13 Best Air Purifiers for Mold, Germs, and Other Nasty Stuff
Breathe in these Memorial Day sales on Air Purifiers!
Up to 50 percent of American households have mold, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be one of them. We’ve rounded up the best air purifiers for mold that not only remove allergens, but stinky smells, viruses, and more. You’ll breath easier — literally! — once you have one.
Mold is one of those unfortunate parts of life. Mildew, aspergillus, and Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) love moisture, and that’s a problem since half of all homes have damp environments, according to WHO (the World Health Organization). Besides being unsightly, mold can trigger allergies and worsen lung problems. And just clearing the bits you’re able to see isn’t enough to get rid of mold. The real issue lies mold spores, which cause mold to grow and are harder to do away with for good. You can find them everywhere — even indoors.
The easiest way to eradicate them is with an air purifier. What makes these devices so handy is they not only remove mold spores, but they get rid of other things like airborne viruses and toxic fumes.
Best Deals on Air Purifiers For Mold For Amazon Prime Day:
- 30% off Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier at Amazon>
- 23% off Germ Guardian True HEPA Air Purifier at Amazon>
- Save $22 on Blueair Blue 211 Plus Air Purifier at Amazon>
- 36% off AROEVE Air Purifier at Amazon>
- 30% off Honeywell Air Purifier at Amazon>
- 46% off Medify MA-45 Air Purifier at Amazon>
- Best overall air purifier for mold : Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02
- Best air purifier for viruses : Molekule Air Mini
- Best air purifier for mold and dust mites : LG PuriCare 360 Air Purifier
- Best odor absorbing air purifier FOR MOLD : RabbitAir MinusA2
- Best air purifier for mold : Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09
- Best air purifier for mold and fungus : Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier
- Best HEPA air purifier for mold : Dyson Purifier Humidify Cool Formaldehyde
- Best quietest air purifier FOR MOLD : Blueair Blue Pure 211 Air Purifier
- Best Air Oasis iadaptair air purifier FOR MOLD : Air Oasis iAdaptAir-M
- Best air purifier for mold with UV-C light : Germ Guardian 4 in 1 High Air Purifier
What type of air purifier is best for mold and mildew?
When looking for the best air purifier for mold and mildew, you want to focus on the filter being used. Mold spores are small. Like, so small our naked eye can’t detect them. HEPA filters do an excellent job at catching these things, and most quality purifiers will have one.
HEPA is an acronym meaning “high efficiency particulate air.” These filters are made from a combo of fiber glass and an activated carbon-based material. Some air purifiers, like the Dyson Purifying Cool Formaldehyde, use a HEPA filter, as well as other mechanisms, to clean the air.
To understand the magic that is a HEPA filter, you have to appreciate how tiny mold spores are. They’re between three to 40 microns, thirty microns smaller than a human hair. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters can grab particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
Will air purifiers help with mold?
One mechanism that gets rid of mold is UV-C light. It’s great at destroying mildew, other fungi, and germs. Air purifiers, like the Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier, use this technology to attack spores and viruses at a DNA level, frying them to oblivion. I know — gruesome.
Another way that air purifiers remove mold is through PECO technology. It can destroy organic matter as small as .1 nanometre. Unlike filters, which have to be replaced to remain effective, PECO tech uses active atoms to breakdown pollutants. Molekule’s Air Mini features this purification system. It’s sleek, portable, and can even kill Covid-19.
Can air purifiers help with Covid?
Most of the best air purifiers for mold also trap airborne viruses, like Covid. For example, the UV-C light of the Germ Guardian Air Purifier kills staph, rhinovirus, and influenza. It also has an activated charcoal filter that nixes smells of smoke, pets, and other stinky stuff.
Although air purifiers can’t fully protect you from viruses like Covid, using them, along with getting vaccinated, and wearing the right masks may reduce your risk of getting sick.
What happens if you breathe in mold spores?
Mold is considered an allergen, which can be harmful to breathe in. According the Mayo Clinic, if you’re sensitive, you could experience sneezing, watering eyes, and an itchy throat. Similarly, if you have a pre-existing condition, like asthma, breathing may become more difficult.
Even if you’re not asthmatic or allergic to mold, you should still cut your risk of exposure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s a connection between exposure to mold and upper respiratory tract symptoms in people who are otherwise healthy. Like many things, it boils down to how much you’re subjected to contaminants, and air purifiers can cut exposure down significantly. The best air purifiers for mold will also absorb dust, pollen, and germs.
How do you get rid of mold spores in the air?
With an air purifier, of course! Unfortunately, it’s the only way — which is why we want to help. Opening your window, while a great way to get fresh air, won’t resolve your mold problem. It can help remove moisture if the air outside is dry, but it can also allow pollutants in.
If you’re concerned that an air purifier will be a clunky eye sore, don’t worry. There are dozens on the market ranging from slim to futuristic looking, and they’re completely non-intrusive. For example, the RabbitAir MinusA2, can be hung on the wall. It has multiple filters, can eradicate smells, and cleans a room as big as 815 square feet. It can also absorb particles as small as .1 micron. Trust me, mold spores will see it and fly out the door.
Does Dyson purifier remove mold?
Dyson is one of the leaders in household technology — they even won an award for it in 2019. So, it’s no surprise that they make one of the best air purifiers for mold! In fact, they make several.
I won’t share all of my picks here. However, I will say the Dyson Purifying Cool Formaldehyde is notable. It’s frequently mentioned as a favorite by consumers since it automatically reads the surrounding air and filters accordingly. It also can remove gases, including formaldehyde.
Looking for even more options? Check out our other recommendations:
See more of our best product recommendations.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
Best Air Purifiers for Mold
Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02
Best overall air purifier for mold
Buy from Amazon, $484.98 (was $499.99)
Why we like it:
- Removes 99.7 percent of pollutants and allergens
- Absorbs paint fumes, mold, and is certified asthma friendly
- No spinning blades
Whether you’re fighting mold, pollen, or want to remove evidence of your family’s last fish fry, this purifier gets the job done. Its HEPA filter catches everything from super small bacteria to dust particles. A second filter removes volatile organic compounds, like fumes and smoke, keeping air fresh. The purifier is also bladeless, so it’s safe for the kid’s room or near Fido.
Promising review: “I love the simple design, and that it’s jam-packed with all kind of sensors. You can check for air quality, temperature, and even humidity. The bladeless fan is icing on top. This purifier does a fantastic job at eliminating allergens. We have two dogs, as well as two kids. Anyone with kids will understand how much pollution they manage to bring into your home. I am constantly finding dirt, plants, rocks, and all kind of debris in their pockets. With this purifier, the family can breathe a lot easier. It makes the air feel cleaner and less musty.”
Molekule Air Mini
Best air purifier for viruses
Buy from Molekule, $309.09 (was the $359.99)
Why we like it:
- Uses PECO technology to reduce Covid and airborne viruses
- Air sensors that read air quality
- Energy efficient
Good things come in small packages, especially when packed with PECO technology. A study with the Molekule Air Mini showed it’s a powerful tool in fighting against germs, including Covid. It pulls in air from all directions, taking out what’s nasty and only leaving the good. It’s compact, quiet, and easy to transport from room to room. Ideal for smaller areas.
Promising review: “I live next to smokers, and it comes through my walls. The Air Mini [removed] the smell! I have a 100-year-old row home, and the basement smells moldy, despite being redone. This air purifier fixed it! I LOVE this product and need one for every room.”
LG PuriCare 360 Air Purifier
Best air purifier for mold and dust mites
Why we like it:
- Cleans low air
- Changes colors to alert you of air quality
- Filters particles under one micron
The LG PuriCare 360 knows how to read the room! Sure, it won’t give you sassy one-liners like your favorite reality star. It will, however, put foreign agents in their place. Its intelligent LED system flashes different colors to show air quality, and it can even clean air low to the ground. Say goodbye to mold spores, dander, and other bits you don’t want in your lungs. The device uses a HEPA filter, as well as an activated carbon deodorization filter to remove gases.
Promising review: “I live in a split level house, and had [multiple pets] who’ve used the bathroom in the house. We tried using chemicals and multiple carpet shampooing, but the stench lingered. I set up the purifier, and what a difference! I love the smart function, and how it automatically boosts the fan when we are cooking and frying.”
RabbitAir MinusA2
Best odor absorbing air purifier FOR MOLD
Why we like it:
- Can be mounted on wall
- Customized filters
- Uses a BioGS HEPA filter
Save space by mounting this thin air purifier on your wall. The RabbitAir MinusA2 is as large as a laptop and can be programmed to display the works of Van Gogh or Monet. Most importantly, it cleans your air of toxins and pollutants. It comes with four different filter types, including a BioGS HEPA. Use the screen to select the type of cleaning you need for that day. The pet allergy filter grabs dander, the germ defense snatches viruses, the toxin absorber removes VOCs, and the odor remover sucks up smoke. Whatever you choose, you’ll know why this is one of the best purifiers for mold and everything else.
Promising review: “We bought this filter to improve the air quality in our house during the terrible wild fires of 2018. This filter not only instantly fixed the smoke problem, but has taken care of cooking smells, odors and irritants from our three cats. We move it from kitchen to bedroom each day, and the quality of our sleep has really improved. No more stuffy noses during the night, which means less snoring, better rest, and happier spouses.”
Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09
Best air purifier for mold
Why we like it:
- Built-in formaldehyde detector
- Entire machine meets HEPA HP13 standards
- Air Multiplier technology pulls pollutants into filter from a distance
Did you know gas stoves and other fuel-burning appliances can create formaldehyde fumes? It’s true, according to the EPA. The Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 has a catalytic filter that destroys every trace of the gas, plus a HEPA filter to remove mold spores, bacteria, and dust. The device’s air multiplier technology can pull in toxins from a distance, making air in the furthest corner crisp and clean. Designed with sensors that read the air, you’ll be continually updated when changes occur. If you love things on the techy side, it’s compatible with Apple Siri, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
Promising review: “I would recommend this device to anyone wanting to purifier the air within their home for safety, health, allergies, and more…This device has been nothing short of outstanding and I love all of the features. First the device is able to tell you the air quality [of the room your in]. It can tell you if specific particles are high, and you can use an auto mode, which will have the fan automatically adjust. It helps me to prevent allergies, reduce dust, get rid of possible harmful pollutants in my home, and even cool off.”
Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier
Best air purifier for mold and fungus
Buy from Amazon, $188.95 (was $269.99)
Why we like it:
- Cleans air at four different levels
- More than 20,000 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Cleans room four times in one hour
Allergies be gone! The Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier is a winner at removing mold and other allergens. Make it part of your household and send your sneezing and watery eyes packing. The device turbo cleans, hitting air from four different levels, and purifies a space multiple times in a single hour. More than 20,000 folks on Amazon agree that it’s sinus changing. It’s only 17 pounds, so you can easily move it from room to room.
Promising review: “I am allergic to grass, most trees, dust, and a certain strain of common mold. I have tried a number of air purifiers over the years to battle this. The Honeywell HPA series is the best of these by far. I have three [for each bedroom] and one for the living room and kitchen. They all run twenty-four-seven, keeping me alive and well. Seriously, these are the best.”
Dyson Purifier Humidify Cool Formaldehyde
Best HEPA air purifier for mold
Why we like it:
- Dyson’s most advanced filtration system
- HEPA filter to catch 99.9 percent of particles
- Includes a humidifier
Air purifiers are wonderful for lung health, but they can be drying. The Dyson Purifier Humidify Cool Formaldehyde absorbs toxins and pollutants, and gives the option of cool moist air. Can dampness cause mold? Yes, but with this baby working to destroy harmful particles, while circulating clean air through the space, you’ll have the best of both worlds in a single machine. Your air quality can be monitored from the LED screen, and if you connect the device to your phone through their app, you can keep tabs when you’re away.
Promising review: “We have two automatic cat litter boxes, and no matter how clean they were or how many air fresheners we used the house still smelled. After setting up the Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool near the boxes, it didn’t take long for us to notice that [odor] was gone. The entire house has a clean air fresh smell now.”
Blueair Blue Pure 211 Air Purifier
Best quietest air purifier FOR MOLD
Buy from Amazon, $298 (was 319.99)
Why we like it:
- Lightweight
- 31 decimals on the lowest setting
- Catches 99 percent of airborne pollutants, as well as reduces gases
At 13 pounds, this device doesn’t look like much, but don’t let its size fool you. The Blueair Blue Pure 211 is one of the best air purifiers for mold on the market. It’s quiet, grabs gases, and removes 99 percent of particles. This includes mold spores, dust, and other gross things you don’t want in your home. It only uses 30 to 61 watts of power, so it’s easy on your energy bill. It can also clean a room of 540 square feet, five times in an hour.
Promising review: “I love this air purifier. I was having great difficulty breathing after an unknown mold exposure. Between the time the mold was discovered and the time it took to get a contractor out to take care of it, I could not breathe indoors. I tried everything, even opening the windows despite it being winter. Nighttime sleeping was particularly difficult. This purifier allowed me to breath almost immediately…Given the opportunity to do it over, I would definitely buy this again. My only remorse is that I didn’t buy one sooner.”
Air Oasis iAdaptAir-M
Best Air Oasis iadaptair air purifier FOR MOLD
Why we like it:
- Clear smokes
- Captures mold, and reduces allergens
- Removes VOCs
Is there such thing as too clean? We don’t think so, especially if it’s the Air Oasis iAdaptAir-M doing the job. This heavy duty air purifier is the champ of removing smoke, dust, mold, and more. Whether you’re constantly revamping your home HGTV style or have killer allergies, this device will make sure there’s no trace of air pollutants. Along with cleaning air, the device removes particles on surfaces. That means mildew won’t have a chance to sprout, and your home will be free of contaminants.
Promising Review: “Recently purchased the iAdaptAir Purifier for my daughter who has been diagnosed with mold toxins. Her apartment has been tested for mold and unfortunately, it is present in her environment. Since the purifier, the air is much cleaner, and you can feel it compared to other rooms. Great health solution for moldy environments.”
Germ Guardian 4 in 1 High Air Purifier
Best air purifier for mold with UV-C light
Buy from Amazon, $229.99 (was $299.99)
Why we like it:
- Uses UV-C light to kill viruses
- Sleek design
- Has a pre-filter
The Germ Guardian 4 in 1 High Air Purifier is a Goliath against allergens. Its UV-C light kills airborne viruses, while the HEPA filter and charcoal filter work to eradicate smells and dust. Like a vacuum for the room’s atmosphere, the air purifier cleanses from top to bottom. What’s really top notch is you only have to replace the filter every six months. Not bad for a device that’s only 13 pounds. I guess that makes it a David against allergens? Either way, you’re winning with it on your side.
Promising review: “We’ve been fighting with out insurance company about a mold issue for a while now, which is causing delays in the removal process. It’s been terrible for my kid’s allergies, and I could always smell mold when I walked into the house…This absolutely works like a charm. It was worth the price, and I’m very happy with the purchase.”
Coway Airmega 400
Best large room air purifier for mold
Buy from Amazon, $507.24 (was $749)
Why we like it:
- Can clean rooms as large as 1,560 square feet
- Has HEPA filter and UV-C light
- Multiple noise level options
This is an Amazon choice product, and for good reason. More than 1,600 customers love it for its mold fighting abilities. The Conway Airmega 400 can clean spaces of 1,560 square feet, and its True HEPA filter catches particles as small as .1 microns. Those mold spores won’t stand a chance when it’s near! Pollution sensors alert you of contaminants, changing colors as the air becomes cleaner. There are five different fan modes, and is quietest at the lowest setting. It also runs for up to eight hours a day. Another perk? Filters can be tossed in the wash.
Promising review: “This air purifier is living up to its billing. We have black mold in the attic and are using this as a deterrent until all work is done by the contractor. I plan to keep using even after he’s done! It removes all smells in the home, even from the kitchen.”
TruSens Air Purifier
Best air purifier for mold under $100
Why we like it:
- Dual airstreams
- UV-C light to kill airborne bacteria
- Simple touchscreen
Ready to dip your toe into the pool of purifiers? The TruSens Air Purifier is a great place to start. It’s affordable, includes a UV-C light to stop viruses before they stop you, and is perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or the office. The device features a special mechanism that pulls in dirty air and sends it out clean in two directions. That means fresher, purer air gets to you more efficiently. The touchscreen is easy to use, and as far as purifiers go, it’s easy on the eyes.
Promising review: “I’ve had severe asthma since I was born sixty-three years ago. I never realized how bad the air was in my home. The pulmonary specialist diagnosed triggers such as dust mites, mold, pollen and animal dander – just to name a few. Needless to say, almost every trigger mentioned was present in my home. After breathing purified air for one month, even my doctors can see the difference in my health. When I ordered the TruSens, I also ordered replacement UV lights and the various filters needed to perform the changes as recommended by the manufacturer. I got spoiled breathing purified air, and I wouldn’t want to wait for any backordered replacement part.”
Medify MA-25 Air Purifier
Best air purifier for mold that quickly cleans
Why we like it:
- Cleans room of 500 square feet in 30 minutes
- HEPA H13 filter
- Energy efficient
This unassuming air purifier from Medify may look like it can’t do much, but it has the power to clear the air of a 1,000 square foot space in an hour. The HEPA H13 filter can grab the tiniest dust mites, mold spores, and smoke. Its touchscreen shows when the filter has to be replaced, and allows you to set the time and fan speed. Whether you want to ease allergy suffering or remove the stench of your kitty’s liter box, expect this purifier to deliver.
Promising review: “This thing is awesome. It removed 100 percent of kitchen, cat, mold and every other smells from my home. It’s quiet and has a timer, which is great. It’s fantastic!”
