The best air purifier for mold comes with dedicated mold battling features that are missing from standard air purifiers.
For example, most air purifiers for mold spores come with ultra-efficient HEPA filters that typically capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns(in diameter).
That’s significant because mold spores are generally sized 1-20 microns meaning they’re easily filtered out by the specialized HEPA filters.
Others come with integrated ionizers to help control airborne mold and can be very beneficial if you if you’re sensitive to mold.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the best air purifiers for mold and how to go about identifying the best air purifier for mold.
Sound good? Let’s dive right in…
Table of Contents
Can air purifiers remove mold?
The short answer is yes….
Air purifiers for mold spores employ proprietary filtration technologies to thoroughly clean mold from the air circulating in your rooms.
What’s more, they get rid of the unpleasant smells coming from the mold by absorbing the triggers- carbon compounds such as mVOCs and VOCs, as well as mycotoxins.
Having said that, an air purifier for mold won’t eliminate the mold that’s already growing on surfaces though they block the formation of new mold colonies.
You should thus simultaneously adopt other strategies including keeping your surfaces squeaky clean and addressing the source of the moisture to fully win the battle against mold.
Types of air purifiers for mold
The major difference in these types of air purifiers is the air purifying technology used.
As a result, you may find your unit working better than a friend’s.
Here are the dominant types:
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Air Purifier
By far the most effective, these air purifiers use HEPA filters that have been certified to trap up to 99.97 percent of mold and other particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Their mechanical fans also arrest dust, pollen, pet dander, and most common pollutants.
They, however, do not eliminate gasses and smells so most manufacturers add a carbon-activated pre-filter to eliminate the odor-causing molecules.
Activated Carbon Air Purifiers for mold
As hinted above, these are brilliant in adsorbing the musty smells coming from mold and mildew to freshen the room.
And like the name suggests, the secret is the included activated carbon which removes the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), the primary cause of the nose-wrinkling odors.
I already explained that most HEPA air purifiers for mold will have an activated carbon pre-filter.
UV (ultraviolet light) air purifiers
This category of air purifiers uses short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C) to kill microorganisms and airborne pathogens including mold, viruses, and bacteria.
They again superbly destroy airborne mold spores and it common to find a UV-C light installed in some of the topmost HEPA models.
Ozone Generators
Ozone generators destroy living mold spores and certain pollutants by producing ozone and can be quite efficient too.
But we don’t recommend them since ozone is unsafe to inhale and can cause chest pains, throat irritation, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and lung-tissue inflammation to name but a few.
Ionizers
Air ionizers cleanse contaminants by ionizing (electrically charging) air molecules and are effective on various particulates, odors, and infection-causing microbes.
The electric charge can, unfortunately, create some ozone too and potentially irritate your lungs besides worsening allergy and asthma symptoms.
Air purifier for mold Buying Guide
Before we proceed to the reviews, let’s briefly discuss what to look out for when shopping for an air purifier for mold spores.
Room size (coverage area in square feet)
The first key consideration is the size of the room that you want to purify.
For starters, go for AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) Verified clean air delivery rate (CADR) units.
Now, AHAM uses the CADR to independently measure an air cleaner’s efficacy in purifying pollen, tobacco smoke, and dust and the unwritten rule is for the CADR to be 2/3 of your room’s area.
That means that if your room is 120 sq. ft. (10×12 feet), you should aim for an air cleaner with a CADR of 80(2/3 of 120) and above for the stated pollutants.
Energy efficiency
Most of the leading models are energy-efficient and will save you from the mold without giving you a heart attack from astronomical energy bills.
But you can still stumble on units devoid of energy preservation features and which cause a notable spike in your bill even if you run it for a few hours.
You definitely want to keep off such units.
An ideal starting point would be to look for brands with the energy star logo.
Filter replacement costs
The other cost I would like to point out is replacement filters.
You see, the filters (HEPA and carbon) work perfectly on the mold for a set period, after which you have to replace them for continued efficiency.
Some are priced as high as $200 and need to be changed every 3-12 months.
Be, therefore, sure to factor in the filter’s cost and functional duration before your final decision.
But you shouldn’t fret- some models come with reusable (washable) filters and can be a cost-effective option.
Noise level
Some brands are extremely loud and you’ll struggle to keep a conversation going.
Note the decibels listed on the website/manual at both the highest and lowest fan settings and compare.
As a guide, any model below 50 dB is considered exceptionally silent.
Other considerations
You shouldn’t overlook essentials like:
- Portability– You want a good size and above all, an easily portable unit.
- The length of the warranty– Needless to say, the longer the warranty, the more peace of mind for you. Also, find out what other buyers are saying about customer service and support.
- The looks– We all want them elegant and unobtrusive. Don’t we?
- Extras– Additions such as Wi-Fi connectivity, a timer, a supporting app, a remote control, color-changing night lights, smart sensors, and more make it all the more compelling.
Best Air Purifiers Reviews
As promised, here now are our reviews of the very best air purifiers for mold.
We hope they will help you find the best air purifier for mold and mildew.
VEVA 8000 Elite Pro Series Air Purifier
This model captures mold spores impressively thanks to its premium HEPA filter (which has up to 30% more filtration fabric).
Click Here to View Price and Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
The activated carbon pre-filters as well use proprietary technology to fully get rid of the awful mold smell leaving only fresh air throughout your room.
It’s designed for spaces of about 350 square feet.
Features
This unit showcases VEVA’s engineering at its best.
From an elite filtration and purification to a powerful 3-stage fan and everything in between- including long-lasting filters- this has everything you need to finally win your tough duel with mold and indeed, tons of pollutants.
Unsurprisingly, it circulates fresh air abundantly, particularly in the turbo setting.
The other major attraction is the innovative design that allows you to change it from a tower to a table-top type air purifier-you simply remove the base.
It’s tremendously mobile (dimensions are a mere 9x8x23’’ while weighing about 6.72 lbs.) too.
It’s, however, not the quietest unit and is without fancy features like timers and sensors.
But overall, it serves its purpose brilliantly, which is what matters most.
It comes with a 2-year long warranty to go with the lifetime manufacturer support.
Pros
- Study unit.
- Long lasting filter.
- Sturdily constructed.
Cons
- Lacks thrills and spills.
GermGuardian Ac4825 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
This powerful 3-in-1 tower Germguardian ac4825 air purifier annihilates airborne mold by deploying first a HEPA filter followed by a UV-C sanitizer.
Click Here to View Price and Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
Mold-related smells are meanwhile adsorbed incredibly well by the tenacious activated charcoal filter.
Add the gentle white noise (at the lowest speed) and four air changes per hour (at maximum speed) and you have a potential gem.
It’s recommended for spaces up to 167 sq. feet (AHAM verified).
Features
This compact unit is again great if you suffer issues such as allergies and asthma- recall what we said about the HEPA filter’s efficiency in capturing microorganisms like fungi (mold is a fungus).
And now you have the equally effective ultra-violet (UV-C) lamps (optional) killing any mold spores that survive the filtration process plus the charcoal filter to cater to the terrible odors.
You have the option of ramping up to the more powerful medium or highest speeds and it’s not as spartan as the VEVA 8000 pro series- it comes with UV-C light control and a filter lifetime indicator.
It’s sleek looking, lightweight (weighs 7 lbs.), and very durable.
Pros
- Energy star and CARB-certified air purifier for mold smell.
- Super easy setup.
- It has a nice carrying handle.
Cons
- It generates some ozone.
SilverOnyx Air Purifier
This model 5-stage advanced air filtration makes your home more hostile to molds and is a fantastic alternative for spaces with lots of molds.
Click Here to View Price and Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
The combination filter cartridge integrates a mesh pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, a UV-C light sanitizer, and an ionizer to help stop mold dead in its tracks and supply healthier air.
This world-class air purifier is best for areas up to 500 square feet
Features
In addition to the superior five-stage air filtration, the unit packs an outstanding DC motor, and a stellar 5-speed fan, and is exceptional through and through.
You’ll also be delighted with all of the bells and whistles- there’s the PM2.5 (particulate matter) sensor that automatically adjusts airflow as needed, a cute display panel, an on/off timer, sleep mode, and more.
Like the rest, the device is super lightweight while its shape allows you to place it practically anywhere including against a wall, on a TV tray, or on a nightstand.
The only downside is the noticeable noise at higher fan levels but again this is common in most high-performance units.
Overall, a top, top choice.
Pros
- It works really well.
- Multiple settings are available.
- Quite small.
Cons
- Costlier than previous units.
Sharp Dual-Action Air Purifier
Another upmarket model, this wipes out hazardous molds and fungus – even those confined in carpentry, fabric, and drapery- from your environment using a plasma ionizer and 3-stage filtration (hence the name dual action).
Click Here to View Price and Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
It’s a versatile unit and wonderfully takes care of most of the viruses and bacteria that conventional air purifiers won’t.
It functions best when deployed in rooms not exceeding 454 sq. ft.
Features
The headline is the exclusive dual air purification action but you have bucketloads of extras that make the unit thoroughly effective.
For instance, the smart sensor elevates/lowers the fan speed (it offers 3 fan speeds) in response to increases/decreases of mold spores (and other impurities) in the air.
There is also the fast-acting quick clean mode, light dimming feature, and the auto-off (2/4/8 hour).
Moving on, this mold purifier runs super quiet (just 29 DBS.) meaning you can use it in your bedroom, home office, or study although it’s bigger (9.6×24.4 x15.9’’) and heavier (17.6 lbs.) than the earlier units.
It’s also cost-effective to run – it is energy star rated and the filters can last a staggering 2 to 5 years!
Pros
- So quiet.
- Superior built.
- Ample air circulation.
Cons
- You cannot adjust the humidity level.
RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
The 815 sq. ft. room coverage and six-stage purification (plus deodorization) make this by far the most potent air purifier for massive spaces.
Click Here to View Price and Customer Reviews on Amazon.com
In fact, the included germ defense customized filter lets you select the most ideal setting according to the level of mold pollution in your spaces.
Features
The key to the Rabbitair Minus A2’s impeccable results is the aforementioned tailored filter primarily because you can choose the setting that’s most appropriate for your personal health.
You can activate the germ defense filter to battle increased mold spores and the pet allergy filter to reduce pet allergens.
Similarly, you can choose the toxin absorber filter to trap VOCs and the odor remover filter if you want to specifically target the horrible mold odors.
In addition, the ionizer helps fortify and freshen the air you breathe.
Also conspicuous is the BioGS HEPA filter – it serves optimally for longer since it combats fresh growth of molds and other allergens trapped on its surface.
All the other essentials are present including a light-dimming sensor to help you sleep, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, an app, a change filter indicator, and handy remote control.
Interestingly, you can mount it on a wall or use it as a mobile unit.
It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- What a stylish construction.
- Intuitive user interface.
- You can turn off the ionizer.
Cons
- A bit bulky
Final thoughts
Using an air purifier for mold can help put an end to your suffering from mold allergies.
And you now understand how effective the various types of air purifiers are against mold including those that do more harm than good so your decision should be easier. Always remember that the best air purifier for mold cannot, on its own, solve all your mold problems and you should strive to physically fix visible mold growth using additional appropriate strategies.
