Looking for the best air purifier for mold, mildew and spores? Mold and mildew are types of microscopic fungi that can be found in many households, typically in damp and humid areas. Once formed, mold spores are difficult to get rid of and can survive under harsh environments. The best way to get rid of mold is to control indoor moisture levels. What is less well known is that air purifiers also have mold removal capabilities and can help prevent mold by improving indoor air circulation. However, not all air purifiers have this ability.
Read below to learn how to find the best air purifiers for mold and mildew
- Causes of Mold and Mildew
- Effects of Mold and Mildew
- How Air Purifiers Get Rid of Mold and Mildew
- Best Air Purifier for Mold Reviews
Causes of Mold and Mildew
Both mold and mildew form as a result of damp and humid conditions. Mold is formed naturally and part of the organic decomposition process. Outdoors, mold help break down dead organic matter. However, molds reproduce by spores and mold spores can spread indoors with the assistance of wind and a damp surface. All mold and mildew requires moisture in order to grow.
You can detect the presence of mold by the musty odor from these fungi. Mold is typically dark green, black or white. Over time, if left unattended, mold may eat into fabric and household furniture.
Effects of Mold and Mildew
While often used interchangeably and found together, there are some differences between them and the effects of mold and mildew:
- Mildew typically grows in a flat pattern, but mold grows typically in a fuzzy manner, and is more spread out in its growth
- Mold is typically more dangerous than mildew
- Both can cause respiratory problems, inflammation, fatigue and fever that worsens over time
- For those who suffer from asthma, mold can be a trigger for asthmatic attacks
- Mold in small amounts is usually harmless, but you will start to experience health problems after continued exposure
How Air Purifiers Get Rid of Mold and Mildew
Improving air circulation is an excellent way to get rid of mold. As a first step, air purifiers improve ventilation and get rid of any dampness or mustiness that may be causing mold and mildew. Air purifiers circulate the air within the coverage area several times an hour, improving air circulation and thereby preventing mold growth.
Next, most air purifiers use HEPA filters to remove air contaminants from the air. HEPA filters are able to remove 99.7% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns. Some more advanced air purifiers are also able to remove spores from the air.
To use air purifiers to get rid of mold and mildew, place the air purifier in places where mold and mildew is most likely to be found: bathrooms, the basement, any other area where circulation is poor.
Best Air Purifier for Mold
Not all air purifiers are able to filter out mold spores. To be safe, we suggest starting with the following list.
The Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 stands out among all air purifiers when it comes to mold removal ability. This air purifier is very well engineered and has very fine filters that can eliminate mold and mildew effectively. The Austin Air Healthmate HM 400 even removes odors and VOCs, and is an excellent all-round air purifier we highly recommend.
Check Price on Amazon: Austin Air HealthMate HM 400
Best Air Purifier for Mold Spores
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is the best air purifier for mold spores. Designed in Switzerland, the IQAir HealthPro Plus has an activated carbon filter, is very durable, and covers a large area up to to 1,125 square feet. This air purifier is very well built and uses the most sophisticated technology. It is very capable of removing odors and smells, and has an advanced filter that kills mold easily. This is an advanced air purifier that is used not just in large homes, but also hospitals.
Check Price on Amazon: IQAir HealthPro Plus
Best Air Purifier for Mold in Basement
The Honeywell True HEPA 50250S has a CADR rating of 250 for dust, smoke and pollen and is equally capable of removing mold. One unique feature of this air purifier is its circular, 360-degree design, which allows the 50250S to clean air in all directions, regardless of where or how it is placed. It is one of the most value for money air purifiers we have reviewed.
Honeywell True HEPA 50250S: Check Price on Amazon
Best Air Purifier for Mildew
The Airfree Onix 3000 is the best air purifier for mildew. Instead of the standard filtration process, the Onix air purifier relies on heat to get rid of mold, bacteria, allergens and other harmful contaminants in the air, and has been proven to be highly effective. This air purifier is lightweight and portable.
Another similarly great air purifier for mold: Airfree P1000 Air Purifier Review
Check Price on Amazon: Airfree-3000
Best Air Purifier Mold Killer
The best air purifier mold killer is the Alen Breathesmart. It is backed with a lifetime guarantee from Alen, and has very high CADR ratings. I got this air purifier two years ago, and have not looked backed since. It covers 1,100 square feet and uses WhisperMax technology to purify the air in your living environment effectively. It uses an electrostatic filter that captures most common air pollutants, including dust, pet dander, pollen, mold and VOCs. Its pre-filter is washable and allows you to remove common allergens including mold from the air in your living environment effectively.
Alen Breathesmart: Check Price on Amazon
These are the most effective, best air purifiers for mold and mildew. They are able to effectively remove mold spores and are outstanding mold killers. Remember, however, that not all air purifiers are able to kill mold, and air purifiers should not be your only solution. Other best practices to keep in mind include always drying washed clothes right away, drying out damp dirty clothes before putting them in the hamper, treating fabric and furniture with water-repellants, and using dehumidifiers for mold in addition to air purifiers.
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