Are you looking for the best air purifier to remove mold spores from your home?
You have come to the right place.
This in-depth buying guide reviews the best mold-remiving and mold-preventing air purifiers sold today.
Mold spores are how mold reproduces. These tiny structures float in the air and will activate and grow on any moist surface that they touch.
Healthwise, mold spores can cause allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms.
Mold spores can also trigger asthma attacks.
Our Top 3 Picks
- The mesh pre-filter captures pet hair.
- A negative ion generator lowers particulates and neutralizes microbes in the air.
- UV light disinfectants target mold, bacteria, and germs in the atmosphere.
- Affordable
- HEPA filter eliminates mold spores, allergens, and indoor air.
- The integrated charcoal filter eliminates bad odors
- Carbon filter reduces household smells
- Reminder for filter and timer replacement
- Even when eco mode is enabled, it works silently
What’s in This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
In this buying guide, we recommend and review the top HEPA air purifiers for eliminating mold spores in your home. We’ve selected 8 units for several common situations and needs most people have.
Are you looking for an air purifier to remove mold plus a wider variety of pollutants and allergens? Then check out our HEPA air purifier buying guide for some recommendations.
Top 8 Air Purifiers for Mold
All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1. Best All-Around Air Purifier for Mold: SilverOnyx Air Purifier with True HEPA Carbon Filter, UV Light, Ionizer
- 2. Best for Small Rooms: GermGuardian AC5000E 28” 3-in-1 Air Purifier
- 3. Best for Medium Size Rooms: Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier with True HEPA and Eco Mode
- 4. Best Large Room Air Purifier for Mold: Alen BreatheSmart Customizable Air Purifier
- 5. Best Value for Money: Honeywell HPA300
- 6. The Longest Filter Life: Oransi Finn UV Air Purifier
- 7. Best For Allergy Sufferers: AeraMax 300
- 8. Best for VOCs: EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus
SilverOnyx
Best all-around air purifier for mold
Coverage:
500 sq. ft.
GermGuardian
Best for Small Rooms
Coverage:
189 sq. ft.
Coway
Best for medium size rooms
Coverage:
361 sq. ft.
Alen Breathe Smart
Best large room air purifier for mold
Coverage:
1,100 sq. ft.
Honeywell
Best value for money
Coverage:
465 sq. ft.
Oransi Finn UV Air Purifier
The Longest Filter Life
Coverage:
400 sq. ft.
AeraMax
Best for allergy sufferers
Coverage:
600 sq. ft.
EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus
Best air purifier for VOCs
Coverage:
1000 sq. ft.
The SilverOnyx Air Purifier has five levels of filtering, so mold spores don’t stand a chance.
In addition to mold spores, the SilverOnyx Air Purifier eliminates smoke, pet hair, allergens, or odors.
The SilverOnyx uses a system of three filters – a mesh pre-filter, true HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter – plus a negative ion generator and a UV sanitizer to ensure your indoor air is free from harmful microbes and allergens.
This is a great option if you regularly suffer from mold, pet hair, or dust problems in your home.
The purifier is capable of covering large and medium rooms up to 500 square feet.
PROS
- Small and compact but powerful
- True HEPA filters effectively remove the smallest mold spores from the air.
- Activated carbon filters remove unpleasant household odors
- Simple filter replacement - even a reminder
- Included are a timer, fan speed settings, as well as sleep mode.
CONS
- Not ideal for large rooms
Best Features
1. Five levels of purification:
- The mesh pre-filter captures pet hair and large particles, which prevents other filters from clogging too quickly.
- True HEPA filters can filter 99.97% of all airborne particles, including mold spores.
- A carbon-activated filter removes odors from pets, cooking, and smoke. It can also eliminate the musty odors caused by mold.
- A negative ion generator lowers particulates and neutralizes microbes in the air.
- UV light disinfectants target mold, bacteria, and germs in the atmosphere.
Optional functions include the UV sanitizer and ion generator. They can be turned on or off.
2. Perfect for small to medium-sized rooms
The air purifier covers rooms of up to 500 square feet in size.
3. Reminder for filter change
Your purifier will show you how long your filters have been in service. You’ll receive a reminder when it is time to replace your filters.
4. Auto mode
An integrated sensor measures particulate matter (essentially, it tracks indoor air quality) and adjusts the airflow to increase/ decrease the rate.
For instance, when you begin cooking, the airflow will increase to remove odors and smoke faster.
The display shows the current fan speed and the PM (particulate material) reading.
5. Five fan speed settings
You can manually choose from any of the five airflow speeds if you do not want your purifier to adjust the airflow automatically.
If you have to quickly get rid of something in your air, the higher levels (4 and 5) are best. For everyday purification, the mid-level (3) is best. If you need to lower the noise level at night, the fan speeds (1 and 2) are best.
6. Sleep mode
To help you sleep better, press sleep mode. The purifier will automatically turn off fan noise and switch off lights.
Limitations & Issues
1. Not the best choice for large rooms
The SilverOnyx purifier is a great all-around purifier, with its only limitation being that you cannot use it in a very large room.
If you are looking for a purifier to use in a large open-style living area or which can remove allergens in multiple rooms, we recommend the Alen BreatheSmart we’ve reviewed below.
Alternatively, buy a couple of these purifiers to provide complete coverage.
Bottom Line
This HEPA air purifier is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable HEPA purifier that removes mold spores from small to medium-sized rooms.
This 28-inch tower purifier by GermGuardian is an excellent option for smaller rooms.
It offers three levels of purification: true HEPA filter, combined pre-filter/charcoal filter, and UV-C light to kill germs.
This purifier is suitable for small rooms up to 189 square feet. You can also buy a 2-pack if you need to use the purifier in a larger room.
PROS
- Affordable
- HEPA filter eliminates mold spores, allergens, and indoor air.
- The integrated charcoal filter eliminates bad odors
- To improve the air quality, add a bonus UV-C light function
- Portable and compact
CONS
- There is no time limit
- Ideal for small rooms
Best Features
1. 3 in 1 Air Purifier
- True HEPA filters remove tiny mold spores and ultra-fine dust particles from the air.
- A combined pre-filter and charcoal filter removes the musty odor caused by mold. It reduces the smells from pets, cooking, and other household cooking. It traps larger particles such as pet hair and pollen, which prolongs the filter’s life.
- The UV-C lightbulb neutralizes viruses, bacteria, and airborne mold. This feature is optional, and you can turn it on or off. Photocatalytic oxidation is a process that uses titanium dioxide to neutralize harmful organic volatile substances in the air.
2. Three Fan Speeds
To adjust the airflow of your purifier, you can choose from three fan speeds. If you need to purify your air quickly, a higher airflow setting is the best. To make the fan quieter, reduce the airflow at night.
This GermGuardian AC5000E does not have an automatic mode that automatically changes the airflow. So, it will operate at the fan speed that you have selected.
It does not have a sleep mode which automatically lowers fan speed at night. Instead, you will need to manually select a lower speed.
3. Simple filter replacement
The HEPA filter is combined with a charcoal filter to create one filter. When it is time to replace them, the manufacturer recommends replacing them after 6-8 months. You only need to change a single filter.
Limitations & Issues
1. Only good for small rooms
Coverage is the biggest limitation. It is suitable for rooms up to 180 square feet. It is not recommended for open-concept spaces.
2. No Timer
The air purifier doesn’t come with a timer. This is a standard feature on most air purifiers. However, you can’t set it to automatically turn off after a certain time.
Auto mode and sleep mode are two other features that are missing.
3. Longevity Issues
Customers have also complained about the purifier’s durability. Customers complain that the purifier stopped working after a few months or began malfunctioning.
The manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty. If your unit has any issues, they will repair or replace it.
Bottom Line
The Coway Mighty Air Purifier Mighty purifier is more expensive than many of the other air purifiers that we have reviewed.
It purifies the air better (delivers clean air at a higher rate), has more features, and looks much sleeker than other models.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (or CADR) measures an air purifier’s ability to remove different types and sizes of particles from the atmosphere.
This air purifier is suitable for spaces up to 360 square feet. Therefore, this air purifier is ideal for bedrooms, apartments, and other areas of average size.
It uses a 4-stage purification system to ensure indoor air quality.
As is the indicator for filter replacement, the air quality indicator is a nice touch.
PROS
- High-performance, 4-stage filtration to remove mold spores and other allergens indoors.
- Carbon filter reduces household smells
- Reminder for filter and timer replacement
- Even when eco mode is enabled, it works silently
CONS
- Large rooms larger than 360 sq. ft are not recommended.
- It is a bit more expensive than other room purifiers.
Best Features
1. 4-stage filtration:
- The mesh prefilter traps large particles such as dust, hair, and pollen, which helps improve air purification and prevents particles from clogging other filters.
- Activated Carbon reduces unpleasant household odors from pets, cooking, and mold.
- True HEPA filters trap 99.97% allergens down to 0.3 microns, including pet dander and mold spores.
- A negative ion generator purifies the air further by reducing particulate matter and neutralizing germs and bacteria.
2. Three fan speed levels + eco and auto modes
Depending on the amount of airflow you desire, you can choose from one of three fan speeds. Higher airflow means more air purification, while lower fan speeds mean less noise.
You can also set the purifier on auto mode. It uses a sensor built into the purifier to determine how polluted indoor air is. This allows it to adjust fan speed and measure particulates.
The eco mode is activated when the sensor detects no allergens after 30 minutes. To save energy, the fan is completely turned off.
3. Timer
After a set time, the timer will automatically turn off the air purifier. There are four timer options: 1, 4, 8, and 12 hours.
4. Reminder for filter change
You don’t have to worry about adding a reminder to your calendar. You will be notified by the air purifier when it is time to change the filter.
Limitations & Issues
1. Loud Fan
Customers complained that the fan was quite loud at high speeds. It can be heard from another room.
This is normal. Air purifiers are loud when the fan speed is high.
You don’t often need to choose the fastest speed. You can get by with the first and second speeds, which are quieter, most of all.
Bottom Line
This is the best air purifier to use for: Anyone looking for an air purifier that removes mold, smoke, dust, and other allergens.
The Alen BreatheSmart purifier has a 1,100 square foot coverage.
Although it is larger than an average air purifier, they have at least made it look pretty. The modern, boxy design is complemented by a customizable front panel.
You have the option to go all-white, or you can choose from one of the warmer finishes, such as brushed bronze or rosewood.
You can also choose the filter type you prefer. Filters are available for pets & allergies, dust, mold & bacteria, smoke & chemicals, and pet dander & smells.
PROS
- Coverage over large areas
- Customizable filters.
- Beautiful design with customizable options
- Quiet operation.
- Indicator of air quality
- Ozone-free ionizer
CONS
- Expensive.
- It takes up more space than other air purifiers.
Best Features
1. Powerful large room coverage
Alen BreatheSmart has been rated as one of our top portable air purifiers.
It can cover rooms up to 1100 square feet, making it ideal for large indoor spaces, such as open-concept living spaces, basements with open design, and large bedrooms.
It filters air with a HEPA filter, along with 2 or 3 additional filters depending on the type of package you choose.
It eliminates allergens such as smoke, dust, and pollen.
2. Customizable Filters
You can customize your purifier to focus on specific impurities.
If you are allergic to dust or allergens, there is an optimized filter that can help.
There is a filter that can remove pet dander and odors from your home.
There are four options for filtering:
- HEPA Pure For allergens such as pollen, dust, and dander.
- HEPA Silver: For mold, bacteria, and light odors. The best way to remove mold spores.
- HEPA Fresh plus: For smoke and chemicals
- HEPA Odorcell: For strong odors.
3. Four Fan Speeds plus Auto Mode
Four fan speed settings vary how much air the unit sucks in. Higher speeds are louder, but they clean up the room quicker. The purifier will clean the room faster, but it is louder. If you need to reduce the noise that your purifier makes, lower speeds are ideal.
However, you will find the auto mode more convenient.
This mode uses an infrared sensor that monitors indoor air quality. The fan speed is then adjusted according to how clean or dirty the air is.
You’ll notice a louder purifier when you cook or someone lights a cigarette.
It will reduce fan speed if the air is clean for a time to reduce noise and conserve energy.
4. WhisperMax Technology
The Alen BreatheSmart, despite its size, is quite quiet.
WhisperMax Technology keeps noise levels low even at high fan speeds.
It is almost silent at the lowest speed.
5. Air Quality Indicator
You can tell how dirty your indoor air is by checking the light on the air purifier. It changes color depending on the air quality.
Red means dirty, yellow means medium-clean, and blue means clean.
Limitations & Issues
1. Pricey
The price is the main problem.
Alen BreatheSmart portable air purifier is the most expensive. But, it’s well worth the money.
This air purifier is more powerful than other models, has more features, and has a more stylish design.
2. Size
The size of this purifier is something you should be aware of. Also, unlike other portable models, you cannot place this portable purifier on a table or in a cabinet by the bedside.
However, we don’t believe this will make a difference for the rooms it is meant to be used.
Bottom Line
This is the best air purifier for families looking for a high-performance air purifier that can cover large rooms.
The Honeywell HPA300 offers a wide range of features and extensive coverage, making it our best value choice.
It works hard to keep pollutants and allergens out of large and medium rooms with a 5-hour air change rate.
Although the design isn’t the most appealing, it’s still very affordable. It’s worth it for the excellent air purification performance.
PROS
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for large and medium rooms
- 2-stage high-performance air purification
- There are 4-speed settings for fans
- Reminder for filter replacement
CONS
- Regular replacement is required for pre-filters
- No auto mode.
- It can be a bit noisy when you are in a turbo or high setting.
- Replacement filters can be expensive.
Best Features
1. 2-Stage Filtration
This purifier only has two stages of filtration. This is a disadvantage compared to air purifiers with at least three stages, including many cheaper models.
Although the HPA300 only has two stages, it contains one HEPA filter and three carbon pre-filters.
It purifies the air as well as other expensive models if any.
Carbon pre-filter traps larger particles such as dust and fur. It can also filter out unpleasant household odors.
HEPA filters trap smaller allergens such as smoke, pollen, and mold.
2. Ideal For Medium and Large Rooms
The HPA300 is suitable for rooms up to 465 square feet. This is suitable for large and medium-sized rooms.
The HPA300 is the ideal air purifier for large spaces such as a bedroom or open-plan living space.
3. Four Fan Levels
There are four fan speeds. The HPA300 has four fan speed settings. Like most air purifiersthat only offer low, medium, and high.
The levels are called:
Germ – The lowest and most quiet level
General Clean – The medium setting. Perfect for everyday use
Allergen – the second highest setting. It is a bit noisy, but it cleans the air quickly.
Turbo- the highest setting. It is loud and powerful, ideal for quickly cleaning up polluted air.
There is no auto mode, so you have to decide which level is best for your situation.
4. Timer and Dimmer
Air purifiers often neglect to include the ability to dim the indicator lights. The HPA300 features a dimmer switch to ensure you can sleep peacefully without interruptions.
You can also set the timer to run for 2, 4, or 8 hours.
Limitations & Issues
1. Pricey Replacement Filters
Customers most frequently complain about the cost of replacement filters. While you’ll save money on your air purifier, you spend more on the replacement filters.
The carbon pre-filter lasts only 3 months, which is even worse. This is just because the purifier does not have a washable prefilter like most other air purifiers.
2. No Auto Mode
Auto mode is another thing that’s missing. This would allow you to set the fan speed based on air quality.
A lack of an auto mode means that there is no air quality indicator.
3. Noisy on High
Customers also have concerns about the noise at high (allergen) or turbo settings. Thankfully, you only use these levels occasionally when allergen levels are exceptionally high.
Bottom Line
This is the best air purifier for families looking for an affordable, powerful HEPA purifier for a large or medium-sized room.
Air purifiers can be found with replacement filters for half the price of the original. You’ll spend more on filters after replacing 2-3 filters.
HEPA air purifiers have a relatively short life expectancy, which makes this even more difficult. In addition, the main HEPA filter needs replacement every 6 months or annually.
However, the Oransi Finn purifier lasts for up to 2 years without a new HEPA filter.
Finn is slightly more affordable to maintain than other air purifiers due to its longer filter life.
This is because long-lasting replacement filters are almost as expensive as the savings you get by using a shorter life filter.
PROS
- Long filter life.
- Include UV filter
- Additional filters are available.
- Powerful large room coverage.
- Works quietly.
CONS
- The indicator light does not turn off.
- You don’t need to replace it as often as you used to, but replacement filters are expensive.
- No auto mode.
Best Features
1. 2-stage Air Purification + UV & Ionizer
The Oransi air purifier has two primary filters.
Carbon prefilter: captures pet hair, dust, and other large allergens. Filters out light odors from the indoor air.
HEPA filter: captures smaller allergens of up to 0.3 microns.
A UV lamp integrated into the unit targets viruses and bacteria in your indoor environment.
This air purifier is also equipped with a negative-ion generator, which helps freshen the air and make it easier for filters to capture pollutants and allergens.
2. Large Room Coverage with 3 Fan Speed Settings
This air purifier is used in rooms up to 400 square feet.
You can choose from one of three speeds depending on the size of your room and the quality of your air.
The increasing fan speed increases the air purifier’s performance, allowing it to draw in more air and remove allergens quicker.
There is no auto mode. The air quality indicator is also absent. Both of these features depend on an air quality sensor that the Finn purifier does not have.
3. Quiet Operation
The first two fan speed settings are fairly quiet. You can easily watch a movie or fall asleep with the air purifier next to you.
Although the fan speed at the highest is slightly noisier, it’s a background hum most people can get used to within a few days.
With the fan speed at its highest setting, you can still watch a movie and sleep.
4. Long Filter Life
HEPA filters typically last for about one year. However, Oransi claims that the Finn HEPA filter can last for up to two years.
Many customers agree that this is a little exaggerated. If your indoor air quality is good, the filter lasts for more than one year.
The manufacturer suggests vacuuming your filters once a month to ensure the best possible life expectancy.
NOTE: The life expectancy of the pre-filter is only 4-6 months.
Limitations & Issues
1. Expensive Filters
This nearly cancels the cost advantages of long filter life. You cannot even buy individual filters. Oransi sells only a set with three pre-filters and one HEPA filter.2. Indicator Light Doesn’t Turn Off
The blue light at the top of the purifier remains on throughout the day. It’s annoying if you like a dark environment for sleeping.Bottom Line
An air purifier that is affordable and has a long life expectancy.
All of the air purifiers that we reviewed are suitable for people with allergies. They are great at removing allergens from the indoor air.
The AeraMax is an excellent option for keeping your room allergy-free. You can even set it up to be allergy-friendly.
We recommend the AeraMax 300 if you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma.
It is suitable for medium or large rooms up to 600 square feet.
PROS
- Powerful large room coverage.
- Three-stage high-performance air purification.
- A special Aera+ mode for allergy season.
- For efficient air quality control, use the Auto Mode
- Indicator of air quality
CONS
- The indicator lights can’t be dimmed or turned off.
- The annoying, high-pitched sound that the ionizer makes is a snoring one.
Best Features
1. Two Filters + ionizer
Fellowes, the manufacturer of the AeraMax 300, describes it as a 4-stage air purifier.
The purifier only has two filters, though. One is a carbon prefilter, which captures large particles and light smells, and one is a HEPA filter, which filters out allergens as small and as tiny as 0.3 microns.
The HEPA filter is then subject to antimicrobial treatment.
This treatment does not filter the air. Therefore, this treatment does not prevent the growth of bacteria or mold on the HEPA filter. If indoor air is contaminated, it will cause the HEPA filter to fail.
The fourth stage is the negative ion generator. The ionizer, unlike the antimicrobial treatment, does not filter air directly. The ionizer makes it easier for filters to remove pollutants from the air.
2. 4 Fan Speeds Plus Auto Mode
To adjust the purifier’s noise and performance, you can choose from four fan speeds. Turbo is the fastest setting, but it is quite loud.
You don’t need to change fan speed every time you turn the air purifier off.
Based on the cleanliness of your indoor air, it determines which fan speed setting is best. In addition, the integrated sensor detects the amount of pollution in the air.
3. Air Quality Indicator
The sensor allows you to see the indoor air quality using a color-coded light. The color red indicates dirty indoor air, and amber signifies it is getting cleaner. Blue signifies it is clean.
4. Aera+ Mode
Turn on the Aera+ mode during peak allergy season to increase the performance of your air purifier.
It will purify more air and keep the space allergen-free.
Limitations & Issues
1. Whining Sound
Customers are most unhappy with the fan’s whining sound, even at lower speeds.
It is very annoying, especially at night, to hear the high-pitched sound.
You can stop the noise, but this will mean that you have to give up your ionizer. Some users found that the noise only occurred when the ionizer was turned on.
Even with the ionizer turned off, the fan still sounds quite loud at speeds 3 and 4.
2. Distracting Lights
If you want a darkened bedroom, it is impossible to turn off the indicator lights.
You can drape a cloth around the unit to block airflow.
Bottom Line
This is the best air purifier for: Large or medium-sized homes with allergy sufferers.
The EnviroKlenz Air purifier Plus is the ideal air purifier if you are concerned about mold and VOCs such as formaldehyde or benzene in your home.
This device uses an earth minerals filter cartridge that reduces the gaseous chemicals in indoor air.
PROS
- Large room coverage.
- VOCs and mold allergens are reduced.
- No ozone.
- Reminder for filter replacement
CONS
- It’s expensive.
- Filter cartridges are expensive.
- Loud.
Best Features
1. 3.-Stage Filtration
The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus uses three filters to clean air: an Earth Mineral Cartridge, a HEPA filter, and a UV Lamp.
The earth mineral cartridge includes titanium oxide, magnesium dioxide, and zinc oxide. These natural materials help reduce VOCs such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from the air passing through them. They can also filter out odors and large particles such as dust and bacteria from the air.
The HEPA filter removes the allergens and pollutants that are more severe, such as pollen, pet dander, and pollen.
A UV lamp offers additional protection against airborne pathogens. The UV lamp cleans the inside of the purifier and keeps the filters clean.
2. Large Room Coverage
The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus has a lot of power. It can clean up to 1000 square feet with a maximum airflow of 250 CFM.
This is the air purifier you need for an open-plan living area, large basement, or large bedroom.
The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus is powerful, but it is also large and bulky. It is difficult to move around and takes up much space. It comes with casters.
It’s not the most beautiful air purifier, but it is still a good option.
3. Simple to Use Control Panel
The control panel is very simple and easy to use. The control panel has a dial that allows you to choose one of the fan speeds and a switch for the UV lamp. There are also indicators to remind when it is time to change the filters.
Limitations & Issues
1. Pricey
If you are shopping for a budget air purifier, the EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus is not it. It is on the pricier end of the scale.
Maintenance costs are higher than the average. The main cartridge needs replacement every six months. The cost of a new cartridge is about $100
2. Loud
The EnviroKlenz Air Purifier Plus is noisy due to its powerful motor. Therefore, you will need to crank up the volume on the TV and speak louder when the fan is at its highest setting.
People who prefer to sleep in silence find the lowest setting more peaceful, but it is not as quiet.
3. Limitations
We love the simplicity of the control panel, but we wish it had more essential features such as a timer, sleep mode, and auto mode.
The remote control for the EnviroKlenz Air Purifier PLUS is not included. However, this is a minor inconvenience.
Bottom Line
This is the best air purifier for anyone looking for an air purifier for large rooms that can remove mold, VOCs, microbes, and allergens.
What are Mold and Mildew?
Both mildew and mold are fungi. However, there is a big difference in how the two appear on surfaces. While mold is found in red, green, or black, mildew is usually white.
They also have different smells. Mold has a strong, musty scent, while mildew is more similar to rotting wood.
Mold and mildew thrive in high humidity (moisture) and warm conditions.
Mildew can also irritate your airways and worsen allergies symptoms. However, mildew is less damaging to your health.
Mildew can also cause less damage to surfaces and items. Mildew is not able to penetrate below the surface like mold. Mildew forms a thin layer on walls, furniture, and other surfaces, making it easy to remove.
On the other hand, mold can cause damage to whatever is growing, sometimes requiring total removal.
What Causes Mold in a Home?
Excess moisture is the key cause of mold in homes.
Others, such as warmth or the presence of food (e.g., The growth and occurrence of mold are also affected by other factors, such as warmth and the presence of a food source (e.g., wood). These are almost always found in homes, so moisture is crucial.
Many things can cause excess moisture or dampness, including:
- Leakage in your plumbing.
- Rainwater seeping into the home.
- Condensation occurs when you cook, shower, or dry clothes indoors.
- Your basement walls are porous, and water can seep through.
Mold thrives in damp and dark areas around your home.
Types Of Mold Found In Homes
There are three types of mold that can harm humans, as follows:
- Allergenic mold which causes or aggravates allergic reactions
- Pathogenic mold can cause various health problems.
- Toxigenic or toxic mold produces toxic substances that can be deadly or dangerous for humans. These are very rare.
There are about a dozen kinds of mold that are common in homes within these three categories. These include Trichoderma (black mold), Stachybotrys, and Acremonium, the most toxic types of mold.
Aer Industries, a leading water damage restoration equipment manufacturer, has created a list of 12 common mold types and potential dangers.
How to Identify Mold in Your Home
Mold thrives in moist areas, so make sure to inspect any places where moisture is possible. These areas include the bathroom, basement, and around connectors and plumbing connections.
You can also check these other places:
- The attic. Rainwater could seep into the attic.
- Check the floor and walls, especially in dark corners. You should also inspect under the mat or rug.
- The laundry room.
- Below the sink
- The crawlspace
- If you keep old food around, the pantry is a must.
- Under your mattress
- The window seal should be sealed.
- The ceiling
- Garage.
How Mold Exposure Can Affect Your Health
Your level of sensitivity and other conditions, such as asthma or weak immunity, will determine the health effects of mold on your health.
Even a tiny amount of mold spores in the atmosphere can cause severe allergic reactions in people with an existing mold allergy.
The effects of mold also depend on what kind of mold it is.
Some molds are harmless, while others can cause severe allergic reactions.
For example, Stachybotrys Chartarum.
This mold is also known as the toxic black mold. It can cause damage to internal organs, mental impairment, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and even death.
Mycotoxins can be caused by some types of mold.
Mold rarely causes severe reactions.
Many types of mold can cause symptoms similar to hay fever, such as wheezing, coughing, nose irritation, and throat inflammation.
Your eyes and skin may also feel itchy.
Children are more likely to develop asthma if they are exposed to certain types of indoor mold. In addition, both children and adults can suffer from more severe effects from long-term mold exposure, including memory loss, respiratory infections, headaches, and even permanent brain damage.
How to Get Rid Of Mold In Your Home
To get rid of mold, there are two things that you need to do.
- Eliminate the dampness that is causing mold growth.
- To prevent mold growth in other parts of your house, get rid of any mold or airborne mold spores.
Depending on the type of dampness problem, the first is the most difficult.
Repair any small leaks in your plumbing immediately. If there is too much condensation in the basement or garage, use a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels.
To prevent moisture from building up inside your home, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Opening a window or two every morning should also help reduce condensation.
Your mattress, upholstery, and bedding should be dry and clean. To prevent moisture buildup, air your mattress frequently.
You should also call a professional if you have other dampness issues. A leaky roof, water entering through the basement floor, and other dampness problems are examples.
An expert will help you to identify the root cause of the problem.
Now, onto the second part.
It is very easy to get rid of mold by physically removing it. Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour before wiping it with a damp cloth.
Note in cases of severe mold infestations, a professional might recommend that you remove and replace all affected furniture or drywall. This is because mold can have spread deeper than you see. Even if you treat one area, mold can quickly spread to other areas.
The airborne mold spores, which spread the mold throughout your home, are not easy to get rid of. Even a small amount of mold spores can cause mold growth.
You need to get rid of all airborne spores. The best way to do this is by using a HEPA air purifier.
HEPA filters are the only ones that can filter almost 100% of mold spores in the air, ensuring that new mold doesn’t grow.
How Do Air Purifiers Control Mold?
HEPA air purifiers remove air from the room and filter it through two to three filters. The air is safe to inhale because it contains almost no mold spores when it leaves the vents.
The purifiers can also reduce or remove a host of other airborne pollutants and allergens, including pollen, dust, and pet dander.
Pre-filters are filters that target large particles such as pollen and pet hair. The HEPA filter captures microbes and mold spores.
Air purifiers often include an active carbon filter that removes odors and volatile organic compounds from the air. It also reduces mold odors.
Other options include a UVC lamp, which uses ultraviolet light to kill germs and spores.
An air purifier also protects you from inhaling mold spores. It traps these airborne mold spores and prevents the growth of new mold.
An air purifier won’t solve a mold problem. First, however, a professional must inspect the area where mold is present and remove it. This applies to both visible mold and the mold that is hidden under the surface.
What Are The Key Features Of A Mold Air Purifier?
HEPA Filter
HEPA air purifiers are required for mold purifiers. Period.
HEPA filters can only trap tiny mold spores. Therefore, avoid falling for HEPA-type filters or HEPA-like filters. These filters are not HEPA certified and do not remove mold spores as well as genuine HEPA filters.
UV Lamp
The HEPA filter is a powerful tool that can do a lot on its own. It can trap almost all mold spores that are in the air through the purifier.
You can get extra protection by purchasing an air purifier that includes a UV lamp.
UV radiation kills bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
Number of Stages
Two stages are a good standard for a mold purifier.
These include the pre-filter (usually a carbon one) and the HEPA filter.
Three filters are available on some air purifiers: a washable pre-filter for large particles, a carbon filter to remove odors, and a HEPA filter to capture mold spores or other small allergens.
Air purifiers with high-end features often include additional stages, such as a UV lamp and a negative ion generator. They aren’t necessary, but they can improve air purification.
Coverage Area
A purifier that is not strong enough for the space it is being used in will not be effective. As a result, it won’t be able to altogether remove allergens or pollutants from the air.
A room-sized air purifier is not a good idea. This will not only waste energy but also make the room too hot and dry out the air.
Always check the manufacturer-specified coverage area before you buy an air purifier.
There are air purifiers available for small rooms (under 200 sq. ft), medium-sized rooms (200-400 sq. ft), large rooms (405-700 sq. ft), and extra-large rooms (707 to 700 square ft).
Filter Life and Replacement Reminder
The pre-filter needs to replace every 4-6 months, while the HEPA filter should be replaced once a year.
Some air purifiers have a HEPA filter that lasts up to 2 years.
The actual life expectancy of your filter will depend on the quality of your home’s indoor air. If there have been wildfires, for example, the filter may only last a few months.
It is crucial to purchase an air purifier that has a filter replacement indicator or alert. This indicator eliminates the guesswork of when to change your filter and ensures that your purifier performs at its best.
Auto Mode and Air Quality Indicator
All air purifiers have multiple fan speed settings, usually 3 or 4.
This allows you to choose the right setting for your situation. You can crank the fan up if you feel your nose or eyes are itchy and turn it down when you’re ready to go to bed to reduce noise.
An air purifier with an air quality sensor will save you the hassle of changing fan speeds when the air becomes dirty.
The sensor detects pollutants in the air and selects the optimal fan speed setting. You can just leave the air purifier on auto mode, and it will keep your indoor air clean 24/7.
Air purifiers equipped with this sensor have an additional bonus: they also include an air quality indicator. This is a small light that changes in color to show how clean or dirty your air is.
You will learn over time which pollutants your indoor air most. This can help you maintain a cleaner indoor environment.
Additional Benefits You’ll Get
Mold air purifiers do more than removing mold spores.
It can also trap other allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander and reduce odors from pets, cooking, and smoking.
Even after mold has been removed, the air purifier will still be beneficial to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air purifiers help with mold?
They do. HEPA air purifiers trap mold spores in the air and prevent them from growing into the mold.
Does ionizer kill mold?
They don’t. The negative ions from an ionizer stick with mold spores or other allergens, which causes them to fall to the ground and stick on walls.
But the mold spores are still around and can cause mold growth.
Contrary to HEPA filters, which trap mold spores inside the filter, they can’t attach to surfaces or grow into mold.
What is the best air purifier on the market?
It all depends on what you need. We recommend the SilverOnyx Air purifier with True HEPA and Carbon Filter, as well as UV Light, Ionizer, as our top choice.
Check out our reviews to see our top picks, including small and large homes and homes for allergy sufferers.
How can you eliminate mold spores from the air?
A HEPA air purifier is the best choice. It will trap mold spores in your air and keep them from growing in your home.
Are all HEPA air purifiers capable of eliminating mold?
Yes, they do. As long as an air purifier has a HEPA filter, it’ll effectively trap mold spores floating in the air.
How can you tell if mold spores are in the air?
Mold spores can cause symptoms similar to allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and coughing.
If you’ve eliminated other potential sources of allergens (e.g., you don’t have a pet, and you experience these symptoms even when the windows and doors are closed), then it’s likely there are mold spores in the air.
If you see or smell mold, you can also be pretty sure mold spores are floating about in the air.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
