainMate’s 9-inch-tall design is compact and stylish, fitting on my nightstand. Its LED-lit water basin doubles as a nightlight, and aromatherapy with eucalyptus scents creates a spa vibe. The single-button control is simple but limited. CHIVALZ’s tower design is modern but bulkier, with a digital display and four fan speeds for customization. It lacks RainMate’s humidification and charm, feeling more functional than decorative. RainMate’s ambiance edges out CHIVALZ’s tech-heavy approach for small, cozy spaces.
Maintenance Costs: RainMate’s filter-free system saves money—just change the water daily and clean weekly. Rainbow’s fragrances ($9-$15 per bottle) last weeks with a few drops, keeping my yearly costs under $30. CHIVALZ’s HEPA filters cost $30-$50 every 6-12 months, adding up over time. Without fragrance needs, CHIVALZ avoids extra costs there, but RainMate’s water-based upkeep is cheaper long-term.
Noise Levels: RainMate’s soft hum is barely noticeable, like a tiny fountain, making it perfect for sleep. I’ve used it nightly without disturbance. CHIVALZ is quiet at 25 dB on low but hits 45 dB on high, which I found intrusive during quiet evenings. RainMate’s soothing sound wins for light sleepers.

Rainbow RainMate Vs. Scentsy Air Purifier

Purification Power: RainMate’s water-based system freshens air in small rooms, reducing pet dander but not tackling fine particles like a HEPA unit. It’s great for light odors but didn’t clear curry smells as well. Scentsy’s HEPA filter handles dust and dander in 500-square-foot spaces, outperforming RainMate for allergies. I noticed less cat dander with Scentsy, but its fragrance output was weaker than RainMate’s potent scents. Scentsy’s filtration is stronger, but RainMate’s humidification adds a unique edge.
Design and Features: RainMate’s sleek basin and glowing LEDs blend into my decor, with aromatherapy elevating the mood. Its simple control is a bit basic. Scentsy’s vase-like design is chic, fitting my living room, but its scent pods don’t match RainMate’s fragrance intensity. Scentsy offers fan speed options but no humidification or nightlight. RainMate’s sensory experience feels more engaging.
Maintenance Costs: RainMate’s water system keeps costs low, with $9-$15 fragrance bottles lasting weeks. Scentsy’s HEPA filters ($25-$40 every 6 months) and $10 scent pods (swapped weekly) get pricey fast. I spent more on Scentsy in a month than RainMate in three. RainMate’s budget-friendly upkeep takes the lead.
Noise Levels: RainMate’s gentle hum is sleep-friendly, blending into the background. Scentsy’s 30 dB on low is decent, but its high setting gets whiny, bugging me during movie nights. RainMate’s calming sound is better for quiet moments.

Rainbow RainMate Vs. MOOKA Air Purifier

Purification Power: RainMate’s water traps larger particles but isn’t a HEPA rival, shining in 360-square-foot rooms for light freshening. MOOKA’s H13 HEPA filter covers 1,200 square feet, clearing cooking odors in my apartment in 10 minutes, per Amazon specs. Its fragrance sponge adds a light scent, but RainMate’s oils are stronger. MOOKA’s raw power crushes RainMate for large spaces, but RainMate’s humidification is a bonus.
Design and Features: RainMate’s compact design and LED-lit basin fit anywhere, with aromatherapy stealing the show. MOOKA’s sleek tower has a 360-degree air inlet, touch panel, timer, and child lock—more features than RainMate’s single button. Its fragrance sponge is weaker, and its nightlight isn’t as cozy as RainMate’s glowing water. RainMate wins for ambiance, MOOKA for functionality.
Maintenance Costs: RainMate’s water-based system and $9-$15 fragrances keep costs minimal. MOOKA’s $25-$35 HEPA filters every 6 months and washable pre-filters are affordable, but its sponge uses pricier oils than RainMate’s drops. RainMate’s lower upkeep costs give it the edge.
Noise Levels: RainMate’s fountain-like hum is perfect for sleep. MOOKA’s 13 dB sleep mode is ultra-quiet, but higher settings hit 40 dB, noticeable in my office. RainMate’s consistent, soothing sound is better for relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Rainbow RainMate Actually Work?

Yes, but with caveats. The RainMate works well as an air freshener and light purifier for small spaces. It traps dust and odors in its water basin and adds humidity, which I’ve noticed improves air quality in my bedroom. However, it’s not a true HEPA purifier, so it won’t tackle tiny particles like mold or smoke as effectively. For basic freshening and aromatizing, it’s a winner.

Does the RainMate Purify the Air?

It purifies to an extent. The water basin captures larger particles like dust and pet dander, and I’ve seen murky water after a day’s use, proving it’s grabbing something. But it lacks the filtration power of HEPA units, which remove 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. If you’re after serious purification, pair it with a HEPA purifier; otherwise, it’s great for light cleaning.

What Exactly Does a RainMate Do?

The RainMate is a jack-of-some-trades. It uses a swirling water basin to trap dust and odors, humidifies the air, and disperses fragrances for aromatherapy. Its LED lights add ambiance, and it’s super quiet. I use mine to freshen my living room, reduce pet dander, and add a spa-like scent. It’s not a full-on purifier but excels at creating a pleasant environment.

What Is the Most Highly Recommended Air Purifier?

It depends on your needs. For serious allergies or pollution, I recommend the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH for its HEPA filtration and reliability. For larger spaces, Blueair’s 311i+ Max is top-notch. On a budget? Levoit’s Core 300 gets the job done. But for small rooms and a unique, low-maintenance experience, the Rainbow RainMate is my personal favorite—it’s versatile and fun to use.

Conclusion: Get Your Rainbow RainMate Today

You need the Rainbow RainMate in your life! This compact, filter-free purifier freshens your air, adds humidity, and fills your home with delightful scents. It’s perfect for small spaces and budget-conscious folks who want a low-maintenance, stylish device.

Despite its limits in heavy-duty purification, its charm and versatility make it a must-have. Grab one, pop in some eucalyptus fragrance, and breathe easier—you won’t regret it!