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Our verdict:
An air purifier can prevent your mold problem from worsening by catching mold spores before they can spread.
However, air purifiers can’t fix the root issue causing mold in the first place.
That said, an air purifier is a great tool to reduce floating spores and clean the air from stuffy smells associated with mold.
If you’re worried about mold, you might consider an air purifier. The question is, can a purifier make a difference to mold?
The short answer: Yes.
Air purifiers work to combat mold spores so long as they have a proper HEPA filter installed. A filter must catch at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger to be certified as true HEPA.
Mold spores are generally between 1-40 microns. This means they’re almost sure to be caught by a HEPA filter, so long as it’s clean and used correctly.
Many air purifiers also come equipped with an activated carbon filter, which can help eliminate that unpleasant, “musty” smell that mold sometimes produces.
Top 3 Air Purifiers for Mold
The best air purifier depends on your specific needs and situation. A good HEPA filter, high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and activated carbon elements are crucial when combating mold.
We’ve tested some of the best home air purifiers on the market to find the best choices for mold. These are our top three choices.
| 👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levoit EverestAir | Levoit Core 600S | IQAir Healthpro Plus | |
 |  |  | |
| AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 13 minutes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes |
| CADR 👩🔬 | 360 CFM | 410 CFM | 300 CFM |
| FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | Pre-filter, H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Pellets | Pre-filter, H13 HEPA and Activated Carbon Pellets | HyperHEPA and V50-CELL gas and odor filter |
| MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | Up to 558 sq. ft. | Up to 635 sq. ft. | Up to 1125 sq. ft. |
| WEIGHT ⚖️ | 20.7 lbs (9.38 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 35 lbs (16 kg) |
| OUR REVIEW 🔍 | EverestAir review | Core 600S review | IQAir Healthpro Plus review |
| PRICE 💵 | $499.99 | $259.99 | $899.00 |
Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
| 💡 Pro Tip: If none of those units suit you, you should explore the complete, comprehensive list of the best air purifiers for mold, based on our own testing. |
That Said, Air Purifiers Alone Will Not Eradicate Mold
Removing mold spores and odor from the air will only stop a mold problem from worsening. It won’t solve the root cause.
Air purifiers are an excellent method to reduce the risk of mold starting to grow in your home in the first place. They’ll catch spores before they can land and propagate and even filter out other allergens
Generally, mold will appear indoors because of unusually high moisture levels. If this problem isn’t fixed and the mold isn’t completely removed from the space, it’ll just keep producing new spores.
| How to Remove Mold From Surfaces Quickly 1️⃣ Wipe hard surfaces with a commercial mold remover, bleach solution, or white vinegar. 2️⃣ Use an anti-mold cleaner to scrub carpets properly. 3️⃣ Soft materials like upholstery or carpets that have been affected might have to be removed entirely and replaced. |
Paired with these methods, an air purifier can significantly help remove mold spores from your home and prevent the recurrence of growth.
| 💡 Pro Tip: Here are three ways to prevent mold from appearing: 1. Make sure any sources of dampness, like leaky pipes or roofs, are fixed. 2. Keep the environment ventilated and dry. 3. If moisture is a struggle, a dehumidifier can be a great option. |
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of microscopic, airborne fungus. It comes in wide varieties, with various appearances, behaviors and potential health impacts. It’s part of our natural ecosystem and is harmless so long as it stays outdoors. Unfortunately, mold can catch a ride on our clothes, pets, and other objects and end up floating inside our homes.
When mold grows on a surface, it produces spores. These are like “seeds” that float away in the air to find a new place to settle and grow. They flourish in areas that are dark, damp, and warm.
For this reason, the most common places to find mold in your home are the bathroom, laundry, kitchen, attic, garage and basement. You’re at greatest risk when you have a leaky pipe, appliance, or roof — especially if it’s in one of the areas above.
Once mold grows on a surface, it releases more spores. As the number of spores in the air increases, you’ll find more and more patches of it growing around your house. Even if you wipe away every patch you can find, it tends to return in no time.
This is because mold can get into porous or soft objects and spores can float in the air for a while before landing and growing again.
With spores floating in the air, those living in the home will start breathing them in. This can be risky, especially if you have certain pre-existing conditions that make your immune system more vulnerable.
Why is Mold Dangerous?
For many people, breathing or touching mold spores won’t be harmful The reaction someone experiences depends heavily on their genetics, existing conditions and the type of mold they’re exposed to.
You’re at the highest risk of health problems from mold if you’re exposed to a high concentration of spores for an extended period. Brief, irregular exposure is unlikely to cause issues.
| Mold allergies are surprisingly common and can induce classic allergic symptoms upon exposure. This includes: ❌ Sneezing ❌ Itchy eyes and nose ❌ Runny nose ❌ Skin rashes In those with pre-existing conditions, mold may produce more severe symptoms: ❌ Severe eye and throat irritation ❌ Coughing ❌ Asthma attacks ❌ Fungal infections ❌ Upper respiratory tract issues ❌ Greater risk of bronchitis |
Most people with mold allergies are entirely unaware because we often don’t know when we’ve been exposed to mold. The symptoms experienced can be uncomfortable at best and may even interfere with sleep for some people.
| ⚠️ According to the CDC, those most at risk of serious reactions to mold spores include: – The elderly – Young children – People on immunosuppressants – People with an otherwise compromised immune system – People with asthma or other respiratory conditions like COPD – People with severe allergies |
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to control mold within your home, a suitable air purifier may be a great way of combating spores. It will lower the concentration of spores in the air, keeping your home safe, healthy and fresh. A purifier can also help significantly decrease the spread of mold inside.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to take extra measures to remove mold from your home and stop it from returning in the future.
| SOURCES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Basic Facts About Mold And Dampness. cdc.gov Tavella V.J & McIntosh, J. (2023). Is Mold In Your House A Problem? What You Need To Know. medicalnewstoday.com United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Mold. epa.gov |
Last update on 2023-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API