Mold spores are tiny, but they can still cause sinus congestion and other allergic symptoms. Air purifiers with HEPA filters remove them along with dust, pet dander and smoke particles.
A top-rated air purifier for mold spores should use effective and safe HEPA filtration. It should also have a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels.
Table of Contents
1. Airthereal APH260
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly air purifier that kills mold spores and more, check out the Airthereal APH260. It’s a great choice for small rooms and offers a 7-stage air filtration system, which is a nice feature to have for the price point.
The unit’s filter is easy to replace and can be easily accessed from the bottom area of the device. The unit also has a sleep mode that can help regulate the machine and save power while you’re sleeping.
The Airthereal APH260 is a new air purifier that’s revolutionizing the low-range market by bringing high-end quality into the space. It’s a great option for bedrooms and living spaces, and the UV-C light and anion technology are both useful in killing mold spores and other microbes. It’s also a lot cheaper than more expensive options and comes with a pretty impressive list of features. It doesn’t have a remote control, though, which may be a deal-breaker for some buyers.
2. Molekule Air Mini+
The Molekule Air Mini+ is a smart air purifier that works without WiFi or Bluetooth. However, it does pair with the Molekule app, which lets you remotely monitor your indoor air quality and see your filter status. You can also set up notifications for when it’s time to replace your filters, and sign up for a filter subscription. The app is Apple HomeKit-enabled, so you can control the air purifier alongside your other smart home devices using your iPhone or iPad.
The air purifier uses UV light to activate the PECO filtration system, which destroys pollutants at a molecular level. This is much more effective than traditional HEPA filters, which simply collect impurities.
The Molekule website offers some great deals, including free shipping and a 2-year warranty on all products. But its cutting-edge technology and sleek design will come at a price, with the Air Mini+ retailing for $499. Its less-smart cousin, the Air Mini, costs $399.
3. Whynter ARC-12SD
With an outstanding buyer rating and a high number of positive reviews, the Whynter ARC-12SD is a solid choice for those looking for a portable AC that can remove mold spores from the air. It features a dehumidifier mode, which can remove up to 96 pints of excess moisture from the air, as well as a fan mode for days when just air circulation is enough.
This unit also uses a patented advance auto-drain system that directs condensation from the top of the air conditioner to the bottom without requiring you to empty a tank or bucket. However, this method does require that you direct the hose out a window or out a drain somewhere.
Another great feature is that the Whynter ARC-12SD is very quiet when running at its highest setting, which is impressive for a 12,000 BTU dual-hose portable AC. It also has a three-year compressor warranty, which is about average for units in this price range.
4. Bagotte Air Purifier
Bagotte offers a lot of features that other vacuums and robots just don’t have. Specifically, it has the most extensive cleaning coverage of all the units we’ve reviewed, able to cover up to 5,000 square feet in just 60 minutes. It also comes with a docking station so it can return to its base automatically when it’s done.
Its 3 stage filtration system captures dust, lint, pet hair, smoke, sickness and odors with ease. The HEPA filter removes allergens and pollutants from the air, while activated carbon absorbs cooking odors and other bad smells.
The advanced fan allows energy efficient air purifiers to operate at a noise level of 24dB, which is nearly silent. It also only uses 6 watts of power in sleep mode so you can run it 24 hours a day without worrying about energy consumption. It also has 4 adjustable speed modes and a timer to suit your needs.
5. HEPA Air Purifier
A HEPA filter in an air purifier can help remove small particles that cause allergies, such as mold spores. This is especially important for people with asthma, as inflamed bronchial tubes make it difficult to breathe.
Air purifiers also reduce the spread of viruses, bacteria and germs. Many feature UV-C light that attacks and kills these, preventing them from reproducing in the air.
Some of these devices can even trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that produce unpleasant odors when they break down at room temperature. Breathing in VOCs can lead to nausea, headache and fatigue. VOCs can be found in a variety of things, including paint, aerosol sprays, upholstered furniture and air fresheners. They are also present in older buildings that used asbestos roofing materials or insulation pipes. This material can also lead to a lung condition called asbestosis.
6. Air-O-Matic Air Cleaner
This Air-O-Matic air cleaner is ideal for eliminating the presence of mold spores and other common allergy triggers in your home. Its filtration system eliminates airborne pollutants such as dust, pet hair and dander, mildew, lint, most tobacco smoke, cooking oil and grease and certain bacteria. It has been awarded asthma and allergy friendly(r) certification, so it’s safe to use in homes with children and adults who suffer from asthma or allergies. This unit is also easy to maintain. It comes with a filter that can be replaced easily. It has a sleek design that blends well with most interior decor.
7. Air-O-Matic Air Cleaner with Humidifier
This air purifier with humidifier is great for large rooms because it uses negative ion purifying to remove allergens and pollutants from the air. It also has a 3 liter water tank that is easy to refill and has three settings so it can be used in any room of the house.
Its Plasmacluster Ion Technology mimics how the air is cleaned in nature by releasing positive and negative ions that bind to airborne particles and neutralize them for clean and healthy air. Its filtration system includes a pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and activated carbon layer to control smoke, odors, and gasses for pure indoor air.
Its powerful filtration system works to remove mold spores, bacteria, viruses, allergens, and dust mites in medium to large spaces up to 2500 square feet. Its built-in ceramic heater adds warmth and moisture to the air in colder months. It has several digital options including a low and high speed push button, timer, and a water level indicator that alerts users when it’s time to replace the filter.
8. iQair Air Purifier
IQ Air Purifier is one of the most powerful medical-grade room air cleaners with hospital-grade HyperHEPA filtration that eliminates viruses, bacteria, allergens, and ultra-fine particulate matter. They also offer a handy particle scanner (as seen in the photo) called AirVisual Pro, a global air quality information platform. IQ Air is committed to staying 100% ozone-free and has a 50 year history of cleaning rooms in hospitals and industrial clean-rooms.
The IQAir HealthPro Plus New Edition is designed with 320-degree air delivery that provides a much more even flow of filtered air throughout the room. The system offers a lower noise level and longer filter life than other similar units. iQAir also has an excellent warranty and great customer service. The unit is easy to move from room to room on casters and comes well protected in double-boxing and layers of dense foam. The design is a bit unusual as it looks like something you might see in a doctor’s office with blue support struts running vertically along two sides of the unit.
9. iQair Air Cleaner
IQAir is a company that puts air quality at the heart of everything they do. Their products are rock-solid and durable, their control panel & remote controls are easy to use, and they do an outstanding job pumping clean, fresh, and odor-free air through your home.
Unlike other purifiers that return filtered air through a small outlet, the IQAir New Edition blows out 320-degrees of pure, clean, and odorless air. Plus, it only uses 27 watts of energy at the lowest speed and up to 215 watts at its highest. That means it only costs pennies per day to operate.
IQ Air has over 50 years of air purifying experience in hospitals and industrial clean-rooms. In contrast, many companies market consumer air purifiers without the filtration engineering depth and customer support experience that IQ Air has. They are also a trusted indoor air quality educational partner of the American Lung Association.
See also:
- Top 5 Best Air Filter For Asbestos
- Top 7 Best Air Purifier For Cat Litter Smell
- Top 12 Best Air Purifier For the Whole House
- Top 13 Best Air Purifier For a Dorm Room
- Top 13 Best Air Purifier For Elderly Homeowners
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FAQs
Is there an air purifier that removes mold spores? ›
"Only an air purifier with a HEPA filter will remove more than 99.97 percent of mold spores in the air." Mold spores are larger than the particles that HEPA filters are designed to capture, however, an air purifier alone is not enough to prevent mold growth.
Do HEPA filters remove mycotoxins? ›HEPA air filters can capture much smaller airborne particles, like mycotoxins. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air filter. The HEPA filter is often used in medical facilities throughout the country. This is due to its ability to remove many harmful airborne contaminants.
Is an air purifier better than a humidifier for mold? ›But while dehumidifiers may be slightly better for dealing with mould by getting rid of the humidity it needs to grow, air purifiers are also useful for preventing allergic reactions to mould spores. Overall, if you have a mould problem at home, both of these two machines in tandem will make the most difference.
Does Dyson air purifier remove mold spores? ›The Dyson Pure Cool HEPA Air Purifier and Fan features a HEPA filter to remove super tiny pollutants—as small as up to 0.3 microns—including bacteria, dust, pollen, mould spores and other allergens, as well as an activated carbon filter to trap gases, chemicals and odours.
What is the best cleaner for mold spores? ›Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.
How do you get rid of mold spores at home? ›Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface, wait two to three hours, then rinse. Never mix ammonia with bleach or other all purpose cleaners; this will create toxic and dangerous fumes.
What kills mycotoxins in the air? ›Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans. Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.
What kind of filter do you need for mold? ›If someone in your household has mold allergies, you can use a HEPA filter air purifier whenever they are present, especially in the room they sleep in, to keep mold spore concentrations at a minimum.
What filter for black mold? ›Activated Carbon Filtration
Carbon filters are adept at trapping odors and gasses and can work well at various temperatures and humidity levels. They are the best way to reduce VOCs, including mVOCs produced by black mold.
The best place to put an air purifier is somewhere in your breathing zone. The closer the unit is to your head, the shorter distance clean air has to travel before it reaches you. In the bedroom, this usually translates to putting the air purifier on a nightstand or small table close to the bed.
Do I need an air purifier or dehumidifier for mold? ›
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies. HEPA filters are one of the most important tools for removing mold.
How many air purifiers do you need in a house? ›If you reside alone or with just one other person in a large home, only one air purifier might work for you. If your kitchen is separate, you'll need a second one. On the other hand, if your home is full of people, purchase an air purifier for each room.
How long does it take for an air purifier to remove mold? ›To use air purifiers to get rid of mold spores:
It can take around 30 minutes to several hours to clean the air in the room, depending on the air changes per hour (ACH) and clean air delivery rate (CADR) of the air purifier.
Using a HEPA Vacuum to Remove Mold and Other Contaminants
A HEPA vacuum uses a disposable filter that has high efficiency for particle removal, capturing 99.97% of mold spores, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens from homes.
HEPA filters eliminate mold spores by filtering the spores from the air and trapping them within the HEPA filter. To effectively filter mold spores, place an air purifier in areas where mold is frequently found: basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with upholstered furniture.
What laundry detergent kills mold spores? ›There are washing detergents specially made not only to wash and clean your clothes but to also remove mold on your clothes in the wash. Two mold killing detergents are Oxiclean and Clorox.
Is vinegar better than bleach for mold spores? ›Is Vinegar More Effective Than Bleach? Vinegar truly is better than cleaning with bleach when it comes to killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach.
What do mold spores need to survive? ›Mold requires water, food, and oxygen to grow. It also requires an environment with a temperature it can survive. While mold cannot spread without these conditions, its spores may survive in a dormant state until conditions are suitable. Temperature: Most molds cannot grow below 40° F.
Does opening windows help with mold? ›It is also very important that there is adequate ventilation in the room. Open a window or door so the mold spores can escape, instead of staying locked in your home.
How do you get rid of mold toxicity in your body? ›- Eliminate exposure. Eliminate the sources of the mold from the environment but also eliminate common dietary sources of mold, including grains, coffee, and peanut butter. ...
- Address sinus health. ...
- Start a neural retraining program. ...
- Lower inflammation. ...
- Optimize detoxification.
How long do mold spores stay in your body? ›
Those who process toxins well can see their symptoms disappear as quickly as a few days. Others who eliminate toxins slowly can experience symptoms for much longer. They could be ill for months or even years after the source of mold is eliminated.
What size air filter for mold spores? ›Mold spores come in many sizes but are generally greater than 1 micron in diameter. Air filters rated Merv 13/13A using ASHRAE's standard 52.2 with Appendix J are constructed to capture 90% of particles 1 micron and larger. Even air filters with ratings of Merv 9/9A will offer some level of protection.
Do dehumidifiers remove mold? ›Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.
Does MERV 13 filter out mold spores? ›The Capabilities of MERV 13 Filters
Filters with a rating of 13 can efficiently capture bacteria, mold spores, pet dander, smoke, vehicle fumes, viruses, and other micro allergens that are 1 millimeter or larger. This level of filtration can help in the prevention of harmful illnesses and allergic reactions.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Is it better to have an air purifier on the floor or on a table? ›Specialists recommend placing the device on the floor, because it is near the ground that there is a higher concentration of pollutants. Setting it on a shelf can significantly reduce the filtration efficiency. An important issue is also where not to place the air purifier.
Is it best to leave air purifier on all the time? ›Since air pollution is a pervasive and continuous problem, it's best to leave your air purifier on all day. There are no perceived drawbacks to keeping your unit running all the time, and if the filters are changed on time it can help to reduce pollutants in the home.
Should air purifier be on the floor or elevated? ›Keep me off the Ground
Elevating the air purifier off the ground not only prevents a tripping hazard, but increases the floor-to-ceiling cleaning efficiency by trapping airborne particles near the ceiling faster.
To kill mold, you need to get the humidity below 50%, and around 35% is optimal. If it's a mold problem in your basement, having a contractor install vapor barriers around the outside of the foundation of the house is probably the best long-term option.
Will a dehumidifier slow mold growth? ›If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity. If you have a mold problem in your home, don't wait. Mold spreads as long as it has a water source.
How do you prevent mold without a dehumidifier? ›
- Improve the ventilation of your home.
- Turn on the air conditioner.
- Dry your clothes with a dryer or outdoors.
- Keep surfaces dry.
- Use desiccants.
Top rated units fall in the $120 to $200 range. We generally do not recommend units that cost less than $100 (If you find this price range unaffordable we recommend that you hold off on your purchase - it's that important). More expensive units are also not recommended.
Where is the best place to put an air purifier in the living room? ›Keep your device away from heat sources. Keep your device away from moisture or areas with high humidity. Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution.
How many hours a day should you leave air purifier? ›Yes, you should run your air purifier 24/7 and you shouldn't turn it off anytime. In fact it's recommended to not switch off your air purifier at any time of the day or night, even when you're sleeping or not at home.
How do you know if mold spores are in the air? ›- Strong musty odors.
- Black spots around vents, ducts, or drip pans.
- Allergy symptoms.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Persistent headaches.
- Nausea or dizziness.
- Fatigue.
Mold does not dry out and die but remains inactive for a while if moisture is not available. This means that it can still grow back and multiply when it is exposed to any sources of moisture. Professional mold remediation and moisture control help to keep mold at bay.
What kills mold on walls? ›Use 1 part bleach to 3 parts water, according to Sherwin-Williams. If you don't want to use bleach but do want something other than water, try vinegar, borax or branded products that you can find at a hardware store or home center, which also kill mold.
Does vacuuming spread mold spores? ›Vacuuming with a non-HEPA vacuum is dangerous given that it can send out even more mold and mildew spores right into the air of the home as well as you risk of them finding a food resource when they land. This is why you should never vacuum over a patch of mold growth utilizing a non-HEPA vacuum.
Can I vacuum dead mold? ›Dead mold and spore bodies can still be highly allergenic to susceptible individuals, so thorough HEPA-vacuuming is necessary to remove all mold fragments. Place HEPA-vacuum bag into a garbage bag (follow manufacturer's guidelines for using a HEPA-Vacuum).
Can mold grow on HEPA filters? ›Mold may be able to grow inside other air purifiers with standard HEPA filters, but our advanced and specialized technology prevents this from happening.
Are air purifiers good at removing mold spores? ›
Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
Will an air purifier help with mold smell? ›Air purifiers with HEPA filters and ultraviolet-c light are even more effective at killing germs and mold, and therefore do a better job at reducing musty smells in the air.
What does mold smell like? ›Mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.
What is the best way to purify air from mold? ›An air purifier with a HEPA filter is the traditional option for filtering particles from the air and can remove some mold spores. The HEPA standard is based on the ability to remove 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or greater.
Does humidifier help with mold spores? ›Unfortunately, humidifiers will not get rid of mold. Instead, they may add to a current mold problem or can even cause one. Also, since mold needs moisture to grow, you can even find mold growing inside humidifier units.
What kills black mold spores? ›Getting rid of black mold with white vinegar
'Bleach will kill mold spores growing across a hard surface, but if the mold has extended below the surface, then white vinegar is the best choice,' she says. 'The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mold and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.
Sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth. Indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent -- ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible. Low humidity may also discourage pests (such as cockroaches) and dust mites.
What type of vacuum is required during a mold remediation? ›Use an industrial vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA has the ability to return clean air so that you won't be breathing in harmful dusts or particles that the vacuum is collecting during operation.
Can you put vinegar in a humidifier to prevent mold? ›Add one cup of white vinegar to the water in your humidifier to prevent mold growth. It's a naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial substance that is safe for the air and for your humidifier.
Will a fan help prevent mold? ›"If there's some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window after every shower) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum," according to the EPA website.
What is difference between mold and mildew? ›
Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.