Best Air Purifier For Mold: Make Your Living Space Healthy

An air purifier for mold will remove mold in your home. You will feel better knowing your family is protected from airborne contaminants such as dust mites, pet dander, smoke, and most importantly, mold, which are common indoor air pollutants that cause mold issues.

An air purifier can transform an unhealthy space into a healthy one. Mold poses the greatest health threat as it is ubiquitous but invisible. When mold issues escalate, they contribute to sick building syndrome.

Eliminating a mold source is not difficult, nor is cleaning the air in your home. Choosing the best air purifier for mold is a step in the right direction to improve indoor air quality in your living and working spaces.

What is Mold And Why Is It in My Home?

Mold, the same fungi found in your refrigerator, can also grow inside your home. It is a type of fungus with thousands of different varieties that can grow outdoors and indoors, according to Medical News Today.

The first thing to check is your home’s humidity levels. Mold produces and releases spores into the air, where they spread and grow. Air purifiers eliminate mold spores by attacking them before they settle inside your home.

The spores, though unseen, are everywhere and can easily enter your home along with other pollutants. Mold can enter through windows, doors, ventilation systems, or even on your pet and clothes.

Mold growth is most prevalent during fall and winter when windows are closed, creating ideal conditions for mold to thrive.

If there is mold present, it can be seen and smelled. Mold grows behind drywall where there are plumbing lines or in areas that have experienced flooding.

Choosing the Best Air Purifier For Mold

When looking for a new air purifier, there are a few key things to consider:

– True HEPA Filter: Look for an air purifier with a true HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air and can remove 99.97% of particles from the air down to 0.3 microns in diameter, including mold spores.

– Washable or HEPA Filter: Make sure the air purifier has a washable or HEPA filter. This will save you from having to replace the filter every two weeks.

– Energy Star Certified: Choose an air purifier that is Energy Star certified for cost and sustainability reasons. While there are other certifications available, the Energy Star rating is the main one to consider.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certifies air purifiers based on their clean air delivery rate (CADR) and room size guidelines. While specific CADR figures exist for pollutants like smoke, pollen, and dust, mold does not have a specific rating. Studies have shown that portable UV-C light air purifiers only provide limited protection against mold and cannot address VOCs and other airborne particles. Here are the top air purifiers for mold:

1. LEVOIT Air Purifier

The LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies has a 93 percent four- and five-star review rating. This modern air purifier includes the Core 300 filtration system with three stages: ultra-fine pre-filter, Japanese-made true HEPA filter, and high-grade granular activated carbon filter.

Vortexair Technology provides strong airflow for efficient particulate air removal and cleaner indoor air. It is important to prevent mold growth inside the purifier while filtering mold from indoor air.

This model stands out from other mold air purifiers with its optional mold bacteria filter that includes an extra antibacterial filter to kill germs and prevent mold and bacteria from returning inside the filter.

The HEPA filter, pre-filter, and activated carbon filter capture 99.97% of fine particles as small as 0.3 microns. The activated carbon layer also removes airborne particles like pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, and mold spores.

You can adjust the speed settings for different room sizes. For medium rooms, you wouldn’t need to use the air purifier at maximum speeds.

The display light can be turned off at night. A timer can be set for two, four, six, or eight hours of continuous running time. The three speed settings can be adjusted according to the room size. A filter change indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter.

The air purifier also has a low noise feature for nighttime use.

Pros:

Review of Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is an impressive option with a sleek and modern design. It is known for its effectiveness in removing mold spores and reducing allergy symptoms. Additionally, it comes with 90 days of Amazon support and a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. Some users have reported issues with the filter fitting flush inside, and replacement filters are often considered overpriced.

Overall, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is a reliable choice for anyone looking to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms.

Buyers love the Alen BreatheSmart Classic Large Room Air Purifier for many reasons, with the optional HEPA Silver filter being one of them. According to the company, this unit can clean 1,100 square feet in just 30 minutes, three times faster than normal. It has adjustable speed settings and can capture 99.97 percent of airborne mold-causing particles.

This air purifier is specifically designed for large rooms such as open concept areas, living rooms, basements, and apartments. The HEPA Silver filter is ideal for those who want to eliminate dust, mold, mildew, bacteria, and light odors. Unlike other filter types, the washable filter provides an extra boost of protection and coverage area in your home.

This filter has four layers: a pre-filter that traps pet hair and larger particles, a Silver Filter that traps and kills bacteria and mold spores, a HEPA Pure layer that removes airborne particles like dust, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and other allergens, and a carbon layer that absorbs odors in various air conditions.

The BreatheSmart Classic is quiet, using “advanced WhisperMax technology” that produces pink noise to promote deeper sleep. The unit has an air quality sensor that shows higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants and four fan speeds for optimal operation.

The purifier includes an ozone-free ionizer that produces negative ions, causing particles to clump together. This allows the HEPA filter to trap and eliminate mold.

Pros:

– Relieves health symptoms

– Lifetime warranty with 90 days of Amazon phone support

Cons:

– Limited space coverage

– Poor warranty support

Germ Guardian With True HEPA Filter Air Purifier

This is a compact air purifier that efficiently relieves health symptoms. It comes with a lifetime warranty and 90 days of Amazon phone support. However, it has limited space coverage and poor warranty support.

The popular Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier effectively cleans the air using three methods. Firstly, a true HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns. Secondly, an optional UV C light, coupled with Titanium Dioxide, eliminates airborne viruses like influenza, staph, and rhinovirus, while reducing volatile organic compounds. It also has a pre-filter to trap pet hair and large particles, and an activated charcoal filter to eliminate odors.

The Germ Guardian filters the air four times per hour and is recommended for medium to large rooms of up to 167 square feet.

This purifier has three speeds, and the lowest setting is a gentle white noise, perfect for nighttime use. Like other air purifiers, the filter needs to be changed every six to eight months and the UV bulb every 10 to 12 months.

Pros:

– Happy reviewers love the effectiveness of this unit

– Three-year limited warranty and US-based tech support

Cons:

– Some buyers noted burnt-out circuit boards and a fire risk from the defect.

– A few reviewers noted problems with durability.

4. AeraMax 300 Large Room Air Purifier

Amazon’s Choice for an air purifier for a large room, the AeraMax 300 effectively eliminates indoor air pollutants with its four-stage purification. This purifier is recommended for rooms ranging from 300 to 600 square feet.

In addition to a true HEPA filter, it includes Aerasafe antimicrobial treatment and a carbon filter. These filters remove 99.995 percent of airborne particles, such as pollen, allergens, viruses, germs, dust mites, mold spores, and cigarette smoke. The built-in antimicrobial technology prevents odor-causing bacteria, mildew, and fungi from growing on the filter.

Certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the AeraMax also features a smart sensor that monitors air quality, allowing you to adjust the fan speed for optimal purification.

Unlike other air purifiers, the PlasmaTRUE technology creates an ionized field to remove airborne pollutants that emit ozone. It’s an energy-efficient solution and a great air purifier.

Pros:

– Alleviates breathing issues.

– Possible to turn off the ionizer.

Cons:

– Noise issues.

– Limited three-year warranty only covers defective parts and workmanship.

5. Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier.

More than 90 percent of Amazon reviews give the highly-rated Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier four or five stars. Buyers praise its effectiveness against allergens and mold spores. It utilizes a True HEPA filter, capturing 99.97% of airborne pollutants.

Additionally, it features an advanced odor control carbon filter, eliminating mold, VOCs, and household odors.

The Winix 5300-2 also offers PlasmaWave technology, combating odors, allergens, chemical vapors, and smaller particles without emitting harmful ozone.

With a CADR rating of 360 square feet, this model is suitable for medium to large rooms, including bedrooms, nurseries, and offices. It includes a smart sensor that assesses air quality and an LED indicator that displays its level, ranging from good to poor. In Auto Mode, the unit adjusts the fan for optimal filtration.

Unlike other models, this purifier has a sleep mode that makes it silent at night and automatically dims the indicator lights. Manual mode allows continuous operation at the desired speed to reduce energy consumption.

Pros:

– Effective in alleviating respiratory symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality

– Quiet operation

– Plasma technology can be switched off

Cons:

– Some users feel that the purifier does not clean the air well

– Weak customer support

The Basics of Mold

As noted, there are thousands of types of mold, but not all are harmful. Some types, like those used to make blue cheese or penicillin, are actually beneficial. However, certain molds, such as black mold, have been shown or suspected to release harmful substances along with their spores.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control, if you can see mold or smell its musty odor, you should remove it and address the underlying cause in your home.

Identifying the specific type of mold is not necessary, and you don’t need to spend money on testing. Regardless of the type, all mold problems should be addressed.

Allergenic mold may not make you sick, but it can worsen allergies.

Pathogenic mold can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Mold can cause illness in people with compromised immune systems. It is also toxic to animals, including pets. The most concerning category of mold is toxigenic mold, which releases mycotoxins that can become airborne with the spores.

Some studies have shown that these chemicals can also attach to other particles, such as dust, and spread through the air. One example of toxigenic mold is black mold.

This is the infamous black mold, believed to pose the greatest danger at home. Known as Stachybotrys chartarum, it thrives on cellulose-based materials like wood, paper, fiberboard, and drywall. It can be found in warm and damp areas, including inside walls and under carpets or flooring.

According to the CDC, Stachybotrys chartarum, along with other molds, can cause nonspecific health symptoms. Thus, the type of mold is irrelevant – all molds must be removed.

Mold’s Health Effects

According to the National Capital Poison Control Center, numerous studies have been conducted on allergies and mold, yielding various conclusions. It can be difficult to link specific types of mold to respiratory effects and other irritants such as second-hand smoke, airborne particles, and volatile organic compounds.

Experts generally agree that spending time in damp and moldy environments increases the risk of bronchitis and respiratory infections, although this has not been definitively proven.

To eradicate mold from your home, it is crucial to prevent moisture accumulation. A proactive approach is vital.

– promptly address any leaks and thoroughly dry or replace any affected materials.

Keep your home’s humidity at around 40 percent.

To clean mold from a hard surface, use soap and water, a commercial cleaning product, or a bleach solution of 1 cup (8 ounces) of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Keep damp areas of the home well-ventilated, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Consider using floor coverings other than carpet in areas that are often damp.

If the mold growth is extensive or difficult to reach, call a professional mold-cleaning service.

To determine if there are airborne mold spores in your home, start with a simple mold test kit available online or in a home improvement store.

Make sure to obtain a mold test kit, which takes a few days to determine if there are spores in the air. Some kits also allow you to send the test to professionals for mold identification.

How does mold affect my health?

While certain toxic molds, like black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), contain high levels of dangerous mycotoxins, any mold that is not removed can grow and cause health problems.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that some people are more sensitive to molds than others. Mold exposure can cause symptoms such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes or skin. Severe reactions to high mold concentrations can include fever and shortness of breath.

Anyone with asthma, allergies, or suppressed immune systems can be more susceptible to mold. Studies have shown that even healthy people can develop respiratory symptoms from mold exposure. Mold has also been linked to asthma development in children.

To prevent mold from becoming a problem, it’s important to eliminate the source of the mold. Additionally, reducing humidity to levels below 60 percent is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. Good ventilation is also an excellent preventive measure.

In the meantime, the next important step is to filter indoor air and remove pollutants like mold spores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Air Purifier Do I Need For Mold?

When you have mold in your home, an air purifier will remove airborne particles and prevent mold spores from developing.

An air purifier with an activated carbon filter attacks mold before it can grow inside your home. The filtration system removes toxins from the air caused by air conditioners or upholstered furniture.

You want to buy an air purifier that uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. The filter has a glass mesh capable of removing 99.97 percent of particles from the air down to 0.3 microns in diameter. This includes mold spores, which usually range from one to 30 microns.

Not all air purifiers have a HEPA filter, but most do.

The most effective location for an air purifier is where the mold is present or where there is excessive dampness. Additional purifiers can be placed in bedrooms for cleaner indoor air.

Each air purifier is designed for a specific room size. To maximize protection, choose a purifier that can handle your square footage.

An air purifier designed for up to 300 square feet can be placed in a 200 square foot room, but not the other way around. This is because it won’t be as effective in cleaning the air.

When choosing an air purifier for mold, look for one with an Energy Star rating for electricity cost and sustainability. However, there is no mold-specific certification for air purifiers. AHAM (the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) offers a voluntary certification program that provides the clean air delivery rate (CADR), but there is no CADR rating for mold.

CADR stands for “clean air delivery rate,” which measures the number of specific particles an air purifier can remove from the air. A higher CADR rating indicates a faster elimination of mold from a room’s air. The duration of running an air purifier varies, but it is advisable to have it on while in the room. For bedrooms, it should be left on overnight with the option of a silent or inaudible nighttime setting.

As for filter changes, frequency will depend on usage.

Every air purifier is unique, and the manufacturer’s guidebook will indicate when the filter needs to be changed. Most HEPA filters last 12 to 18 months, and many air purifiers today have an indicator to alert you when it’s time for a replacement.

Some air purifiers have a prefilter to capture larger particles, while others do not. The filters should be cleaned every 30 days and replaced if they are worn out. Carbon filters, if present, need to be replaced every three to six months.

Aside from maintaining the filters, an air purifier requires no other maintenance.

In conclusion, an air purifier for mold is an essential device that improves indoor air quality by effectively removing mold spores.

Air purifiers improve indoor air quality in homes and offices. To prevent and treat mold growth, it’s important to use the best air purifier available. Luckily, affordable options are readily available.

These energy-efficient devices effectively eliminate mold by utilizing UV lamps and carbon filters. Air purifiers are especially beneficial for large rooms. By capturing and removing microscopic airborne particles, they act as a germ guardian against mold.

If you have mold spores and want to remove them, search for “home mold spore removal” on Google for instructions. However, the goal is to prevent mold growth so spores won’t develop in your living room. One solution is to use a smart air purifier that targets mold.

Protecting the air quality in your home protects your family and home’s structure. With the best air purifier, you can sleep well knowing there won’t be mold in your home.